(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Janelle James, who stars in the scene-stealing role of "Ava Coleman" in the Emmy-nominated ABC comedy series Abbott Elementary, performs an evening of stand-up comedy at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Janelle James continues to receive accolades for her performance in Abbott Elementary, now in its 5th season, including a 2026 Critic's Choice win for "Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series," four consecutive Emmy nominations for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series”, as well as nominations for Golden Globe, Independent Spirit, and Gotham Awards. James also earned the 2023 NAACP Image Award for “Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series,” nominations for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 NAACP Image Awards for “Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series,” and three nominations for the Television Critics Association Award for “Individual Achievement in Comedy.” Up next, James will be filming her highly anticipated Netflix Comedy Special.
Previously, James served as both a writer and actor for Showtime’s Black Monday, and Apple’s animated series, Central Park. Her stand-up career has seen her tour with Chris Rock, Amy Schumer, and David Cross, among others. James’ latest stand-up special is featured in Season 3 of Netflix’s The Stand Ups. Her comedic chops have seen her featured as one of Variety's Top Ten Comedians to Watch in 2020, and a "New Face" at the Just For Laughs Festival Montreal in 2016 while also being named one of The 50 Most Funny People in Brooklyn in the same year. Her debut comedy album, Black and Mild, was released on all major streaming networks in 2017 to rave reviews.
Tickets range from $45-$79 (all fees included) and are available for purchase online or by calling 973-539-8008 starting Friday, May 22 at 10:00:00am. Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is located at 100 South Street in Morristown, New Jersey. Note: MayoArts.Org is the only authorized site for tickets for the Janelle James performance.
James’ hosting duties have included the 2023 Writers Guild of America Awards and the 2022 ABC game show, The Final Straw. She also took over the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival, now known as the Janelle James Comedy Festival in Brooklyn.
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2026-2027 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.
