Nationally-known acts looking forward to Holland Theatre debut
Four comedians slated to appear on the Holland Theatre stage this weekend are elated to be performing for a live audience once again following the pandemic hiatus, and also are looking forward to sharing their stand-up comedy in the unique theater atmosphere that the local venue offers.
The Roots Comedy Ramble with Mike Larsen is presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the theater, featuring well-known comedians Jeff Jena, Tiffany Barber and Brett Eastburn, each with different comedic styles and backgrounds. The comedy series continues for two additional Friday evenings during the summer with a variety of featured performers.
Larsen, who has traveled as a comedian himself and has served as a writer for a number of successful TV shows, is the curator of the series. He will serve as the host of the show, sharing his own comedy interspersed throughout the evening.
“Performing at the theater was one of the big draws for these talents,” he said Wednesday. “Folks might not realize how lucky they are to have a beautifully restored historic theater like this right in their own town. We’re hoping that people will take the time to re-discover the Holland Theatre during its re-opening.
“The last year has been a strange time for performers, who are used to being on the stage on a regular basis. Some have been able to do virtual shows via Zoom, but obviously, it’s just not quite the same.
“With the little bit of a break that we’ve had, I feel like we’re coming into this show energized and excited to provide the audience with a fun and entertaining evening.”
Larsen, an Emmy-nominated writer from California who now resides in the Columbus area, previously has served as a writer for TV shows such as The Drew Carey Show, Ellen, Two Guys & A Girl and Sabrina The Teenage Witch, and has made appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He said the comedians featured Friday night “each come from very different worlds, but are very funny people.”
The show’s curator related that Jeff Jena performs all over the world from his home base in Ohio. He has numerous national TV appearances, and a new comedy special “Old Dog, New Jokes” at drybarcomedy.com. The performer is widely respected by fellow comics for his joke writing and near-perfect delivery, and has been a mentor to many individuals in the industry, Larsen said.
“When I was up-and-coming in the world of comedy, Jeff had already made a name for himself, and he was so good to reach out to other performers to show us how to make it in the business.”
Larsen said he met the next featured performer, Tiffany “T-Barb” Barber, Detroit’s “Retired Hoodrat” as she calls herself, during a show in Michigan, and the two have been friends ever since.
“She is a fascinating woman with a unique story to tell from all of her life experiences. She is an author of two books and a former Child Protective Services agent; Tiffany has a whole lot to talk about.”
Barber’s talent in engaging her audience makes her as comfortable getting laughs at a Sunday church service as she is at a rowdy bar on a late-night Saturday show, promoters said.
The comedy host also related that audience members likely will recognize Brett Eastburn, who has made a number of appearances on TV and radio shows. He likes to say he was born with “no arms, no legs, and no handicaps.”
“Brett is such an upbeat guy and has toured as a comic for a long time. He offers a great point of view and his outlook on life is so inspiring and also hilarious,” Larsen said.
As for the “Ramble” portion of the series, the evening will conclude with offering the performers the chance to be on-stage together to collaborate.
“You hand four funny people a microphone and you never know what will happen,” Larsen said with a laugh. “One of the joys of being a comedian is sharing that time interacting on stage and back in the green room with others.”
Doors open at 7 p.m. for the show and concessions will be available. Tickets are available at www.thehollandtheatre.com at $25 each or $5 for youth tickets, or a special discount is offered for all three nights for the price of two.
The Roots Comedy Ramble series continues with new shows at 7:30 p.m. June 4 and July 9.
According to current health regulations, the Holland Theatre is able to host a capacity of 25 percent of its 604-seat auditorium, or approximately 150.
While attending shows, guests are encouraged to wear face coverings while entering and in common areas, but are permitted to remove their face coverings while at their seats, theater representatives said.