Newport Summer Comedy Series » Shows

Joan Rivers on Saturday, July 7th

SethResler — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:59:27 +0000

Joan Rivers is a force of nature and one of the hardest-working celebrities in the world. An entertainment legend of unparalleled accomplishment and talent, she’s an internationally renowned comedienne, Emmy-winning television talk show host, Tony-nominated actress, best-selling author, playwright, screenwriter, motion picture director, columnist, lecturer, syndicated radio host, jewelry designer and cosmetic company entrepreneur, red carpet fashion laureate, businesswoman — and most importantly, a proud mother and grandmother.

Joan has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning more than four decades in the entertainment industry and beyond, and as her recent accomplishments reveal, she’s as robust and hard working as ever. She currently appears on E! Entertainment Television hosting the network’s popular franchise Fashion Police covering red carpet style for the annual awards season, as well as hosting E!’s popular Fashion Police weekly series. From hot new trends to red carpet risks, Rivers takes viewers through a complete recap of the week’s celebrity fashion ultimately deciding who sizzled and who fizzled.

After 2 successful seasons, Joan continues to take over the TV reality circuit with her daughter Melissa in their weekly series on WEtv, called Joan and Melissa: Joan Knows Best? This ultimate mother/daughter duo address the question plaguing daughters since the beginning of time: does mother really know best?
Her 11th book, I Hate Everyone…Starting With Me published by The Penguin Group is set to hit book stores June 2012. Rivers also appears regularly in Las Vegas at the Venetian Showroom.

In 2011, Joan became the GoDaddy girl for GoDaddy.com. The commercial premiered during Super Bowl XLII to thousands of viewers nationwide. Her critically acclaimed documentary, Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work premiered in theater’s nationwide summer of 2010 and is now available on DVD.

In 2009, she starred in NBC’s hit reality series The Celebrity Apprentice along with her daughter Melissa where she emerged as the Season Two winner. She also celebrated the publication of two critically received, best-selling books: Men Are Stupid and They Like Big Boobs: A Woman’s Guide to Beauty Through Plastic Surgery and Murder at the Academy Awards: A Red Carpet Murder Mystery, both published by Simon & Schuster. She received a Daytime Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Bubbe in PBS’ award-winning animated children’s series Arthur, gave life to the character, Dot Matrix in the animated series, Spaceballs in 2008, played an eccentric aunt in two seasons of IFC’s popular mockumentary series Z Rock, and wowed audiences at The Udderbelly in London with her comedy show Unplugged and Uncensored.

Also in 2009, the iconic funny woman was roasted and honored in The Comedy Central Roast of Joan Rivers. That year also marked the debut of her TV Land reality show, How’d You Get So Rich?, which took a candid look at the extravagant lifestyles of fabulously rich entrepreneurs and innovators. The show ran for two seasons.

Joan Rivers is a true pioneer: she created her own brand of irreverent, unconventional comedy and forged her remarkable rise to stardom in the entertainment world. Enduring humiliation and deprivation for nearly a decade playing tawdry clubs, Borscht Belt hotels, and Greenwich Village cabarets (“I was insanely persistent,” she says.), her career skyrocketed in 1968 when she appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Within three years she was hosting That Show with Joan Rivers, one of the first syndicated daytime shows. She soon made television history as the first sole guest host of The Tonight Show. Her own The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers helped launch the Fox Network in 1986. In 1989, she returned to daytime television with The Joan Rivers Show, winning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host and her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Dennis Miller on Saturday, July 14th

SethResler — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:25:41 +0000

It’s been said that Dennis Miller is “One of the premiere comedy talents in America today…” While others are blunt assessing Miller’s comedic stature, Dennis himself makes a virtue of understatement, but there is nothing low key about his career.

Miller is a five-time Emmy award winner for his critically acclaimed half-hour, live talk show “Dennis Miller Live” which had a nine year run on HBO. He also wrote and starred in the Emmy-nominated cable comedy special “Raw Feed”, his sixth such special. He was the host and executive producer of CNBC’s “Dennis Miller”, a topical interview talk show featuring reasoned discourse, opinion and humor. Additionally, Miller has appeared on many politically oriented television talk shows.

He has also been cast in films, usually in dramatic roles, most notably in 1994′s “Disclosure,” 1995′s “The Net,” and 1996′s “Murder at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.”

In October 2001, HarperCollins published the fourth edition of Miller’s popular rants, “The Rant Zone,” now out in paperback. Miller’s previous books, “I Rant Therefore I Am;” “Ranting Again” and “The Rants” have all been New York Times best sellers. For two seasons, Miller called the plays alongside Al Michaels and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts on ABC’s “Monday Night Football.” He was also the “Weekend Update” correspondent on “Saturday Night Live” for six years, before exiting in 1991. He has yet to appear in a show with the words, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday in the title.

