New Bedford Actor Alex Pires Bringing Comedy Home to the City That Raised Him

When New Bedford native Alex Joseph Pires stopped by the Fun 107 studio recently, it didn’t take long to realize he hasn’t slowed down one bit since appearing in Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die. In fact, the actor, comedian and producer is busier than ever – and now, he’s channeling that momentum back into the SouthCoast.

Pires has spent more than a decade working in entertainment hubs like New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta, stacking credits that include Netflix’s The Punisher, national commercials for GEICO and Capital One, and multiple film projects. Still, he said the goal has always been simple: entertain people and make them laugh.

That passion is what’s driving Escape the Box Comedy Night, coming Thursday, March 5, to Lighthouse Tavern on Brock Avenue in New Bedford.

A Comedy Showcase With Local Roots

Pires will host and produce the show, bringing together comedians from across New England while keeping the spotlight close to home. The lineup includes Boston veteran Casey McNeal as headliner, Fall River rising comic Sonya Priest as feature, and New Bedford-based opener Jay Bee.

READ MORE: New Bedford's Alex Pires Lands a Role in Bad Boys 4

“It’s not 'The Alex Show,'” Pires said. “This is about showing people you don’t have to drive to Boston or Providence for top-tier comedy. We’ve got serious talent right here.”

More Projects on the Horizon

Beyond the comedy stage, Pires is developing a feature film planned to shoot partly in New Bedford and Cape Verde, plus expanding his comedy web series P’s in a Pod into a larger production highlighting regional diversity and culture.

For now, though, he’s focused on March 5. Doors open at 7 p.m., the show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets $20, promising a fun, affordable night out filled with laughs and local pride.