(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- As the saying goes—“laughter is the best medicine.” Leave the stress of the last year and a half behind for a night at Laughs in the Loft, a monthly stand-up comedy series at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC). Hosted by Joe Larson, each show features several comedians. The next performance is Wednesday, November 3 at 7:30pm. The lineup includes Buddy Fitzpatrick, Isabel Hagen, Sheba Mason, and Michael Somerville. Tickets are $20.

Laughs in the Loft is a SOPAC stand-up comedy series featuring comics from our own backyard, Brooklyn and beyond. Laughs in the Loft is held every first Wednesday of the month and each event features several comedians in a New York City-style showcase. The talent is announced two weeks prior to each show, so you never know who might drop in! Beverages and concessions are available for purchase by credit card only. Laughs in the Loft is intended for mature audiences, ages 18 and up.

Pre-pandemic Joe Larson had one of the hottest shows in Brooklyn. Sold out each time to standing room only, his show Couleur Comedy was a huge success. It brought together the hottest up-and-coming comedians with established pros for a dynamic and exciting evening. Now, a South Orange resident, Larson is bringing his show to SOPAC.

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Buddy Fitzpatrick is a New Jersey native and comic of over 40 years. He has been on everything from Comedy Central to “The Sopranos.”

Isabel Hagen has been featured at the Montreal Comedy Fest and was recently on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.” She is also an accomplished violist with a degree from Juilliard and has played in the orchestras of several Broadway shows.

Sheba Mason has comedy in her blood. The daughter of comedian Jackie Mason, Sheba started performing on the condo circuit in Florida at age 6.

Michael Somerville has been seen on Comedy Central, VH1, Bravo, the History channel, Nick@Night and “Late Night with David Letterman.”

Host Joe Larson is a second-generation comedian. Much to his parent’s dismay at the age of twenty, he went into the family business. Right away he was chosen College Comedian of the Year at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival and shortly after he moved to New York City where he paid his dues at any club that would give him the mic.

Larson has been on stage at some of the best rooms in the city including the famed Caroline’s On Broadway and Gotham Comedy Club. He was nominated “Best Up-And-Coming Comedian” at the NYC MAC Awards, was a finalist in both the prestigious Johnny Carson Great American Comedy Festival and Boston Comedy Festival and was part of the feature film Stand Up 360. Larson has also been seen on Gotham Comedy Live, NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” “Laughs” on FOX, the Tonight Show’s Laugh Squad and the Speed Channel. On radio he is a repeat guest on Bob and Tom and the Bennington Show.

At this time, all SOPAC patrons are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test and wear a mask. All current Covid-19 Precautions & Policies can be found at SOPACnow.org/Covid-19.

Since 2006, South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) has been serving as a premier performing arts center in the region. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community events and education programs for all ages. SOPAC is home for Seton Hall University Arts Council’s performances, including the Classical Concert Series, Jazz ‘N the Hall performances and Seton Hall University Theatre productions. SOPAC programs are made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.