Over the years, Miller has become both a public and critical favorite. The New York Times said, “Mr. Miller is exquisitely attuned to contemporary foibles…his material can be scathing, his delivery low key…Mr. Miller reaches a bit farther than most comedians for the scorching comment…this smart aleck has an uncommonly sharp eye…” and The Hollywood Reporter called his most recent special, “an hour of topical, scathing brilliance that helps cement Miller’s status as the Lenny Bruce of the new millennium…the most cerebral, astute and clever standup ever to put mouth to microphone.”

Bill Burr on Sunday, July 15th

SethResler — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:30:48 +0000

Bill Burr is an American comedian or a comedian from the North American Union, depending on when you read this. He grew up outside of Boston, Massachusetts and did fairly poorly in school, despite the fact that he applied himself.

Having first gained notoriety for his reoccurring role on the second season of Chappelle’s Show, Burr has gone on to become a regular performer on the Late Show with David Letterman and to have his very own HBO Half Hour Special.

Bill’s most recent project was an hour-long comedy special entitled: “Why Do I Do This?” that aired on Comedy Central, and is now available in stores and on this web site.

Bill co-hosts his own XM radio show, “Uninformed”, with fellow comedian Joe DeRosa.

Bill is against organized religion and believes we should go back to the gold standard for our currency. None of his opinions are based on any sort of reliable information. He tends to go with his first thought, because reading makes him sleepy.

In the future Bill hopes to get married, have some kids, and get a dog. But until then, he will continue to spend most of his mid-afternoons sitting in his sweatpants learning AC/DC songs on his SG.

Seth Meyers on Friday, July 20th

SethResler — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:56:29 +0000

Seth Meyers is in his eleventh season as a cast member of Saturday Night Live and his sixth season as both head writer and “Weekend Update” anchor.

As the sole “Weekend Update” anchor, Meyers charms audiences as he lampoons top news stories and entertains fan favorite guests including the outlandish and über trendy correspondent “Stefon” as well as the perpetually ill-prepared singing duo “Garth and Kat.” Before focusing his attention solely on “Update,” Meyers was a regular player in sketches, performing numerous characters.

A graduate of Northwestern University, he studied and performed at ImprovOlympic (where many SNL cast members and writers got their start) before moving on to the Boom Chicago Theater in Amsterdam, Holland. His acclaimed show “Pick-ups and Hiccups” with partner Jill Benjamin toured Europe and eventually caught the eye of “SNL.”

Most recently, Meyers returned to host the 2011 ESPY Awards on ESPN and headlined the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner to rave reviews.

Lisa Lampanelli on Sunday, July 22nd

SethResler — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:00:13 +0000

Lisa Lampanelli is Comedy’s Lovable Queen of Mean. Heralded as “more than a standup — a standout,” by comedy legend Jim Carrey, Lampanelli is a cross between Don Rickles, Archie Bunker, and a vial of estrogen. She even won accolades from The King of All Media Howard Stern, who called her “a true original and a brilliant comedy mind who’ll steal the show every time.”

This equal opportunity offender is a regular on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and Howard Stern’s Sirius satellite radio shows. Her rise to the top of the comedy food chain began in 2002 when she was the only female comedian invited to skewer Chevy Chase on the NY Friars Club Roast on Comedy Central. She soon became one of the few white comedians to perform on BET’s “Comic View,” cementing her huge crossover appeal. A year later, she rocked Comedy Central once again in her back-to-back appearances on “Premium Blend” and on the enormously rated “Roast of Jeff Foxworthy” — again, the only female invited to roast the man of honor.

Lisa appeared on Comedy Central’s “Last Laugh 2005″ and her headlining performances on the Comedy Central roasts of Pamela Anderson and William Shatner, among others, received national attention. Lisa’s 2005 one-hour special, “Take It Like a Man,” was a hit with the comedy network yet again, and the CD and the DVD of the same name hit #6 on the comedy charts. Then, in January 2007, Lisa’s second one-hour special, “Dirty Girl,” debuted on Comedy Central and Warner Bros. Records, and reached #4 on the charts. Soon thereafter, “Dirty Girl” was nominated for a Grammy Award for 2007′s Best Comedy Album of the Year. Lisa has also taped several specials for VH1, MTV, and CMT, and was featured on the “Best of” episode of Comedy Central’s “Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn.”

WARNING: Video contains explicit language.

Ralphie May on Sunday, July 29th

SethResler — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:32:42 +0000

ON SALE FRIDAY, MAY 18TH AT NOON. Voted one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch,” Ralphie May just ﬁlmed his record-setting fourth one-hour special for Comedy Central, proving that his relatable comedic genius is in higher demand than ever. “Too Big To Ignore” was ﬁlmed at the beautiful Pabst Theatre in Milwaukee and premiered on March 4th to impressive ratings and was released on May 1st on from Image Entertainment.

