(AVENEL, NJ) -- Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Vince Valentine's Comedy Collective on May 15-16 at 8:00pm. A pair of New York's finest comedians (Paul Lyons and Julia Scotti) join Vince for a night of comedy. Adult Content- enjoyable for adults ages 18 & up. Tickets are $29.50.

Vince Valentine has been touring nationally with Broadway’s longest one person show ‘Defending The Caveman“ since 2003. A member of NYDT since 2001 and has played in the lead in “The Soapranos” a parody of the hit HBO series. As a writer and performer, he as also appeared in the Philly Fringe Festival as a member of the Comedy Improv Troupe , “ Skitzoids” and won acclaim in his role is Anthony in The New York International Theater Festival “ What Fools We Lover Be”

He is in production with his latest project “ As Youse Like It” a South Philly Fable, based on the Philly CheeseSteak Wars. Vince is a native of Philadelphia, where he teaches a very successful Stand Up Comedy Class for beginners at Camden County College.

Paul Lyons’ comedy is inspired, inventive, and a pure delight. For over twenty years he has performed in every state, as well as overseas in England and Australia. “A deviously creative funnyman”, says the Denver Rocky Mountain News. “Wonderfully wholesome and significantly different”, adds Silver Friedman, the owner of the Original Improvisation. His more than two dozen TV appearances include Comedy Central, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Showtime. The New York post sums him up this way, “Pure gold, very funny and illuminating.”

As a stand up comic, Paul has headlined in every state as well as overseas in London, England and Sydney, Australia. As an essayist Paul’s inspiring, peculiar pieces appear regularly in Playgirl, TV Guide, and Details.

Julia Scotti is a nationally headlining comedian, former teacher, author, speaker, and woman of transgendered experience. She was a quarter-finalist and fan favorite on season 11 of America’s Got Talent on NBC in 2016.

Originally from Fairview, New Jersey, for the first 48 years she was better known as comedian Rick Scotti. She toured the country, appearing at venues all over the United States and Canada, both as a headliner in comedy clubs and as an opening act for artists such as Lou Rawls, Chicago, and Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Julia has appeared on numerous television and radio shows as well as commercials.

In 2000, Julia left comedy to begin her life altering transition, and also to begin her new career as a teacher, where she remained for seven years. She was self-employed for a time, but in 2011, after a ten year layoff from comedy, Julia returned to the stage. Her new brand of comedy is fierce, honest, and fearless. She has been described as a “force of nature”, “a cross between Sam Kinison and Mrs. Doubtfire”, and like a “chainsaw flying through the room”.

Julia was a quarter-finalist on season 11 America’s Got Talent in 2016. She was a judge’s favorite with Simon Cowell saying “you genuinely made me laugh”, and Howie Mandel quoted as saying “you have so much to offer, you are a joy.”

Avenel Performing Arts Center is located at 150 Avenel Street in Avenel, New Jersey. Tickets are available for purchase online.