After decades in the spotlights of small comedy clubs across the country, this may be Eddie Pepitone’s actual moment in the spotlight. “The Bitter Buddha,” a documentary about his “middle-age career surge” after a variety of struggles – alcoholism and self-doubt are on the checklist – shows at The Regent Theatre in Arlington on Tuesday, with Pepitone and director Steven Feinartz along to present it. (Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door of the 7 Medford St., Arlington, theater.)

Even better, The Bitter Buddha himself has a set scheduled Monday at ImprovBoston in Central Square.

“We are honored to welcome Eddie Pepitone, a veteran writer and performer who has inspired a generation of working comics,” said Zach Ward, managing director of the comedy theater.

Never heard of Pepitone – despite appearances on television shows such as “Community” and movies including “The Muppets” and “Old School”? That’s the problem the documentary intends to correct. Pepitone, 54, has largely been a comedian appreciated by other comedians, many of whom appear in Feinartz’ film.

It finds Pepitone in an optimistic mode. As he says at the start: “The only things stopping me today are genetics, lack of will, income, brain chemistry and external events.”

Pepitone takes the stage at 9 p.m. at ImprovBoston, 40 Prospect St., Central Square. Tickets are $15.

The photo leading to this story from the Cambridge Day homepage come courtesy of C.M. Gonzalez.