‘Light Up the Holland’ comedy show proceeds benefit marquee fund
Bellefontaine was a safe haven and helped to provide a whole new life in America for city native George Kun, who immigrated here with his mother from Iron Curtain-era Hungary after their narrow escape from the Communist-ruled country in 1956.
When he was just 6 years old, he said he and his mother left the country on a train by hiding inside of a coffin.
“We narrowly escaped the Russian border patrol,” he said. “It didn’t work out that well for everyone. We’re some of the lucky ones.”
Kun and his mother then lived in a refugee camp for three years, while waiting on immigration papers to the U.S., with the help of his mother’s relative, Bellefontaine resident Henry Wise.
The owner of Wolfheim’s department store also sponsored their trip to the U.S. and would then help the pair get settled in Bellefontaine as well.
“Cousin Henry, as I called him, was one of the kindest, gentlest souls around,” Kun said.
“The town embraced us; there were a lot of warm and welcoming gifts. That sticks in my heart and in my mind.”
Kun first attended Southeastern Elementary School, and later attended Bellefontaine High School, where he played football and wrestled. Since his graduation from BHS in 1968 and then The Ohio State University, his life has taken him on many exciting adventures around the globe, as the 34-year owner of George Kun Travel Inc.
More recently, the Columbus area resident is working in a new venture as the COO of Contagious Comedy, alongside the CEO and founder, his comedian daughter Nicholle Kun of New York City.
Contagious Comedy has taken on a dedicated purpose, not only to make people laugh, but to do so for a good cause, raising money for various charitable organizations and communities.
Kun said he was quick to jump on board for an upcoming opportunity and local partnership — a Light Up the Holland with Contagious Comedy show slated for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at the Holland Theatre.
Proceeds from the show benefit the Holland’s ongoing marquee fund, dedicated to bringing back the iconic theater marquee that was removed in the 1950s due to code changes.
“We are so enthusiastic and excited about this show and the cause behind it,” said Kun, a former ‘Bellefontaine Examiner’ paper boy. “Bellefontaine is in my soul; it is very important to me. It’s a rich piece of history for me.
“I think the Holland is a gem; It’s a gorgeous theater. Lighting up the Holland, it’s personal to me. I remember coming to the Holland Theatre as a youngster. It was a safe place that Henry Wise brought me on one particular occasion that sticks in my memory.”
Tickets were selling steadily for the show in recent weeks. With the very recent announcement that a “special guest” will be making a surprise appearance at the show, tickets are now sold out as of this weekend, according to the theater’s website, thehollandtheatre.org.
Security checkpoints for the evening will include a metal scan and bag search, and it also will be a phone-free event. Audience members will be provided with a locked pouch in which to store their phones for the duration of the show.
While the special guest’s name has not been revealed, the show’s headliner is Steven Scott, who has showcased his tasteful, hilarious comedy on Comedy Central, America’s Got Talent and more. Scott has a real talent for impersonations and musical instruments and he travels the cruise ship circuits, Kun noted.
Scott is joined on the stage by fellow Friars Club member Nicholle Kun, a regular on the NYC major Comedy Club circuit, performing and producing at Gotham Comedy Club, Comic Strip Live, Stand Up NY and Broadway Comedy Club to name a few. She has also emceed her own Contagious Comedy Productions under the “You’ll want to catch it” theme and produced her podcast, “Contagious Comedy Podcast.”
Columbus radio personality Dino Tripodis hosts the show. He also hosts a hilarious, award-winning podcast, Whiskey Business, Kun noted, along with being a stand-up comedian for 30 years, published writer and film maker.
Recently sold-out Contagious Comedy shows also have taken place throughout Ohio, benefitting charitable organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House.
“It’s very fulfilling when you produce a world-class show,” Kun said. “I feel like life has to have a purpose and I want to fulfill that. I try to leave a positive step.”
Thinking back to his early days escaping Hungary, Kun considers himself very fortunate. In 2015, he lead an elite travel group back to his birthplace of Budapest.
“I left Hungary in a coffin, and came back years later as a businessman. It was a very emotional trip. I got to visit the apartment where my family used to life.
“I’ve been very blessed in my life and in business, but I always remember my hometown. Bellefontaine was part of my formative years of friendship and being part of a community.”