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Make â€˜Em Laugh- Stand Up Comedy at Art House Productions, Jersey City

admin — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 03:29:26 +0000

by Sally Deering

Itâ€s April and maybe you could use a few good laughs to cheer up those IRS blues. Then why not head over to Art House Productions in Jersey City on Sat, April 27 for a night of stand-up comedy featuring Mike Britt. Host Rich Kiamco, who runs the comedy nights at Art House Productions, promises it will be an evening of topical comedy not â€œPhotoshop commentaryâ€.

â€œThe show is great,â€ Kiamco says. â€œThis is almost our third year at Art House. The show has a following; itâ€s a good time. Thereâ€s always a headliner from â€˜The Tonight Showâ€ or Comedy Central.â€

Living in Hudson offers plenty of resources to inspire laughs, Kiamco says, especially when the comedy is based on natural disasters.

â€œWe had two disaster shows, one right after Hurricane Sandy and one after the blizzard,â€ Kiamco says, â€œThe place was packed.â€
Kiamcoâ€s comedy career began with a sewing machine at the Fashion Institute Of Technology and according to his website www.richkiamco.com: â€œRich did his first stand-up routine at the dorm talent contest and was hooked. Later that year later he became the costume designer for comedian Judy Tenuta. His one-man show UNACCESSORIZED, an autobiographic romp about a queer Filipino overachiever, received the Overall Excellence Award in Solo Performance at the New York International Fringe Festival and Best Solo Performance at the Montreal GLBT International Theatre Festival.â€
Kiamco says the hot topics these days are the same hot topics comics have been addressing for years: politics â€“ the president, of course; marriage equality; womenâ€s rights.
â€œI canâ€t believe weâ€re still talking about womenâ€s rights,â€ Kiamco says. â€œStand up is like a truth serum of where our culture is at. You can make a joke about the best or the worst of our culture. When you call out that something misogynistic, people respond because we know whatâ€s happening in our culture.â€

And even though we turn to the Internet more and more to get our daily laughs, Kiamco says thereâ€s no replacement for live performance.

Itâ€s happening live in front of you,â€ Kiamco says. â€œThe person in the crowd will say something and the comic will go after that. It will never be on â€˜The Tonight Showâ€ â€“ you canâ€t do crowd interactions on TV, but with a live audience anything goes.â€

If you go:
Sat, April 27 at 8 pm
The Laugh Tour; Stand Up Comedy
Art House Productions
1 McWilliams Place
Hamilton Square
Jersey City
Tickets $15 online; $20 at the door
www.thelaughtour.com
(201) 915-9911

The post Make â€˜Em Laugh- Stand Up Comedy at Art House Productions, Jersey City first appeared on River View Observer.

GILBERT GOTTFRIED QUACKS UP!

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 03:41:53 +0000

One month after AFLAC Snafu Gilbert Gottfried Makes’em Laugh at Michael Anthonys’ in Jersey City

By Sally Deering

Â His voice is like a soft breeze blowing through a beer can; a bunch of bears munching potato chips around a campfire; a sock of nickels whacked against aluminum siding.

Â There’s no mistaking Gilbert Gottfried, a comedian who’s been entertaining people with his off-the-wall comedy since the 1970s and who recently made headlines when Aflac fired him as the voice of the duck after he tweeted post-Tsunami jokes on Twitter.Â The company disowned Gottfried because they found his jokes inappropriate, but Gottfried’s stand-up pals and fans defend Gottfried’s wild card humor because they know that’s his style. Even Gottfried admits he “was born without a censor.”

Japan won’t give back the duck, but the audience, who took in Gottfried’s show at Michael Anthony’s restaurant on the Jersey City waterfront, last Thursday, howled at his jokes and ate up his act like a platter of sushi.

Gottfried headlined the “Catch a Rising Star” comedy show at the beautiful Michael Anthony’s restaurant which was produced by lifelong Jersey City resident Suzy Yengo, who is the President of Catch a Rising Star Comedy Clubs and Productions with partner Craig Neier. They run three “Catch” clubs in Reno, Nevada, Providence, Rhode Island and Princeton, New Jersey and tour comedy showsÂ in clubs and restaurants like Michael Anthony’s, which Yengo says, will be a regular stop in months to come.Â With Gottfried already in place to perform in Jersey City, Yengo says when she learned of the Tsunami controversy, she thought it would be great for the show.

“To me, there’s nothing more important than not censoring comedy in this day and age,” Yengo says. “I feel very strongly on the First Amendment and what people can find funny and I applaud the way he’s addressed the First Amendment. Gilbert said something about his girlfriend floating away. It was silly.”

The audience at Michael Anthony’s didn’t seem to care about Gottfried’s “foot-in-mouth” issue. Close to 200 people filled the back dining room to see the outrageous comedian perform.

