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New Jersey's Top-Rated Improv Comedy Team Flips the Script

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 03/16/2025

Ryan Huban and Chris Fitzgerald perform 'Spelling Bee' in 'Scripted' on April 20, 2024, at HACPAC. Photo courtesy of Howdy Stranger 

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Hackensack's professional improv team, Howdy Stranger, performs their annual sketch comedy show, Scripted, on Friday, April 4th and Saturday, April 5th at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC). Showtime is 8:00pm both nights.

Winners of several improv tournaments and adjudicators for New Jersey state improv competitions, Howdy Stranger is well-known for their interactive and wildly entertaining off-the-cut performances. However, once a year, they take their comedy to the next level—and it’s a must-see event.

Scripted is more than a sketch comedy show. It’s a high-energy rollercoaster of original material packed with all-new sketches, standup, and a splash of their signature interactive improv. Expect outrageous characters, unexpected twists, and the kind of laugh-out-loud moments you’ll be quoting for weeks.

Chris Fitzgerald, Dreena Moran and Ryan Huban perform 'Stomach Witches' in 'Scripted' on April 20, 2024, at HACPAC. Photo courtesy of Howdy Stranger

The show features four comedians from Howdy Stranger, Ryan Huban, Dreena Moran, Chris Fitzgerald, and JJ Lynn, who collaborated to co-write, direct and produce ‘Scripted.’

Tickets are $25 and available for purchase online or at the box office. Note: Howdy Stranger shows are family-friendly, but parents are cautioned there may be adult themes unsuitable for young children. Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) is located at 102 State Street in Hackensack, New Jersey.




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Howdy Stranger is a team of professional improvisers and trainers with over 15 years of experience. They perform monthly interactive comedy shows and have appeared at festivals throughout the Northeast, winning competitions like the NYC Tournament of Improvisers, The Improv Arena, and Improv Bowl XI. Thousands have taken their workshops and classes to improve self-confidence, communication skills, and creative thinking. They also collaborate with educational organizations to promote improv in schools and serve as adjudicators at state improv competitions.

The Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) is a vibrant venue that brings together local, national, and international artists across various disciplines, including music, theater, dance, and visual arts. With intimate spaces designed to foster a direct connection between performers and audiences, HACPAC is dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of Hackensack and beyond. Committed to community engagement, HACPAC hosts performances and events that reflect the diversity of Bergen County, encouraging conversation and connections through the arts.

Chris Fitzgerald and Ryan Huban perform 'Psychic Date' in 'Scripted' on April 20, 2024, at HACPAC. Photo courtesy of Howdy Stranger. 




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Eric D'Alessandro, the viral comedy sensation, will return to New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 8:00pm. This promises to be an evening filled with laughter, energy, and irresistible charm, as D’Alessandro brings his distinct comedic perspective to one of New Jersey’s premier venues.
Debonair Music Hall presents Kevin Farley on June 19th

Debonair Music Hall presents Kevin Farley on June 19th

(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.

bergenPAC presents Tracy Morgan on June 19th

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents comedian Tracy Morgan on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tracy is one of the most well-respected comedians and actors in his field. He currently stars in the tv show CRUTCH.
bergenPAC presents comedian Tim Dillon on June 20th

bergenPAC presents comedian Tim Dillon on June 20th

(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.

Punkie Johnson (SNL) to Headline LGBTQ Comedy Show at Newark Culture Club

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Comedian, writer, and actor Punkie Johnson is known for her hilarious work as a former cast member on Saturday Night Live. When Johnson joined SNL in its 45th season, she made history as the first out Black lesbian cast member and became a featured player the following season. She will be headlining a lineup of LGBTQ comedians at Newark Culture Club on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 9:00pm.
Paris Sashay to Headline LGBTQ Comedy Show and Afterparty at Newark Culture Club

Paris Sashay to Headline LGBTQ Comedy Show and Afterparty at Newark Culture Club

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Comedian, writer, and actor Paris Sashay, known from her appearances on Comedy Central, Pause on HBO Max, and BET 50 Central, and her comedy special 'Unprotected Sets on EPIX,' will headline a lineup of LGBTQ comedians at Newark Culture Club on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 9:00pm.
NJPAC presents Earthquake

NJPAC presents Earthquake's Father's Day Comedy Show with Sheryl Underwood, Mr. Bishop, D'Lai, Junior, TK Kirkland, and Donnell Rawlings

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Get ready to laugh out loud as Earthquake, the iconic comedian known for his electrifying stage presence, brings his annual Father's Day Comedy Show to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 7:00pm. This special event promises a night of nonstop humor with Earthquake at the helm, joined by a stellar lineup of comedic talent and hosted by the incomparable Sheryl Underwood.

Newark Culture Club presents Ha! or Nah!: A Joke Lab! on June 25th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Lauren LoGiudice brings her innovative comedy showcase to Newark! On Thursday, June 25, 2026, Newark Culture Club presents Ha! or Nah!: A Joke Lab! Showtime is 7:00pm.

UCPAC presents comedian Eddie B. "If These Classroom Walls Could Talk"

(RAHWAY,NJ) -- By popular demand, America's favorite teacher comedian Eddie B. returns to the main stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) with his "If These Classroom Walls Could Talk" tour on Friday, June 26, 2026. Showtime is 8:00pm.
The Hotspurs

The Hotspurs' Improv Troupe to Perform in Haddonfield

(HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- The Hotspurs bring their improv comedy troupe to Haddonfield Plays and Players for a performance on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are a South Jersey improv comedy troupe known for their sharp wit and the kind of unscripted chaos that only gets better with a live audience. No two shows are ever the same.

 

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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