Back at it, again
Sadly enough, it’s that time of the year again — time for the 28th Last Annual Comedy Revue. This year the group has moved the two-day comedy event to the basement of the United Presbyterian Church, which leaves some hope for those about to take the stage.By: Ben Rodgers, The Jamestown Sun
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Sadly enough, it’s that time of the year again — time for the 28th Last Annual Comedy Revue.
This year the group has moved the two-day comedy event to the basement of the United Presbyterian Church, which leaves some hope for those about to take the stage.
“We’re in the basement so there’s nowhere to go but up,” said Joel Lees.
The show promises to be … well … the group said something close to resembling laughter.
“If you’re feeling down, comedy makes you feel better — you’ll leave feeling sick,” said Nick Scherbenske.
Nine of Jamestown’s “best” wisecrackers are coming together for this show, and to make it worth the audience’s while, there’s the promise of quality music this year.
Fresh off her run on “American Idol,” Jamestown’s own Alexis Barnick will give the two shows some of her musical talent.
As to how show organizer and founder Bruce Berg ever got such a talent on stage with this troupe?
“Have you ever seen me beg?” Berg cracked.
In all seriousness, all the money raised at the show will benefit the Arts Center, which Barnick said was her reason for contributing.
While Berg said Barnick at 18 is the youngest to ever perform at a Last Annual Comedy Revue, the oldest will be there as well in Jim Carlascio.
As to how one of Jamestown’s most recognizable residents got roped into comedy — he has no idea.
“I have no idea, I was subpoenaed,” Carlascio said. “I got the papers from a peer, I mean a shyster, I mean a lawyer.”
Also new to the stage is Travis Voeltz, who will give standup comedy a try — and “budding country-western star” Lanna Slaby.
“My standup is kind of like a good pizza — there’s going to be some ham and a lot of cheese,” Voeltz said.
After seeing the group together Slaby, who will appear with comedy review veteran David McDowell, is now unsure.
“I was doing it for a good cause, that’s why I committed,” she said. “Now I’m not so sure.”
Rehearsals are only optional for this group of comedy wannabes, and Berg said it won’t be hard to tell who didn’t practice.
Shelly Andersen has tickled funny bones with both the 2nd ACT Community Theater and the Last Comedy Review Troupe.
“There’s a lot of people that are into torture in this town,” Andersen said of the comedy revue.
Because he said the show can get so bad, Berg encourages people to have their cellphones on, except when Barnick is on stage.
Andersen also chimed in that there are no refunds, even if people walk out — which will likely happen.
Ritchie Wolf is also in the show and will perform with Scherbenske, Lees and Carlascio.
While the comedy can change year in and year out — there is one thing that has stayed consistent for 28 years.
“It’s comedy that often falls flat, but whatever it is and I don’t know how to define it, but it’s a marvelous audience,” Berg said
The 28th Annual Last Comedy Revue is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday march 30, and Sunday, April 1, in the basement at the United Presbyterian Church. Tickets are only available at the door and are $8 for adults and $3 for students.
As to why the decision to take Saturday off?
“Tomato juice is hard to get out,” Andersen said.
Sun reporter Ben Rodgers can be reached at 701-952-8455 or by email at brodgers@jamestownsun.com
Tags: diversions, entertainment
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