Â “We packed the room,” Yengo says. “A lot of people came out to see him.”

Â Opening for Gottfried was John “Nutsy” Fagan, a lifelong Jersey City resident and professional stand-up comic who cracked wise about growing up on Duncan Avenue in a “dysfunctional neighborhood” and the diverse cultures getting along in a crowded urban area. He reminisced about his drinking years at DJ’s a popular club down the shore where patrons were served five beers for a buck.Â Following Fagan to the microphone was Esther Ku, a comedienne who claimed to be Gottfried’s girlfriend in Japan and accompanied herself on the ukulele, singing a very “blue” song that tore the place apart. But there was no doubt the audience was there to see Gottfried.

Â Graying at the temples and with a face that’s as pliable as Silly Putty, Gottfried still comes across like the funny kid in sixth grade who cracked up the class when the teacher’s back was turned.Â His 40-year career is a roadmap of gigs that started with stand-up in New York in 1970 and took him from stand-up to TV, to film and then voice-acting. Audiences know Gottfried from his one-year stint on “Saturday Night Live” back I 1980 and subsequent guest appearances on Howard Stern, the Tonight Show and Comedy Central’s “Roasts.” His film roles include “Beverly Hills Cop 2” “Look Who’s Talking Too” and “Problem Child.” A master of animated voices, Gottfried voiced Iago in Disney’s “Aladdin,” and Digit in the children’s PBS show “Cyberchase.” He was Mr. Mxyzptlk in “Superman: The Animated Series,” and voiced Dr. Bender and his son Wendell on “The Fairly Odd Parents.” For “Clerks:Â The Animated Series,” Gottfried impersonated the voices of Jerry Seinfeld and Patrick Swayze.

Â When he took to the stage, Gottfried went straight to the Aflac controversy that, Yengo says, has since helped spike his career.Â

Â “What’s new in current events?” Gottfried began and already the audience knew where he was heading. “I can’t believe I lose a few thousand dollars worth of work and here I am in Jersey City! This is the job I was begging to lose. I don’t want to be here anymore than you do. Let me barrel through this so we can get the hell out.”

Â The audience laughed right along with Gottfried. After all, when you’re from New Jersey you develop a strong stomach when it comes to Jersey jokes. How else could we watch “Jersey Shore” without gagging!

Â “According to the news, I’m the most hated person in Japan,” Gottfried continued. “Maybe they should get their priorities straight. They’re infecting people with radiation. At this point, Godzilla really could come back. At this point, Godzilla and Rodan look like a documentary.”

Â He joked about the “Planet of the Apes” films, the first man on the moon and Michelangelo’s painting of The Last Supper. “Why didn’t anybody sit on the other side of the table?” At one point, he took three pieces of masking tape, affixed them to his face in different places and performed Brando and Groucho impressions that showed off Gottfried’s voice talents and acting chops.

Â After the performance, Gottfried took some time to reflect on the Aflac controversy, his career and his new book, “Rubber Balls and Liquor” due out in bookstores on April 26^th. (For more information on Gottfried’s upcoming appearances, go to www.GilbertGottfried.com.) The book is a mix of essays and autobiography. “There’s an old saying,” Gottfried says, “The best thing about nostalgia is that it’s over.”

Â Born in 1955, Gottfried grew up in Brooklyn’s Coney Island. You’d think he was the class clown, but Gottfried says he doesn’t remember being a funny kid. “I think the kids who were the class clowns wound up to be the funny shipping clerks,” Gottfried says.

Â Gottfried was surprised by the Aflac controversy and even though he publicly apologized and removed the Tweets from his Twitter account, he still defends himself as a comedian and puts blame on the news media for blowing things out of proportion and, in the news, referring to his jokes as comments.

“When they reported on the jokes, most of the times they didn’t refer to them as jokes, they were called comments and remarks,” Gottfried says. “When you say joke, people say who cares? Okay, it was a bad taste joke. You can laugh or groan; it’s a joke. To turn it into a comment or remark all of a sudden it’s got a different meaning.”

When the Aflac controversy hit the airwaves in March, Gottfried says, he received two thousand more followers on his Twitter account and he cites other celebrities whose careers picked up after media faux pas like Alec Baldwin, whose phone call to his daughter became broadcast news. That was another case of the media exploiting celebrities for better ratings, Gottfried says, and raises questions about the media’s invasion of privacy.

“Number one, should they have been playing a private phone call,” Gottfried says. “The media never questioned themselves. They never said, ‘Hey this is someone taped against their will, should we be playing it?’ If you took Alec Baldwin’s name out of it, you’re left with some guy pissed off at his daughter’s attitude.

“It’s one of those things where the people who are outraged, most of them are the media pretending to be outraged,” Gottfried continues. “They were so heartbroken and upset about it until Chris Brown had a temper tantrum backstage at ‘Good Morning America.’ I also think people who don’t understand the point of telling jokes around tragedies or disasters will never understand it. People who do understand, need no explanation.”

