Poppy Champlin Inducted into the RI Comedy Hall of Fame, Honoring a Legendary Career

 

A Night of Laughter and Recognition as Poppy Champlin Secures Her Place Among RI’s Comedy Greats

Rhode Island’s comedy scene celebrated an unforgettable evening on Saturday, May 20, 2023, as RI comedian Poppy Champlin was officially inducted into the  Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame. With her impeccable wit, fearless stage presence, and remarkable contributions to the world of comedy, Champlin was honored for her outstanding achievements during a joyous and laughter-filled evening.

Poppy Champlin-RI Comedy Hall of Fame.
Poppy Champlin: Inducted into the RI Comedy Hall of Fame on May 20, 2023.

Held at the historic Park Theatre and Events Center, the induction ceremony showcased the tremendous impact Champlin has had on the comedy industry throughout her 42-year career. Champlin, a native of Narragansett, was warmly received by a packed house consisting of fellow comedians, friends, family, and dedicated fans who have supported her journey from the beginning.

Poppy and Mama Champlin
Poppy poses with her 90-year-old mother at her Hall of Fame induction.

Champlin’s comedic prowess has earned her recognition and admiration far beyond Rhode Island’s borders. Over the years, she has graced the stages of prestigious venues across the country.  Her infectious stage presence and magnetic personality have garnered her a dedicated fan base that spans generations.

During the induction ceremony, Champlin graciously accepted the honor, expressing her gratitude to the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame for recognizing her contributions to the craft. In her acceptance speech, she paid tribute to her comedy influences, acknowledged her fellow comedians who have supported and inspired her, and thanked her family and friends for their unwavering support.

Host, Charlie Hall created a comedy atmosphere as only he can do.

The event was filled with heartfelt speeches, uproarious laughter, and fond memories shared by fellow comedians who took the stage to honor Champlin, such as Comedy Hall of Fame members, Charlie Hall, Doreen Collins, and John Perrotta.  The induction was performed by comedian and Hall of Fame Founder, Joe Hebert, who recalled seeing  Champlin perform in 1981, 4 years before starting his own comedy career.

Champlin’s induction into the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame serves as a testament to her enduring legacy and remarkable achievements within the field. Her presence continues to inspire new comedians, particularly women, to embrace their authentic selves, challenge societal norms, and fearlessly pursue their comedic dreams.

At the end of the evening, Poppy did what she does best. She performed nearly an hour of kickass comedy. “Her performance was outstanding,” Hebert said. “I didn’t expect anything less.”

Poppy clowns around in front of her RI Comedy Hall of Fame caricature.

As the evening concluded, Champlin stood among the greats of Rhode Island comedy, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those in attendance. Her legacy as a gifted comedian, advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and an influential figure in the world of comedy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of comedians to find their voice and make a difference through laughter.

Champlin performs before a packed house at her RI Comedy Hall of Fame Induction

Poppy Champlin’s induction into the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of her exceptional talent, significant contributions to comedy, and the immeasurable joy she has brought to audiences throughout her extraordinary career. As the laughter from this historic evening echoes through time, it will serve as a reminder of the lasting impact Champlin has made on the comedy world, forever solidifying her place among the comedic legends of Rhode Island.

 

Rhode Island Entertainment

 

John Perrotta-RI Comedy Hall of Fame
John Perrotta: One of the hottest acts on the Rhode Island Comedy Scene

John Perrotta’s Comedy Factory

Looking for a night of non-stop laughs and good times? Look no further than John Perrotta’s Comedy Factory, the premier traveling comedy club in Rhode Island. This comedy entertainment booker, located in Cranston, offers a wide variety of comedy dinner shows, and a  lineup of funny, professional and talented comedians that are sure to leave you laughing.

At John Perrotta’s Comedy Factory, the focus is on delivering  entertainment , amazing dinner-comedy shows at RI’s finest restaurants, and comedy open mic nights throughout Providence and the rest of RI for both new, and up and coming comedians

One of the many talented comedians to grace the stage at John Perrotta’s Comedy Factory is John Perrotta himself. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Perrotta is a seasoned comedian who has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in comedy. His humor is relatable and witty, touching on everything from everyday life to current events.

