(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Laughs in the Loft is a monthly series hosted by South Orange-based comedian Joe Larson. Each show features several stand-up comedians. On Wednesday, June 1, the South Orange Performing Arts Center will celebrate the one-year anniversary of this series with a special show on the SOPAC mainstage. The lineup includes Jon Fisch, Usama Siddiquee, and Jessica Kirson. The show begins at 7:30pm.
“On June 1, Laughs in the Loft turns one—first and golden birthday all in one!—and we are throwing a hell of a party!” says Joe Larson. “For one night only, we will be moving the show downstairs into The Jennifer & Tony Leitner Performance Hall.”
Jon Fisch – Jon Fisch has been seen on Comedy Central, “Last Comic Standing,” “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.” Jon started his stand-up career in Boston, has been a staple of the NYC scene for years and he now lives in Montclair. His most recent move made him a NJ resident! Jon is one of the best comedy writers—tight, sharp and hilarious. He alone would be enough to build the show around, but we have more!
Usama Siddiquee – You might recognize Usama Siddiquee from BET, MTV, Bravo or “America’s Got Talent,” where he famously got into it with judge Heidi Klum. Usama is a force of nature on stage. His writing and stage presence are both on point. He has an impish side that likes to cause a little trouble.
Jessica Kirson – And last, but far from least, we have South Orange native Jessica Kirson. You may have seen her during one of her many appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” buying dinner at Ashley Marketplace on South Orange Avenue, or on her one-hour Comedy Central special “Bill Burr Presents Jessica Kirson: Talking to Myself.” She is a comedy tornado that rips through the room leaving everyone in hysterics. She has played the mainstage at SOPAC before and we are beyond lucky to have her again.
Tickets are $30 and available for purchase online. NOTE: 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.
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 approximately 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.
About the Host: 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 has brought his show to SOPAC.
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.
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.
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