PORT TOWNSEND — A foursome of Seattle standup comics are planning to carpool over to The Upstage for an unusual event this Wednesday.
Brad Upton, a nationally touring comedian who regularly opens for Joan Rivers, plus Jen Seaman, Derek Sheen and Phil Fox will converge on Port Townsend for the evening — and donate their services to benefit The Upstage, the downtown theater that has had a bit of a financial struggle.
They will dish out a good 90 minutes of comedy, promised promoter Steve Strout.
Show time is 8 p.m., and the cover charge $10 at the door of the venue at 923 Washington St.
Strout, operator of Olympic Peninsula Comedy, is collaborating with Upstage owner Mark Cole to put together the show; they plan on covering the comics’ ferry fare and such, but they’re not charging their usual fees, Strout said.
Keep Upstage open
As a promoter of numerous comedy shows at The Upstage through the year, Strout said he’s eager to do what he can to keep it open.
“I love the place,” he said. “They bring in top musical acts, including Grammy winners” such as blues singers Rory Block and Alvin Youngblood Hart.
That the four comedians are traveling out here to give free performances also says a lot, Strout added.
Meantime, Cole is developing his plan to turn The Upstage’s arts and entertainment aspect into a 501(c)3 nonprofit. A number of the performers who come to the venue also offer music lessons or workshops, he said.
That makes The Upstage an educational venue, thus eligible for nonprofit status.
The Upstage will be holding fundraisers like Wednesday’s comedy night a couple of times each month, Cole added.
The next is set for Dec. 15, and will feature jazz vocalist Robin Bessier and guitarist Skip Morris, along with a special dinner menu, Cole said.
Fundraisers hosted
The theater also hosts fundraisers for neighboring organizations such as the Key City Public Theatre and Brainstorm for Education, an alternative education program (www.BrainstormforEducation.com).
The Brainstorm benefit is slated for Dec. 8.
As for Wednesday’s comedy show, it’s an all-ages event, though parents are asked to exercise discretion since the comedians like to mix in decidedly adult material.
Cole, however, feels some hilarity is just right for the holiday season; this is a time of year, he believes, when we could all use a laugh.
“There are so many people who are challenged right now, in many ways,” Cole said.
“Comedy, to me, is the most difficult performance art. To have all of these people come forth and give us their best,” he added, “is wonderful.”
More details about this and other
shows at The Upstage during December are at 360-385-2216 and http://UpstageRestaurant.com.
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-417-3550 or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.