Gottfried doesn’t seem too ruffled by the loss of the Aflac account. He’s got upcoming gigs scheduled and his new book and who knows, maybe a film director will discover he’s got real acting chops and will cast him in the role of his life. Until then, he’ll continue doing what he does best – make people laugh – and he’ll do it his way.

“To quote the great George Carlin, Gottfried says: “It’s the duty of a comedian to find where the line is drawn and step over it.”

Â For more information on future “Catch a Rising Star” shows,

visit their website at www.catcharisingstar.com

The post GILBERT GOTTFRIED QUACKS UP! first appeared on River View Observer.

Hudson County’s Artie Lange Stabs Self According to Hoboken Police Department

admin — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 05:33:00 +0000

Artie LangeÂ makes us laugh every day on the Howard Sterns’ Sirus RadioÂ show with his on air antics, but it seems some sad, and obviously emotional off air antics has the talened comedian and actor seriously trying to hurt himself.

Hoboken policeÂ have confirmed that Lange apparently stabbed himself nine timesÂ last Saturday morningÂ leaving knife wounds to his stomach at his luxury condo in Hoboken, New Jersey. A reason has not been given for Mr. Lange stabbing himself, but according to neighbors; Lange, has had some problems that has resulted in some stays at Rehab clinics.

Mr. Lange has also spoken about many of hisÂ demons in his best selling book “Too Fat to Fish” which was released in November of last year. In Chapter 8, called “Pig in Shit” -Mr. Lange states in detail his experiences with drugs for many years and how it all began.

Bleeding, unconscious but alive; Lange, was found by his own mother who called 911Â last Saturday morning,Â when Â paramedicsÂ did arrive theyÂ found the comedianÂ / actor star ofÂ the hijinx movieÂ “Beer League”Â conscious and rushed him to Jersey City’s Medical Center.

HobokenÂ resident Nara Desmond who said Â she often sees Lange in Hoboken said “I think he is very funny, and yet I see that connection with other comedians like John Belushi, and Chris Farley, andÂ I hope that Artie Lange doesn’t wind up the same way as they did. It would be another terrible loss of talent.”

Hudson County has been Lange’s home for some time, and many of his neighbors have a tremendous amount of love and respect for Howard Stern’s morning sidekick andÂ wishÂ him well.

WeÂ too wish him well.

photo source wikipedia

The post Hudson County’s Artie Lange Stabs Self According to Hoboken Police Department first appeared on River View Observer.

The New Jersey Comedy Festival Brings Student Comedians to The Stress Factory Comedy Club

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:44:18 +0000

Â The third annual New Jersey Comedy Festival (NJCF) and The Stress Factory Comedy Club in New Brunswick have teamed up to invite New Jersey college students to perform at one of the Garden State’s most well known comedy clubs on Wednesday, December 9 at 8 p.m.Â

The New Jersey Comedy Festival, which has been holding preliminary events at college campuses through the state this fall, encourages the state’s most comical college students to compete for the title of the “New Jersey King or Queen of Campus Comedy.” This year, the NJCF will visit nine college campuses on its search, with the Stress Factory added as an additional venue for all students who missed their school’s event or whose school is not a host campus.

“Our partnership with Vinnie Brand and the Stress Factory Comedy Club allows us to invite each and every New Jersey college student who dreams of becoming a comedian, to perform on a stage that has been graced by some of the biggest and best names in comedy, something we’d otherwise be unable to do,” said Dennis Hedlund, founder and executive producer of the NJCF.

The comedians are judged based upon originality, stage presence, material and audience reaction. As with each of the campus preliminary events, three students from the Stress Factory event will be chosen to compete at the Championship Finals on Saturday, January 30, 2010 in the Rutgers Student Center on Rutgers University’s College Avenue Campus in New Brunswick. In addition to being crowned the “New Jersey King or Queen of Campus Comedy,” the winner will receive the Good Humor Award, a scholarship from the Manhattan Comedy School, the opportunity to perform at The Stress Factory Comedy Club in New Brunswick and a $1,000 cash prize.

According to Vinnie Brand, owner of the Stress Factory Comedy Club, “New Jersey has an amazing number of talented young comedians and the Stress Factory has a history of shining a light on the newest up-and-coming comics. We look forward to working with NJCF and helping young comics to showcase their talents.”

Â The public is invited to attend the NJCF performance at the Stress Factory Comedy Club, located at 90 Church Street in New Brunswick, for an admission fee of $6.Â For a complete schedule or event registration visit www.newjerseycomedyfestival.com <http://www.newjerseycomedyfestival.com/>.

The post The New Jersey Comedy Festival Brings Student Comedians to The Stress Factory Comedy Club first appeared on River View Observer.