But it’s not just Perrotta who will have you rolling with laughter. The Comedy Factory boasts a talented roster of comedians who have appeared on TV shows, comedy festivals, and more.

If you’re looking for a night of fun and laughter, John Perrotta’s Comedy Factory shows  are the place to be.  John also books comedians for any occasion, so what are you waiting for? Visit John’s website now, or call him at 401-639-7726

Beat the stress of everyday life with a comedy show from John Perrotta’s Comedy Factory.

Waves of Laughter: A History of Stand Up Comedy in RI

Waves of Laughter

Waves of Laughter us coming to a screen near you

East Providence comedian, writer, and filmmaker, Dan O’Brien, (along with Jesse Dufault and Tim Lebonte) are currently editing their documentary covering the history of stand-up comedy in Rhode Island.

The RI Comedy Hall of Fame is excited (and proud) to participate in this project with its current (and future) inductees.

To be perfectly honest, we don’t know what’s coming, but if this first cousin to the Farrelly Brothers is involved, don’t expect anything but the best.

Check out the website for more

 

Danny Smith Inducted into the RI Comedy Hall of Fame

Danny Smith

The Family Guy Writer/Executive Producer’s Induction was Top Secret

 

The Park Theatre and Event Center in Cranston hosted a show of epic proportions on Saturday, February 11, 2023.

It was a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Steve Smith & The Nakeds, recent inductees to the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame. Opening the show were Newport’s own The Cowsills and Smith’s younger brother Danny, executive producer of Fox’s Family Guy.

Part of the show was the induction of Danny Smith to the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame for his Outstanding Contributions to Comedy in the Ocean State following his hour-long trip down comedy lane.

The induction was a stealth operation, arranged by SteveEd Brady, owner of the Park Theatre and Event Center, and Joe Hebert, founder of the RI Comedy Hall of Fame. “Steve wanted Danny’s induction to be a complete surprise,” said Hebert. “He was worried about it getting out to the media and spoiling it.”

Hebert called Hall of Fame member, Charlie Hall. He got to work, delivering an amazing portrait of Danny to add to the Hall of Fame Wall next door to the theatre at the Comedy Park. Hall does all the caricatures – including his own.

I asked RICHOF members, Frank O’Donnell (the body model for Family Guy’s Peter Griffin – still in litigation), Ace Aceto, and Charlie Hall to co-present the event,” said Hebert.

Danny was pleased with his induction, but after seeing his portrait quipped, “I’ve got to lose some weight.”

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You can visit the RI Comedy Hall of Fame, located in the Comedy Park, at the Historic Park Theatre and Event Center, 848 Park Avenue, Cranston, RI.

The RI Comedy Hall of Fame is powered by Bananagrams.com

Poppy Champlin Tickets are ON SALE Now

Poppy Champlin

 

Poppy Champlin will be inducted into the RI Comedy Hall of Fame in May

Poppy Champlin tickets for her upcoming RI Comedy Hall of Fame Induction are NOW ON SALE! 

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling John Perrotta at (401) 639-7726 for the May 20, 2023 event at The Comedy Park, 848 Park Ave., Cranston. RI at 7:30pm. (Visa and Mastercard accepted)

Tickets are Limited

There are a limited number of tickets for sale and we expect them to sell out quickly. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to purchase early.

 

Poppy Champlin to be Inducted Into the RI Comedy Hall of Fame

Poppy Champlin

 

It gives me great pleasure to announce that RI’s reigning Queen of South County comedy, will be inducted into the RI Comedy Hall of Fame in 2023

“The first time I saw Poppy Champlin perform was in 1980,” said Joe Hebert, founder, and roastmaster of the RI Comedy Hall of Fame. ” I was 17 years old and was able to sneak into a club in Newport to see a comedy show. So there’s this woman on the show doing this never-ending comedy bit about fish. My first thought was why?  But the material was absolutely hysterical and made me an instant Poppy fan. I don’t know if she’s still doing her fish jokes, but I’m going to request it at her induction. (Be warned, Poppy!)

