“If standup be the food of love, play on.” “’Tis better to have laughed and lost, than never to have laughed at all.” “Slapstick makes the heart grow fonder.” Well, maybe poets haven’t been very eloquent about the connections between humor and romance, but ask anyone what they look for in a potential significant other and see if they don’t put “sense of humor” near the top of their list. Which means that if you heed the advice of the promo material for the Laugh Lovers Ball (perfect Valentine’s Day date activity, etc.) and bring your sweetheart, beware: one of you might spend the evening doubled over while the other sits silent and glaring with arms folded. And that’d pretty much be game over, wouldn’t it? So if you two decide to go see David Crowe, Greg Hahn, host Caroline Rhea, and the rest of the comedians in this showcase, do so at your own risk. You might suddenly realize you have less in common than you thought. Paramount Theater, 911 Pine St., www.theparamount.com. $30-$50. 8 p.m. GAVIN BORCHERT

Thu., Feb. 14, 8 p.m., 2008