Mike Marino Performing May 16th Union County Art Center, Rahway, NJ

admin — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:56:16 +0000

Comedian Mike Marino – Back in Jersey City to Shoot TV Pilot – ” Marino’s”

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 04:10:30 +0000

Jersey City’s Mike Marino Back in Town

By Evelyn BonillaÂ

Mike Marino, as a comedian, actor, and writer has learned his craft well. Born in Jersey City, and raised in the Marion section; Marino, entered the world of theatre at an early age, and is a graduate of the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Marino has appeared in over 200 national television commercials, and has received a Best Actor Clio Award Nomination. He has acted in many Prime Time soaps and television shows including: As the World Turns, One Life to Live, Becker, Nikki, Frasier and Party of Five. His film credits include Crooks, Steven Kingâ€s Lucky Quarter, VolarÃ©, Walking on the Sky, Three Tables and Hanginâ€ in Hedo.After great success in film, theatre, commercials and soaps, Mike began touring the nation performing at countless comedy clubs. His stand-up material ranges from cutting edge to his Italian family roots. His comedic style has landed him guest spots on many shows including: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

where he was made a regular sketch player. Mike has hosted some of the most prestigious award shows including: The Beverly Hills Film Festival, the Montreal Film Festival and the Feast of San Gennaro – Los Angeles. He has also headlined several USO Comedy Tours and The Just For Laugh Comedy Festival in Montreal, Canada.His comedic material is unique, and his delivery is direct, and hilarious! Fans across the country are in awe at this former Jersey City boy’s ability to keep them laughing off their seats. Thatâ€s why His smash comedy DVD, “Mike Marino, New Jersey’s Bad Boy of Comedy” is one of the hottest comedic DVD’s on the market and that keeps this very talented performer on the road all the time.

Although Marino calls the West coast his home, the East coast just can’t get enough of him where he performs at many venues throughout the year.

But after this month; Marino, might be spending a lot more time right back here in Hudson County. If only in character for a new sitcom called â€œMarinoâ€sâ€

March 23rd – 27th Mike Marino will be in Hudson County shooting a Pilot for â€œMarinoâ€sâ€ which is the creation of comedic sitcom writer, Sarit Catz (Full House, Coach) we hear â€œMarinoâ€sâ€ is original as it is hilarious! Based on an Italian American family who owns a traditional deli in Hoboken, NJ and resides above the deli, Sarit Catz wants the pilot to explore the ins and outs of a real Italian family and their New Jersey roots.

Catz explains, “This sitcom was developed and created around Mike Marino.” On our first meeting, I noticed his unique character voice and I instantly saw the show.” “Marino has great persona and an instinct point of view.”

The Pilot will feature some very talented actors. Among the cast will be Mike Marino, as the owner of the deli. Concetta Tomei will play Mike’s mother, Joe Grifasi (Uncle Leo), Carolyn Morrison (Mike’s sitcom sister “Val”), Kevin Kash (an Irish ex-husband to Val and Mike’s best friend in the sitcom). The children will be played by young actors Bridget Megan Clark (Angie-teenage daughter) and Carmen LoPorto (Angie’s little brother Tommy.) Now added to that will be fashion boutique owner Wendell played by actor (Carman Lacivita), who happens to have a business right next door to the deli and lovable guy “Sammy the Ham” (who works at the deli), played by actor David Brown.

The Pilot which is set in Hoboken, NJ will actually be filmed in Jersey City, NJ in the well-known eatery, “Matarazzo’s Deli. This will serve as the actual sitcoms backdrop.

With an excellent writer and an amazing cast â€œMarinoâ€sâ€ the Pilot has a great chance of being picked up and elevated to sitcom status. This would have Marino following in the footsteps of some very funny and talented comedians like; Jerry Seinfeld, Ray Romano, George Lopez, The late Bernie Mac and others.

If you havenâ€t seenÂ one of Mike Marinoâ€s shows; on May 16, 2009 Marino will be performing at the Rahway Theater, in Rahway, NJ.
Bob Gonzo, Marino’s agent explains, “Mike will be appearing at the Rahway Theater and across the country this year.” “Look to his website for dates and times of his upcoming performances.”Â Jersey Cityâ€s Mike Marino is definitely taking the country by storm, not only does he have a new sitcom in the works and a country wide comedic tour, he also was recently inducted into “New Jersey Comedy Hall of Fame for 2008. The Comedy Hall of Fame features some of New Jersey’s most talent comedians such as Jerry Lewis and Joe Piscopo just to name a few.

Talented, versatile and definitely hilarious, Mike Marino is without a doubt, one of New Jersey’s “hottest” comic’s working the country right now!
Â
To view comedian Mike Marinoâ€ upcoming scheduled visit his website at www.mikemarino.net.Also view Marino induction into the New Jersey Comedy Hall of Fame at www.newjerseycomedyhalloffame.com

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