The search for NEO’s Funniest Up-and-Coming Comedian is on
From open-mic nights around town to Dave Schwensens’ comedy workshops (which seemingly everyone has taken over the past decade or so), there are plenty outlets for aspiring Northeast Ohio comedians to hone their craft.
Now Pickwick & Frolic Restaurant and Club is upping the ante with the four-week “Funniest Up-and-Coming Comedian” competition, which begins Wed 9/14 in the Hilarities 4th Street Theatre.
“About a year and a half ago we started a primetime showcase night… our version of an amateur night,” said Pickwick & Frolic Marketing Director John Lorince. “That has been very successful but we also wanted to get an opportunity for some of the folks that have been on the primetime show, people who have done guest sets and all of that, to compete in the form of a contest. This way it’ll give us an opportunity to see some up-and-coming talent and then of course offer a significant prize, something that people could try to get into each and every year.”
Over the summer, hopeful contestants sent in a five-minute video clip of their material. Making the cut were Marv Conner, Greg Bizjak, Adam Richard, Jake Solomon, Jack Bell, Bill Boronkay, Chris Wineland, Willie Webb, Milton Wyley, Chris Mcvetta, Juanda Mayfield, Robert Coleman, Scott Brandenburg, Steven Swanson and Ramon Rivas II.
For Cleveland resident Rivas, who already emcees at Hilarities, the contest was too good to pass up.
“I’m taking part in it mostly because I do consider myself one of Cleveland’s hardest working, funniest, young comics,” Rivas said. “The benefits of winning were worth taking part in the contest.”
Each week comedians will be critiqued by Nick Kostis (Hilarities 4th Street Theatre owner), Mike McIntyre (The Plain Dealer) and Kevin Salyer (WJW Fox 8 Vice-President and Executive Producer). Also, the audience will judge, representing 20 percent of the vote.
The details of the contest work as follows: For the first two weeks all 15 comedians perform (Wed 9/14 and Wed 9/28) followed by the top seven (Wed 10/5) and then the top four (Wed 10/12). As for that impressive prize package, the winner gets a week of paid performance at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre, his/her set critiqued for consideration by “The Late Show with David Letterman” comedy booker and a consultation with veteran comedy producer-manager Tony Camacho.
Lorince feels the use of a 5-minute video clip to qualify as a contestant ensures a certain level of integrity in the contest.
“The key factor is we wanted somebody who it wasn’t their first time,” Lorince said. “We wanted somebody who has had some time on stage already. That’s why we require — if they were to make it through the first three stages — each set to be a new five-minute set. So, technically, they’re going to need at least 15 minutes if they make it each week. And then in the finale, if they make it that far, they can repeat some of that material but they’ll have a longer set at that point.”
Ultimately expectations are the “Funniest Up-and-Coming Comedian” competition develops into an annual event and perhaps even becomes a springboard for local talent to get national attention.
“You’re going to have a whole slew of comics, and we also have each night a national touring comic scheduled that will close the show,” Lorince said. “If you’re a fan of comedy we’re hoping people want to come out and see some up-and-coming young talent, and also support the art of comedy and young folks.”
The “Funniest Up-and-Coming Comedian” takes place at 8PM on Wed 9/14, Wed 9/28, Wed 10/5 and Wed 10/12 @ the Hilarities 4th Street Theatre, 2035 E. 4th St., Cleveland. Tickets are $5 to $10, call 216-736-4242 or visit http://PickwickAndFrolic.com.
Freelance writer John Benson spends most of his time writing for various papers throughout Northeast Ohio.
When he’s not writing about music or entertainment, he can be found coaching his two boys in basketball, football and baseball or watching movies with his lovely wife, Maria. John also occasionally writes for CoolCleveland.com.
One Response to “The search for NEO’s Funniest Up-and-Coming Comedian is on”
Ivonne
To:Nick Kostis
I worked at Hilarities in PBG, Fla back in 1991….. I never ever forgot you…I even ended up marrying a Greek myself!
You were so nice and a great guy !
Hope you’re doing well
Ivonne kateris(used to be”Gomez”)