Since his debut on season one of “Last Comic Standing,” audiences can’t get enough of the larger than life comedian. Ralphie has a proven track record of selling out multiple shows in 1,500 to 3,000 seat venues. He has a no nonsense point of view and the ability to connect with a diverse audience by pointing out society’s hypocrisies. Ralphie doesn’t shy away from touchy topics or ethnic jokes, nor does he bite his tongue when society suggests, because he sincerely believes that as long as what he’s saying is true, people need to hear it.

Born on February 17, 1972 in Chattanooga, Tennessee and raised in Clarksville, Arkansas, Ralphie was one of four kids raised by his single mom. At the age of seventeen he won a contest to open for his idol, Sam Kinison. He later moved to Houston to develop his comedy routine, at Kinison’s suggestion. “All the comics I’ve ever admired, whether it be Kinison, Lenny Bruce, Buddy Hackett or Richard Pryor, all share a commonality,” says May. “They’re a tour de force. When they speak, there’s no room for rebuttal. They’ve thought it all out. Even the pros and cons of their argument, they raise openly and debate in the midst of their conversation and it’s a beautiful thing to watch.”

On the small screen, Ralphie has worked as a writer and producer on ESPN’s “Mohr Sports” starring Jay Mohr and performed stand-up on numerous late night talk shows including four appearances on CBS’s “The Late Late Show w/ Craig Kilborn” as well as eleven appearances on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” He has appeared on “The Man Show” and MTV’s “Bash” as well as guest-starred on NBC’s “Whoopie.” As if that’s not enough, he’s also one of a handful of comedians to have received a standing ovation on “The Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno.”

When he’s not on the road, Ralphie divides his time between Nashville and Los Angeles with his beautiful wife Lahna, their two wonderful dogs Pimp and Hoochie Mama, and their two children, April June May and August James May. He contributes much of his time and energy to helping others. Since establishing a residence in Nashville, he has been actively involved with the 100 Club of Nashville, various youth organizations and the Humane Society.

Bob Marley on Thursday, August 9th

SethResler — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:17:54 +0000

Celebrating 15 years as a stand-up comic, Bob Marley is one of the hottest and most sought-after comedians in the country. He has been featured in his own special on Comedy Central, and is one of the few comics to do the complete late- night TV circuit: “The Late Show” with David Letterman, “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, “Late Night” with Conan O’Brien and “The Late Late Show” with Craig Ferguson and Craig Kilborn.

Marley, a Maine native and University of Maine at Farmington graduate, uses biographical and observational material for his high-energy routines. He began his career in his hometown of Portland, and then moved to Boston to gain experience in a city known for spawning comedy all-stars.

A regular at the Aspen and Montreal comedy festivals, Marley was named one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch,” Marley has also appeared in several films, including the cult favorite, “Boondock Saints.” The peripatetic Marley works nonstop throughout the country, in such cities as Los Angles, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., Boston, New York and Denver.

After living in Los Angles for several years, he, his wife and three children have returned to Maine to live.

Jim Breuer on Thursday, August 16th

SethResler — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:10:52 +0000

Prior to gaining national notoriety, Jim Breuer was a stand-out talent on the little-known Uptown Comedy Club weekly television show, based out of Harlem, New York. Subsequently, Jim Breuer first rose to fame as a cast member of Saturday Night Live from 1995 to 1998. On SNL, Breuer’s characters included “Goat Boy” (who hosted the fictional MTV program “Hey, Remember the 80s?”) and Glen Henderson, the elder brother to Chris Kattan’s Todd Henderson/Azrael Abyss character in the “Goth Talk” skits. He has previously guest starred in Home Improvement. That appearance gave way to the short-lived sitcom Buddies. He was originally scheduled to have been the co-star alongside friend and co-worker Dave Chappelle, but was pulled from the role after filming the pilot.

Among his impersonations was that of actor Joe Pesci, who hosted his own talk show, often accompanied by Colin Quinn playing fellow actor Robert De Niro. In a 1997 episode of the program, both Pesci and De Niro made surprise appearances to “confront” Breuer.

Jim Breuer has also hosted several “Premium Blends” on Comedy Central as well as several appearances on other comedy shows.

Jim Breuer hosted the third season of the VH1 show Web Junk 20. The season began on November 17, 2006. He replaced Patrice O’Neal, who hosted the first two seasons of the show.

In 2002, Jim Breuer’s first one-hour Comedy Central special, “Hardcore,” premiered. The same year, he released a comedy album titled Smoke ‘n’ Breu.

On July 25, 2009, Jim Breuer’s second one-hour Comedy Central special, “Let’s Clear the Air,” premiered and came in as one of the highest rated comedy specials in Comedy Central’s history.

