3/13/2008 12:52:00 PM
Some of the nation's top comedians coming to Norfolk
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To buy tickets, call the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce at 371-4862.
Amateur Night: Tuesday, June 17, 7 p.m. Johnny Carson Theatre, $5.
Comedy Competition Semifinals Round 1 Wednesday, June 18, 6 p.m. Johnny Carson Theatre, $10.
Comedy Competition Semifinals Round 2 Wednesday, June 18, 8 p.m. Johnny Carson Theatre, $10.
After-Hours Comedy Club: Thursday, June 19 and Friday, June 20 11 p.m. Divots Conference Center, $10.
Comedy Competition Semifinals Round 3 Thursday, June 19, 6 p.m. Johnny Carson Theatre, $10.
Comedy Competition Semifinals Round 1 Thursday, June 19, 8 p.m. Johnny Carson Theatre, $10.
Comedy Competition Finals with host Eddie Brill Friday, June 20, 7 p.m. Johnny Carson Theatre, $20.
Youth Camp Showcase with Brave New Workshop Saturday, June 21, 5 p.m. Johnny Carson Theatre, $15.
Saturday Night Showcase with host Robert Klein Saturday, June 21, 8 p.m. Johnny Carson Theatre, $35-$75
Christian Comedy with comedian Adam Christing Sunday, June 22, 2 p.m. Johnny Carson Theatre $10-$15.
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By CARRIE PITZER
News Staff Writer
NBC plans on having someone there.
Even Adam Sandler's agent wouldn't miss it.
But will you be at the inaugural Great American Comedy Festival in Norfolk?
Tickets go on sale Monday, March 17, for the festival, which will be June 16-22 at various venues in Norfolk but primarily the Johnny Carson Theatre. Tickets can be purchased through the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce. More information can be gained at the festival's Web site at www.greatameri cancomedyfestival.com.
All eyes will be on the festival, which has garnered national attention from the likes of Paul Harvey and media across the country. This may be the first year for the event, but don't let the newness eclipse the talent coming to Madison County.
"For a first-year event, this is going to blow people's socks off," said Kent Warneke, chairman of the festival's volunteer board of directors.
The 24 comedians who had to audition for a spot in the comedy competition "are professional comedians who perform five or six nights a week. This is their livelihood. These up-and-coming comedians are going to be nationally known soon, if they're not already," he said.
The festival features nightly entertainment from up-and-coming comedians, many of whom have already been seen on TV on such shows as "The Tonight Show" and "Comedy Central."
Two dozen comedians were selected through auditions held in comedy clubs across the country. Twelve each will compete the evenings of Wednesday, June 18, and Thursday, June 19, to advance to Friday's finals.
Lora Young, director of the Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said people may be surprised by the number of comedians they recognize from television.
"The quality of comedians coming to compete in the comedy festival's competition is phenomenal," she said. "They are the best of the best from the comedy clubs across the nation, and some of them will be appearing on 'Late Night with David Letterman.' Do not miss these shows."
The judges are just as impressive as the comedians. Judging the semifinal rounds will be comedian Nick Griffin, Los Angeles talent agent Jackie Miller-Knobbe and Denver comedy club owner Wendi Curtis. The finals will be judged by Robert Klein, who had his own HBO special, and Curtis. Legendary television host Dick Cavett has also been invited to be a judge.
"Nobody has turned down coming here yet," Warneke said of the semifinalists. "They're excited about being in Johnny Carson's home town. It's really encouraging."
One of the key attractions for the young comedians is the chance to perform for Eddie Brill, who is the chief talent scout for David Letterman and is serving as the producer of the Friday and Saturday shows at the festival.
Although the competition is exciting, Warneke said the festival offers much more than that. The Saturday grand showcase features Klein, Brill, comedians from The Brave New Workshop of Minneapolis and the contest winners.
An amateur night also is planned, along with workshops with Brill, comedy club manager and producer Barbara Holiday and Christian comedian/magician Adam Christing.
"It has nationally-known entertainment and up-and-coming comedians," Warneke said. "Then you throw in local events at the Elkhorn Valley Museum, Norfolk Arts Center and the Norfolk Senior Center. There's really something for everyone, and with tickets from $5 to $75, it's really affordable."
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