Alex Cureau Opens for Matt Rife at Lil Rhody Laugh Riot
Exciting opener warmed up the Providence crowd at Comedy Connection ahead of the headliner
Poulami is an associate editor. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.
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Opening Act Sets The Tone
On March 30, 2025, rising stand-up comedian Alex Cureau stepped onto the Comedy Connection stage in Providence, Rhode Island, to warm up the audience for Matt Rife’s headlining set at the Lil Rhody Laugh Riot festival. Cureau’s high-energy delivery and tight crowd work got the room buzzing within seconds, setting a lively atmosphere for one of New England’s fastest-growing comedy events.
Cureau shared a snapshot from the show on Instagram, showing him mid-routine under warm spotlights, microphone in hand and an engaged audience in the background. His caption read: “@alexcureau opening up the crowd for @mattrife during @lilrhodylaughriot at the @comedyconnection. What a great show! 3/30/25.” Fans responded with comments about his sharp timing and off-the-cuff observations.
Festival Highlight: Lil Rhody Laugh Riot
Lil Rhody Laugh Riot, now in its third year, brings national headliners and up-and-coming talent to Providence. Produced by the Comedy Connection, the three-day festival features open-mic showcases, late-night workshops, and signature performances by marquee names. Past lineups have included comics from MTV’s Wild ’N Out, Netflix specials, and viral TikTok personalities.
This year’s headliner, Matt Rife, is best known for his viral social media clips and Netflix special “Natural Selection.” Rife’s solo tour has sold out venues across the country, and his Providence appearance drew a near-capacity crowd. Cureau’s role as opener gave him prime exposure to Rife’s fanbase.
Meet Alex Cureau
Originally from Boston, Alex Cureau built his following through local comedy clubs and the Storyville Podcast, which he co-hosts. The show dives into interviews with writers, comedians, and filmmakers, blending humor with behind-the-scenes storytelling. Cureau’s on-stage persona—quick, self-effacing, and interactive—has earned him spots at clubs in New York, Chicago, and Vancouver.
Back in December 2024, Cureau shared a series of photos from a mini-tour stop in Vancouver, joking “Went back to Vancouver. But not really.” His ability to riff on his own travel misadventures showcases the improvisational chops that impressed the Providence audience.
Audience Reactions And Aftermath
After closing his set, Cureau posted another Instagram story: “What a weekend with @lilrhodylaughriot and thanks for letting me be a part of it. Can’t wait till next year!” Comments poured in praising his rapport with the crowd and seamless transition into Rife’s main act.
Providence native Sarah Mitchell wrote, “Alex had everyone in stitches. Perfect warm-up for Matt and a highlight of the festival!” Local comedy blogger Mark Reynolds added, “His set was polished yet spontaneous—exactly what you want from an opener. He’s one to watch.”
Looking Ahead: Tour Dates And New Projects
Fresh off Lil Rhody Laugh Riot, Cureau is set to join a regional college tour in April, hitting campuses in Massachusetts and Connecticut. He’s also developing a solo podcast sketch series slated for release later this year.
Meanwhile, Rife continues his North American tour through May, with stops in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Toronto. Social media buzz suggests fans are sharing clips of both comics: Cureau’s pre-show banter and Rife’s rapid-fire punchlines.
As festivals like Lil Rhody Laugh Riot expand, opportunities for openers like Alex Cureau grow, offering vital exposure and new audiences. For Cureau, March 30 marked a career milestone—warming up a packed house before one of comedy’s brightest stars and gaining acclaim from critics and fans alike.
Whether on podcast platforms or live stages, Alex Cureau is steadily carving out his place in the comedy world. And if audience reactions in Providence are any indication, this opening act is only the beginning.
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