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"So You Want To Be A Comedian" Comes To Red Bank

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 02/15/2022

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Although live comedy has slowed down in the last few years, it seems right now we need it more than ever. That’s why Jess Alaimo, host of So You Want To Be A Comedian, decided to bring back the show - now with co-host Allie Mae. The comedy open mic, which was every week for four years at the Anchor’s Bend inside Convention Hall (Now Seahorse), is making its return to another local historic city - Red Bank - but with a twist!

Historically the show has been a comedy open mic, a place where up-and-coming and new comedians could try out some jokes. The format resulted in everything from appearances by famous comedians like Julia Scotti and Rick Shapiro, to first-time novices stepping up to the mic. 

At Scarlet Reserve, So You Want To Be A Comedian will have featured comics followed by an open mic, so the audience is guaranteed a professional comedy show. The open mic will follow the show and give a chance for the public to try comedy. 

Allie Mae (The Stand NYC, Stress Factory) joins as a new co-host. Allie was named one comedy’s “Next Big Things” by Interrobang Magazine. Featured comics for the debut show include Tyler Langlois, Kate Nichols, and Franco Danger. 

“It’s time.” said host Jess Alaimo. “I think right now we need comedy more than ever. So You Want To Be A Comedian is special in that you can see a great comedy show, but then you can stay and try it yourself. We’ve seen 80-year-olds fulfill their dream by trying comedy for the first time. Were they terrible? Absolutely! But we all had fun.” 




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Scarlet Reserve Room is a brand new shop on Front Street in Red Bank and they’re already making a mark on the artistic scene, bringing comedy and poetry shows to the mainstream. The shop is a swanky smoking lounge with a relaxed atmosphere. Jess and Allie are ecstatic to utilize the space and work with the Scarlet Reserve team. 

So You Want To Be A Comedian premieres March 11 at 7:30pm. Tickets cost $15 and are available for purchase online. Scarlet Reserve Room is located at 3 East Front Street in Red Bank, New Jersey. Ticketholders can sign up for the open mic at the purchase link. 




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EVENT PREVIEWS

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(TEANECK, NJ) -- Debonair Music Hall presents comedian Kevin Farley on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 7:00pm. Known for his bold delivery, sharp timing, and fearless physical comedy, Farley delivers a fast-paced show packed with relatable observations, larger-than-life storytelling, and crowd-driven moments that keep audiences laughing from start to finish.

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bergenPAC presents comedian Tim Dillon on June 20th

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(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents comedian Tim Dillon on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tim is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor known for his no-holds-barred humor and incisive social commentary.

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FEATURED EVENTS


Punkie Johnson (SNL) to Headline LGBTQ Comedy Show

Saturday, June 20, 2026 @ 9:00pm
Newark Culture Club
Newark, NJ


LGBTQ Comedy Show with Paris Sashay & After Party

Saturday, June 20, 2026 @ 9:00pm
Newark Culture Club
Newark, NJ


Magic Entertainment presents Gaurav Gupta LIVE

Monday, June 22, 2026 @ 8:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
New Brunswick, NJ


Magic Entertainment presents Gaurav Gupta LIVE

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 @ 8:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
New Brunswick, NJ


Eddie B – If These Classroom Walls Could Talk Tour

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
Rahway, NJ



 

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