Dans Papers - May 25, 2007 - The Comedy Club At Bay Street Theatre

Comedy has a new home this summer - Bay Street Theatre. This not-for-profit, 299-seat regional theatre, situated on the picturesque Long Wharf in Sag Harbor, has a lineup of some of today's most talented and popular comedians. The Comedy Club series, which begins on May 28 and runs through September 8, promises to bring some of the freshest, funniest acts to hit the East End. This comes as no surprise considering the theatre, founded in 1991 by Sybil Christopher, Stephen Hamilton and Emma Walton, is dedicated to presenting works that challenge, entertain and speak to the diverse landscape of our community.

On Monday, May 28, at 8 p.m., Paula Poundstone will kick-start the Comedy Club series. This will mark Paula's fourth stand-up appearance at Bay Street Theatre. In a recent interview with Paula about her upcoming act she remarked that, "I love performing at Bay Street Theatre. There is just something so great about the Roddy McDowall room. It's their Green Room. There are all sorts of pictures and memorabilia on the wall and you can just tell that past performers were really a part of this room." Even though Bay Street Theatre is a small venue compared to other performance halls, Paula explained that it is "not always the size of a theatre that presents a challenge, it's the hearts of the audience that help to make the act dynamic. My favorite part of the show is where I interact with the audience. At Bay Street the crowd is always energetic and fun." Paula also remarked that the town of Sag Harbor is beautiful and not every place she performs has such stunning views.

Paula's ability to create humor on the spot is legendary and she stated that since she was a child, she wanted to be a comedian/actress. She loved sketch comedy and was inspired by Bill Cosby, who she remarked is "timeless, brilliant and just plain funny." Another large part of Paula Poundstone's inspiration is Robin Williams - in terms of her style and form, where she is known to casually wander from topic to topic and turn each show into a brilliant stream-of-consciousness experience. Paula remarked how Williams "did away with the segway." In a sense, this allowed Williams and other comedians to perform comedy where topics did not have to have direct relationships with one another. This style has allowed Poundstone to create her original and jazzy form of comedy that is an absolute "must see" event.

On June 25, Bay Street Theatre welcomes the "Saturday Night Live" veteran Jim Breuer. Recently, he was voted one of Comedy Central's "100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time," and has appeared in many films, such as Half Baked, Clerks and Beer League. Breuer is probably best known for his uncanny, original characters and impressions, such as Joe Pesci from "The Joe Pesci Show" and Goat Boy on "Saturday Night Live." He has also been coined as "the pioneer of the heavy-metal comedy" revolution. Do not miss this show.

Another returning veteran performer of Bay Street Theatre is Caroline Rhea, who will performing on Monday, July 16. Known for her role in the WB's hit television series "Sabrina, The Teenage Witch," and more recently for hosting NBC's sensation reality show "The Biggest Loser." Rhea's honest, smart and spontaneous approach to comedy makes her one of today's greatest comedians.

Also appearing in July is writer and producer of "The Chris Rock Show," Louis CK. On July 23, this comic, who has written for many late night television shows such as "The David Letterman Show" and "Late Night with Conan O' Brian" will perform his one-of-a-kind stand-up act. Louis CK has won Emmys for writing films like Pootie Tang and Down to Earth. What is so great about Louis CK is that he takes risks with his razor-sharp, witty comedy that is always fresh and unforgettable.

On August 20, Craig Shoemaker, who was named "Comedian of the Year" by the American Comedy Awards in 2006, will perform. Shoemaker has appeared on HBO's "Comic Relief," and he won two NATAS Emmy Awards, a Toastmaster Award and has performed at every major comedy venue in the country. Last year alone he was seen by over two million people. Additionally, he had his own nationally syndicated radio show, which won the prestigious Communicator Award "Crystal" prize, and has appeared in over 100 television shows - including Comedy Central Presents, ABC's The View and The Hollywood Squares with Whoopi Goldberg.

The following week, on August 27, Lewis Black, who is returning for his 6th year at Bay Street will perform. Not only is Lewis Black a Grammy Award-winning comedian but he is also an actor, author and playwright. He is known for his "Back in Black" commentary segment on "The Daily Show," where he often makes a mockery of recent trends and the phenomena of pop culture.

When they say "save the best for last," there is certainly some truth to that statement since the last two comedians in September are some of finest in the profession. On September 3, Robert Schimmel, who was voted Best Male Stand-Up Comedian at the 13th Annual American Comedy Awards will perform. Also an actor, Schimmel has appeared in Scary Movie 2, A Low Down Dirty Shame and Blankman. And finally, on September 8, there will be an act by Zach Galifianakis from the television series "Boston Common" and films such as Corky Romano, Bubble Boy, Heartbreakers and Out Cold.

Bay Street Theatre operates from March to December and it is their mission to create an artistic haven where established and emerging artists can perform and, beyond that, Bay Street's commitment extends to foster the continued value of theatre and performance as a vital art form. Be sure to get tickets to one of these remarkable comedy performances. You'll be laughing all the way through.

- Victoria L. Cooper

Bay Street Theatre is located on the Long Wharf in Sag Harbor. For tickets or more information visit www.baystreet.org or call the box office at 631-725-9500.