Entering the stand-up comedy field, five years later, I had the opportunity to work with Poppy numerous times at clubs and parties all over the state. She was not only funny on stage she was a pleasure to work with. I remember her as being one of the nicest people ever.

Fast forward 100 years, I receive a call from Poppy, who asked me to headline her show at the Pump House in Kingston. It had been forever since I’d seen her perform. Not only did she do some hilarious stand-up, but she sang AND danced in her act. The sold-out audience loved her. And so did I. It was that evening I asked her to take her rightful place in the RI Comedy Hall of Fame.  She graciously accepted. Poppy Champlin will be the third woman inducted into the Hall of Fame, along with Rhode Islanders, Ruth Buzzi, and Doreen Collins. Poppy Champlin loves what she does, and it shows.”

 

Poppy Champlin

Poppy’s Bio

Poppy Champlin is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a BFA in Theatre. She went on to the Famed Chicago Second City Training Center in 1988 and from there, Tinsel Town was the obvious next stop on her list. Champlin worked her craft with tenacity and has deep comedic chops.  She has performed for troops in both Japan and Korea, has opened for such great comedians as Bill Maher, Ray Ramano, Denis Leary, Bill Hicks, Rosie O’Donnell, and many more.  Her club appearances range from Gotham and The Comedy Cellar in NYC to The Improv, The Comedy Store, and The Laugh Factory in Los Angeles, and too many to list in between. 

Poppy was crowned America’s Funniest Real Woman on The Joan Rivers Show and then featured on Entertainment Tonight.  Her television appearances include; Showtime, LOGO, Comics UnleashedComedy Central, VH-1, HBO and the ultimate, Oprah Winfrey.  Poppy has without a doubt broken ahead of the pack.

In Los Angeles, she was a staff writer for Fox’s Show Me The Funny and got into the Writers Guild of America.

She is also the producer of her own tour called, The Queer Qomedy Queens, now in its thirteenth year.

Poppy’s observational style of humor tackles tough subjects with ease.  In this comedian’s hands, we can laugh at life’s most formidable perils… and laughter that ravages fear is the best kind of all. Now, residing in Rhode Island, she runs a room in Kingston, RI. at the Pumphouse as well as teaching a 6-week class in stand-up and touring the country with her comedy show.

“Poppy is a freakin’ ball of comedic thunder,” says one fan.

The Induction of Poppy Champlin

Poppy’s induction into the RI Comedy Hall of Fame will take place on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Comedy Park, (located inside the Historic Park Theatre), Cranston,  at 7pm. (Doors at 6pm)  Tickets are $25 and ARE ON SALE NOW! Please call 401-639-7726 for tickets and info.  (Visa and Mastercard accepted)

Hosting the event will be RI’s own, Charlie Hall, with special appearances by Doreen Collins and John Perrotta.

The Induction of Poppy Champlin is powered by Bananagrams.com

John Perrotta’s Stand Up Sunday

The Comedy Park

Stand Up Sunday

Join the RI Comedy Hall of Fame’s own John Perrotta on Sunday, December 11, 2023 at The Comedy Park, located in the beautifully restored Historic Park Theatre and Event Center, 848 Park Avenue, Cranston, RI at 7pm. (Doors open at 6pm), for Stand Up Sunday. Connecticut’s Scott Higgins headlines and Carolyn Gifford hosts the event. $10 gets you inside.

Be sure to check out the Bananagrams RI Comedy Hall of Fame while you’re there!

For more information, call John Perrotta at (401) 639-7726

John Perrotta in Mystic, CT, September 9, 2022

Doug Ouimette Presents…

Don’t miss John Perrotta, (The Italian Don Rickles), along with comedians, Joanna Raposa, Tyler Hittner, Doug Ouimette and Rockin’ Joe Hebert, live inside the Mystic Luxury Cinemas at Olde Mistick Village. on Friday, September 9, 2022, at 8:30pm.

Tickets are $15 General Admission and can be purchased here.

John Perrotta has performed at the NYC Friars Club and has opened for such comedy superstars as Bill Burr.

John Perrotta in Mystic CT.

A Doug Ouimette Production