Whether you love it or hate it, you've got to admit that the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy practically invites parodies—and there are plenty to choose from. Playing at the Wilbur on Sun. Feb. 23, Spank! Harder is the sequel to 2013's musical satire Spank! We chatted with Michelle Miracle (yes, that's her real name), who plays the author, "E.B. Janet."

How does comedian Mike Birbiglia know his career is in a good place? Because his audiences actually recognize him. “These days people come out to see me on purpose,” he says, laughing. “I feel like I’ve weeded out the people who aren’t into it and now it’s just people who are excited to be there. It’s a lot more like performing for your friends than it was when I started.”

You may know Jim Gaffigan for his “Hot Pockets” routine, bit parts on TV shows such as “Portlandia” and “Flight of the Conchords,” or Dad Is Fat, his book about raising five kids...