Last Comic Standing

Jan. 25, 2009

Last Comic Standing
Rick Coates 1/26/09

During the Great Depression the entertainment industry flourished as a struggling America sought out opportunities to forget about its troubles. Movie theaters and entertainment stages with comical productions were great ways to escape the challenges of the day. Certainly, our present economic times somewhat pale in comparison to the Great Depression, but all of us still could use a good laugh.
That is exactly what the City Opera House in Traverse City thinks. This Friday it is hosting The Comic Standing Tour, from the popular NBC show of the same name. Now in its sixth season, the show has sent its finalists out on the road and the Opera House was fortunate to get them to agree to come to Northern Michigan. The troupe made up of the “five finalists” will perform at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30.
The five finalists for this season include Jeff Dye, a 25-year-old from Hollywood. Dye is described as “the complete package. He offers a compelling on-stage presence with a confident delivery of well conceived material—it’s almost unfair.” Joining Dye is Iliza Shlesinger, an American comedienne from Dallas, Texas. She is also host of “The Weakly News” on The Stream of Consciousness. Another finalist is Jim Tavare, a comedian who hails from Essex, England, and is known for his stand-up work with a double bass. Marcus, with an unknown last name, will also be on stage performing classic celebrity impressions. The final comedian is Louis Ramey from Atlanta, Georgia, who makes crowds tear up with laughter using his clever writing and excellent comedic timing.
Described as a “non-stop laughfest” NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” is hosted by Bill Bellamy (“Def Comedy Jam,” “Any Given Sunday”) and special correspondent/popular UK personality Fearne Cotton (NBC’s “The Guinness Book of World Records - Live!,” ITV2’s “The Xtra Factor”) stepped up their approach in search of “the funniest comedian on the planet.”
The Emmy-nominated series includes a parade of NBC comedy stars from past and present hit shows participating for the first time ever - serving as talent scouts in lively audition shows that aired during the first five episodes.
Some of those celebrity scouts included Kate Flannery (“The Office”), Dave Foley (“Thank God You’re Here!” “Newsradio”), Neil Flynn (“Scrubs”), George Wendt and John Ratzenberger (“Cheers”), Richard Belzer (“Law & Order: SVU”), Steve Schirripa (“The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”), Kathy Najimy (“Veronica’s Closet”) and French Stewart (“Third Rock From the Sun”), Josh Gomez (“Chuck”), Lonny Ross and Keith Powell (“30 Rock”) with Richard Kind and Fred Willard (“Mad About You”) and Alfonso Ribeiro (“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”).
Top comedians from more than 20 countries - including England, Australia, Scotland, Sweden, South Africa, India, New Zealand, Norway, Japan and Israel - audition during the international search. Now there are “five” and they are currently touring the country (the tour ends in Michigan with the show resuming soon)
They’ll move on to the challenge rounds for a comedy showdown week by week, until the funniest comics return to the Paris Las Vegas for the finals and finale. Then America will vote to decide who will be the “Last Comic Standing” and win a $250,000 grand prize including an exclusive talent deal with NBC, a brand new Honda, and a starring appearance in Jubilee! at Bally’s Las Vegas.
The Last Comic Standing tour has been selling out all across America and ticket sales for both shows in Traverse City has been brisk. According to Diana Barrie, Program and Events Coordinator at the City Opera House, good seats still remain for both shows.
The City Opera House is a turn-of-the-century (late 1800’s) theater and is the oldest of the three remaining historically intact Victorian Opera Houses in Michigan. The Opera House is nearing compeletion of its 8.5 million dollar restoration plan and has been hosting several cultural events from concerts to theatrical performances. It is available for rent for wedding receptions, conferences and cultural presentations.

For ticket information or a list of upcoming events check out cityoperahouse.org or call the box office at 231-941-8082. (Note: Part of the content for this article was provided by the NBC TV Press Department.)