A rainy night was brightened as Morgan Hill’s Downtown Comedy
Club started its season with a roar of laughter.
Morgan Hill – A rainy night was brightened as Morgan Hill’s Downtown Comedy Club started its season with a roar of laughter.
Three comedians plus host Wesley Hoffman kept the show moving along and the laughs bubbling over in front of about 75 people at the Community Playhouse Thursday.
“You no longer have to go to San Francisco to see quality comedians,” said sponsor Jana Castelan, the owner of Poppy’s Fish, Poultry & More … “Yes, Virginia, there really is comedy in Morgan Hill. It’s great to see headliners in the South County .… don’t miss out. Everyone can use a good laugh.”
Castelan and husband Mike are among six business sponsors supporting the shows to bring comedy to town and promote the downtown.
Local comedian Hoffman, who acted as host and emcee, threw out some jokes of his own in between comedians Krysti Vares, Tina G. and Jeff Applebaum.
“It was an enjoyable evening,” said Morgan Hill resident Cindy Mode. “I’d certainly come again.”
The comedians were equally appreciative of the nearly sold out venue.
“This is a great town, a really great audience,” Tina G. said. “People came to be entertained; they were so supportive. I know a lot of other comedians would like to come to Morgan Hill. Hopefully, the Downtown Comedy Club will continue to be successful.”
This was the second time around in Morgan Hill for Tina G., she said. She has performed at the San Jose Improv and other comedy hotspots around the Bay Area. One of her favorite places to perform is in Napa, where several wineries have hosted comedy shows.
“The Morgan Hill audiences have been just wonderful,” she added. “I’d love to comeback and do it again.”
Headliner Applebaum was a familiar face to many in the audience. He has a role in “The Pursuit of Happyness,” starring Will Smith, which opened in theaters in December. He also plays Joey Bishop in the theatrical production of “The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey & Dean.” He has appeared in comedy clubs throughout California, in Chicago, Florida and Las Vegas.
“The audience was warm, appreciative, and paying attention to the show,” Applebaum said. “A good audience that is willing to ‘come along on the journey’ will always be great for comics. A monthly event like that is a nice way for local residents to plan a special night out, or businesses have an inexpensive team building activity while helping to sponsor the arts and get exposure.”
The theater itself is a great place for that kind of a show, the comics agreed.
“The venue is laid out so nicely, with theater seating and the ability to see and interact with the first several rows,” said Applebaum. ” I look forward to coming back there.”
Visit Applebaum on his Web site at http://www.jeffapplebaum.
Hoffman said he hopes to bring in more well-known comics for future shows, as well as up-and-coming Bay Area comedians.
More shows are scheduled for March 29, April 26, May 31, June 28 and July 26.
Besides the six sponsors – BookSmart, Poppy’s Fish, Poultry & More … , Trail Dust Barbeque, Vanity Salon, Filice and Sicilia in Bocca Ristorante Italiano – all of the shows will feature a “Happy Hour” with drinks and snacks from Rosy’s at the Beach. Happy Hour begins at 6:30pm, shows start at 7:30pm and end by 9:30pm.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door; to purchase in advance, contact the Community & Cultural Center at 782-0008.