Jim Breuer currently appears in Pizza Hut commercials, advertising the cheese crust-filled pizzas using the catch phrase, “Jackpot!”

Also, Breuer starred in the VH1 documentary “When Metallica Ruled the World” where he commented on the songs by Metallica through the years.
Radio career

Breuer was a sit-in comedian on the Opie and Anthony Show for many years during their WNEW tenure. “Breuer Bits” were often played whenever the show was on hiatus.[citation needed] With the XM/Sirius merger complete, Breuer returned to the Opie and Anthony Show for the first time in six years on August 8, 2008.[6] He remains a frequent guest.

Breuer is the host of Fridays with Jim Breuer, (previously known as Breuer Unleashed) which can be heard each Friday afternoon from 4-6PM (EST) on the Sirius Satellite Radio channel “Raw Dog Comedy.” He credits Joe Pesci with jump starting his career as he mentions in his comedy concert “Hardcore”. One show, while Breuer was singing the classic Judas Priest song “Devil’s Child,” Rob Halford “The Metal God,” singer of Judas Priest, entered the studio still with his coat on and sang with him.[7]

He appeared on The Howard Stern Show on August 19, 2010 as Joe Pesci for the entirety of the show with the exception of the news.

Kevin Hart on Friday, August 24th

SethResler — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:39:57 +0000

ON SALE FRIDAY, MAY 4TH AT NOON. Kevin Hart is electrifying. Stardom radiates from him like a New York billboard as he lights up the stage and side swaps his audience with his unique comedic humor.

Kevin has filmed three hour-long stand-up specials: “Grown Little Man,” “Seriously Funny” and “Laugh at My Pain.” Riding the wave of his “Laugh at My Pain” 90-city tour, the most successful comedy concerts in history with over $15,000,000 in ticket sales, the film version of the mega hit, “Laugh at My Pain,” hit theaters on September 9, 2011.

In addition, Kevin has an exciting, new mobile app, LITTLE JUMPMAN, now available for download at the Apple App Store and can be purchased through iTunes, or directly on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. LITTLE JUMPMAN is a vertically-challenged game of skill that will make you laugh and cry with Kevin as he reaches for the sky. It’s addictive and hilarious. Additionally, Kevin’s YouTube video channel, Twitter and Facebook updates are at your fingertips 24/7 right in the App as well. Fans will race against the clock to earn points and progress to the next level.

Undaunted by his chances of being accepted on the “tough” comedy circuit, Kevin debuted on amateur night at a Philadelphia comedy club. The audience welcomed him into their hearts and Hart was hooked. Kevin quit his job as a shoe salesman for an athletic shoe store chain and began chasing his dream of becoming a star. Comedy swims through his bloodstream right along side red and white cells.

His biggest break came when he landed the lead role in “Soul Plane” which flew him onto the big screen. He has since landed roles in “Scary Movie 4,” “In the Mix” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “Fools Gold” and “Meet Dave.”

Kevin has the uncanny ability to flip the proverbial script and integrate his comedic routines to fit the audience. Whether he is entertaining a group of bank presidents at a charity fund-raiser for the United Way or screaming and shouting over a college rock band, he always leaves his audience feeling satisfied and wanting more.

Gabriel Iglesias on Thursday, August 30th

SethResler — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:29:34 +0000

Gabriel Iglesias has been described as unbelievably funny, electrifying, and a gifted performer who has the ability to consistently deliver a quality comedy experience in every venue he performs in. His high-octane show is a hilarious mixture of storytelling, parodies, characters and sound effects that bring all his personal issues to life. Gabe’s clean, animated comedy style has earned national crossover appeal. Ask anyone who has seen him in concert and you will probably hear the same thing, “He was so funny!”

Known as the “fluffy” comic in a Hawaiian shirt, the 33-year old funny man often riffs about his girthy middle – whether it’s talking about how little dancing it takes for him to work up a sweat at the nightclub, or how hearing his girlfriend coo the words “chocolate cake” over the telephone works for him like phone sex, he evokes laughter.

Gabriel’s mass appeal opened the door to a rare opportunity to film a second one hour special and DVD. The new special entitled “I’m Not Fat… I’m Fluffy” Live from El Paso premiered on Comedy Central November 8, 2009. The new show is packed with a perfect blend of impeccable voice skills and an uncanny knack for hilarious storytelling that Gabe is known for. His vast imitative skills re-create numerous sound effects from speeding cars to microwave ovens to a plethora of dead-on voices. The new special is destine to top his previous hugely successful Special/DVD “Hot & Fluffy”.

Gabriel’s credits include; “Last Comic Standing”, ABC’s “My Wife & Kids,” Showtime’s “Resurrection Boulevard,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Good Morning America,” “The Late Late Show,” FOX TV’s “The Family Guy,” “Showtime at the Apollo” and BET’s “Comic View.”