Category: Comedy Shows

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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.

 

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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 Unleashed, Comedy 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

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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

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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

 

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Tom Cotter in Woonsocket, RI on 11/10/21

Comedian Tom Cotter

 

Tom Cotter in RI on 11/10/21

As seen on America’s Got Talent, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and much more! The hysterical Tom Cotter will be headlining at Savini’s Pomodoro Italian Kitchen and Bar in Woonsocket RI on Wednesday November 10th in a Special Veterans Day Eve Comedy Show!

8:30pm. $25pp. For reservations call the Comedy Factory at 401-639-7726! Don’t miss this rare local appearance by RI Comedy Hall of Famer, Tom Cotter

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Booking Comedians for Any Occasion

doreen collins and ace aceto

The RI Comedy Hall of Fame is Open

It’s great to see everything opening up once again and the RI Comedy Hall of Fame is ready to book your next comedy show or fundraiser.

Trust the RI Comedy Hall of Fame to handle your next event.

Call Dana Nathanson now at 401-261-3120 for more information.

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Bobby Braciola to be Inducted into the RI Comedy Hall of Fame

bobby braciola

Cranston Native to be honored in November

Cranston, RI native (and Sony recording artist) Bobby Braciola will be inducted into the RI Comedy Hall of Fame on Saturday, November 13, 2021. Braciola is being honored for his outstanding contributions to comedy in the Ocean State.

Braciola, responsible for such hits as Chooch to Gooch , I’m a Spaccone, and Everyone’s Italian on Christmas Eve will be the headlining performer, along with host, John Perrotta and specialty act, The Prince of Mystery.

Location:

The event will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 475 Sandy Lane, Warwick, RI on 11/13/21. The event begins at 7pm (Doors open at 6pm) with limited seating.

Tickets:

Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased by calling John Perrotta at 401-639-7726.

All tickets must be purchased in advance. NO TICKETS WILL BE HELD OR AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE DOOR.

Don’t be a Chooch! Do not miss this once in a lifetime performance.

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Perfect for your Comedy Fundraiser

Music, Magic Mayhem

 

Music, Mystery & Mayhem

Rockin’ Joe Hebert,  The Prince of Mystery, and John Perrotta have never been what you may call cookie cutter comics. However, they have solid on-stage chemistry and love working together. The three performers have packaged their own 90 minute, high energy, freak show, especially for fundraisers, group functions and other events. It’s called Music, Mystery and Mayhem and they’re available now,

Call 401-261-3120

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How to Hire the Best Comedian for your Event

Hire a RI Comedy Hall of Fame Comedian
John Perrotta-RI Comedy Hall of Fame
Comedian John Perrotta for the RI Comedy Hall of Fame

Hire the Right Comedian or Pay the Price

It’s easy to hire a stand-up comedian for your event. Comedians are everywhere. They lurk in the shadows waiting for their not yet paid for IPhone 7’s to ring and be offered work. Facebook is full of stand-up comedians, as are entertainment booking sites, such as Gig Salad and the Bash.

Just about every place you look, you’ll be able to find a stand-up comedian. Finding a good stand-up comedian, however, can be a challenge. You’ll need to do some research before handing over your money to just anyone with a cheap suit and a microphone.

Why?

Stand-up comedians are not created equal.

There are no requirements necessary before referring to yourself as a stand-up comedian. There are no special licenses or permits. You can perform at one show in front of four people and call yourself a comedian, or you can perform hundreds of shows over many years, perfect your craft, and call yourself a stand-up comedian. That’s where the confusion comes in and that’s why doing some homework before you begin looking for your comedy entertainment will ensure you hire the very best talent for your event.

Comedian Rockin' Joe Hebert
Comedian Joe Hebert, owner of the RI Comedy Hall of Fame

5 Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Stand Up Comedian

1.) How long have you been performing stand-up comedy?

If the comedian is your main entertainment for the evening, nothing less than 10 years of steady stand-up work is an acceptable answer. (There are exceptions, of course, but 10 years is a good rule of thumb.)

2.) Do you have a video I can look at so I can see if you’re a good fit for my event?

No video? No job.

3.) Can you provide references from people you’ve worked for in the past?

A no answer to this question should signal a red flag. Every comedian should be able to provide at least 5 references from satisfied customers.

4.) Can you work clean?

Depending on the event you are planning this is a crucial question. If you’re looking for someone to perform at your best friend’s bachelor party, you may not care if the comedian you’re considering can work clean. However, if you’re planning an event for your office, your church group, or your Aunt Ethel’s 90th birthday party, you want a comedian who can work 100% clean. No cursing, no sex jokes, and nothing that would embarrass you or your guests. If your comedian cannot work clean, I suggest you keep looking.

5.) Do you have an appropriate sound system?

This is such an important question, I’ve saved it for last. The comedian you hire MUST have a professional sound system, (Speakers, amp, microphones, stands) before you make an agreement. A sound system is usually the last thing a person thinks about before hiring a comedian and it’s one of the most important. A customer simply assumes a stand-up comedian has their own PA system, much in the way you assume a plumber has his own wrench. Pros have their own sound system.

Money

Money is a major consideration when hiring stand-up comedians. Rates for scomedians can be all over the place. I’ve seen comedians ask for as little as $25 to as much as $1500.

What I do suggest, is starting with a budget in mind and working from there. As with most things, (and it’s especially true in stand-up comedy), you get what you pay for. If you’re hiring for an important event, a lower price may sound attractive, but when it comes to showtime, you may wish you had paid extra for a true professional.

Questions About Hiring a Stand-Up Comedian?

If you still have questions, (or are in need of a professional stand up comedian for your upcoming event) call John at the RI Comedy Hall of Fame: 401-639-7726 and mention the RI Comedy Hall of Fame for an extra special price.