All in Comedy & Variety

Getting 'Fun & Slutty' with Jonathan Van Ness

A nonbinary hero himself, Jonathan Van Ness rose to fame as the hairstylist to heroes, the name Netflix’s “Queer Eye” reboot gives to its episodic guests. But Jonathan’s been an artist long before “Queer Eye.” Beyond the artistry required in his work as a stylist, Jonathan has been on stage as a comedian for years. His web series “Gay of Thrones,” a weekly comedic recap of HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” where he starred as none other than an opinionated hairstylist, was a hit for Funny or Die. He is also the host of his very own podcast, “Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness.” And in addition to all of that, he is also a New York Times Best Selling author.

"Jersey Shore Top Comic" at the Basie

The Count Basie Center for the Arts will present on Aug. 24 ­the highly anticipated "Jersey Shore Top Comic" - a riotous showcase of the region's most hilarious stand-up comedians competing for the coveted title of Top Comic. About ten contestants will complete before professionals with amazing credits. The winning comedian will get a feature weekend spot at the legendary Stress Factory Comedy Club in New Brunswick & the Jersey Shore Top Comic championship belt! 

Comedian Chris Covert, who will be the master of ceremonies, and the other judges have been receiving audition tapes and holding large group auditions. “The ‘cattle call’ auditions are going very well,” he said. “It’s not limited to first-timers or anything, so there’s going to be some very experienced comics up there along with newcomers.”

Whipped Cream and Other Delights: Drag Show Brunches

Drag is an incredible pastiche of creative self-expression, fantastic outfits, LBTGQ+ identity, and the power of attitude. It celebrates self-acceptance, acceptance of others and carefree enjoyment of living. The shows are an eclectic mix of cabaret, burlesque and comedy.

Brunch needs no introduction. Breakfast foods at mid-day? Maybe an adult beverage mixed in? What’s not to love? Combine brunch and a drag show, and you get an unforgettable event that can satisfy in many ways. A quick search will show that drag brunches are having more than “a moment” right now. Here are two that may deliver on those many levels.

Newark Artists and Prominent Actors to Celebrate Literary Legacy of Philip Roth During Weekend-Long Festival

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center in collaboration with the Newark Public Library will present Philip Roth Unbound, a weekend-long festival that celebrates the life, legacy and work of novelist and Newark native. Over the course of three days, beginning Friday, March 17 and concluding Sunday, March 19, 2023, NJPAC will host a series of events, featuring more than 40 prominent writers, actors, artists, journalists and intellectuals in the nation. Designed to appeal to audiences of all backgrounds, the festival will feature star-studded stage readings, panel discussions and a comedy showcase. The program is designed to explore the significance and impact of Roth’s unique literary legacy, using his writings as a springboard to explore broader questions about life in America today.

Caroline Rhea on the Art of Stand-up Comedy

Comedian Caroline Rhea is back on tour for the first time in years, and she's got plenty of material! Most recognized for her work as Hilda Spellman on the hit TV series Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Rhea is also known and loved for The Caroline Rhea Show, as a voice on Disney Channel's Phineas and Ferb, her recurring spots on Hollywood Squares and The Match Game, A Very Sordid Wedding, A Mrs. Miracle Christmas, and her many stand-up specials.

Rhea talks with Jersey Arts about the art of stand-up comedy, tour life, Sabrina and parenthood. There are two performances of New Year's Eve with Caroline Rhea Dec. 31 at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. 

Renovated Bergen Performing Arts Center Fills Calendar, Puts Students in Spotlight

The Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood reopens its doors this week with plenty to celebrate. Not only is the venue set to host its first full season of live events in three years, but also guests also notice that the venue has undergone substantial renovations and its Performing Arts School students can again perform among professionals on its stage.

“MANIA: The ABBA Tribute” will feature approximately 15 members of Bergen PAC’s Performing Arts School Show Choir, an audition-only ensemble of vocalists ranging in age from 13 to 18.

“It’s part of The Performing Arts School’s mission to provide students with professional, hands-on training and rewarding opportunities to perform publicly in front of large audiences,” says Alexander Diaz, executive director of Bergen PAC.

New Brunswick's Got HEART

The 2nd annual New Brunswick HEART Festival is like a block-after-block party. Featuring live performances; a salsa dance class party; tours of the State Theatre and NBPAC; Japanese black ink drawing; ticket giveaway contests; yoga; steamroller art; an activity tent; and – if you can believe it – much more! It’s family friendly, free, and happening this Saturday.

Mystery Science Theater 3000’s Great Cheesy Movie Circus Tour Comes to New Jersey

The latest live tour from MST3K, the classic TV show where a spaceship janitor and his robot friends are forced to watch the worst movies ever made, is coming to the State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick for two shows on Oct. 26. In this podcast, we speak with creator and original host Joel Hodgson about the history of this Peabody Award-winning show.