Opener: Ben Polom
Ben Polom is a local and must see comedian in the Rhode Island and east coast circuit. Born in Australia, this Stanford drop out takes his unique views of life to the stage. Entertaining crowds in RI, NY, Philadelphia, Boston, and Tennessee, Ben is determined to have people rolling on the floor at each of his shows.
Featuring: Lauren Sims
Lauren Sims started her comedy career by taking a leap of faith and signing up for a class at Laugh Boston. Her teacher was renown Boston comic Tony V. From there it was three levels of classes and some of her first open mics. She was on a role with her first guest spot at Nick's Comedy Stop! Then one week later, BAM! Covid hit Boston and then the world. As she hibernated with the rest of humanity, she wrote bits and connected with other comics via social media. When the world started to open up again, she started to reach out to bookers and was able to get some of her first shows. She's worked with Scamps Comedy Productions, John Perrotta's Comedy Factory and has been working in MA, RI, CT and ME. This is Lauren's second time performing at the playhouse and is excited to be back.
Headlining: Joanna Rapoza
Joanna Rapoza dove into stand-up comedy in 2011, appearing at Caroline's on Broadway and other top NYC venues, such as Greenwich Village Comedy Club and New York Comedy Club; sharing the stage with national headliners Vince August, Sam Morrill and Darrell Hammond of SNL fame. In 2020, Joanna relocated to Providence, RI, where she’s long been appearing with “The Don Rickles of Rhode Island,” John Perrotta, and his “Comedy Factory.” She also performs throughout New England, where she has shared the stage with Boston favorite Chris Tabb and the legendary comedian and film star Lenny Clarke. In 2017, Joanna received an honorarium from Eastern Connecticut State University, and was asked to be a guest lecturer for a credited liberal arts college course on the topic of women in comedy. Sometimes she gets in touch with her inner granny by donning a white wig and doing stand-up as a cool old crone named Grace Whitestone. No matter how she’s dressed, though, audiences love the smart and ribald humor of Joanna Rapoza.
Opener: Melissa Day
Melissa Day is a lifelong Rhode Island resident who came to the comedy stage later in life after taking John Perotta’s Comedy Factory course. She has been busy making up for lost time performing frequently at mics and shows across Rhode Island.
Featuring: Latasha Hughes
Latasha Hughes a native of Worcester Massachusetts a comedian, producer,and Wellness Coach. Her electric smile and charismatic personality will make you chuckle at her life experiences as a divorced mother of five. She will keep you laughing at her disastrous middle aged dating episodes; telling it like it is Latasha a 2019 Wootnanny Comedy Festival performer has performed in comedy clubs across New England/Tri state area. Popular New York Comedy clubs to include Greenwich Village and Broadway, this former Unity In The Community radio personality at UNITY RADIO 97.7 FM Worcester has also performed at Club Comix of the Mohegan Sun Casino in CT. Latasha has been featured on two television shows CCVT Cambridge/Cambridge Comedy Underground TV and Topic Time with Blake Young Harrison, recipient of the 2020 Women In Action (WIA) Certificate of Excellence for excellent execution of the Strength, Empowerment and Recognition of Contributions to her community. She was also awarded a Mayoral certificate by (WIA) 2020 for Empowering the Everyday Woman in Developing and Achieving Her Life Goals. Sharing her talents knowledge and ambition with others has lead Latasha to be an Inspiration to many.
Headlining: Grandma Martha
Grandma Martha has been entertaining audiences young and old since her early days in Vaudeville. Also worked in radio, USO tours and the Catskills. Now at an age when most retire, she still performs for Senior crowds and the occasional nighttime show. You’ll love her quick wit, wisdom and rapid fire jokes.
Opener: D. Bo
D. Bo (David Beausoleil) was born and raised in Northeast Connecticut. He began chasing his dream of being a stand up comic in 2023. He has performed on the stages of comedy clubs such as The Funnybone and Comix Roadhouse at Mohegan Sun Casino. His daughter is his inspiration and motivation to take the stage and microphone!
Featuring: Brett Davey
Brett Davey is a Rhode Island-based comic who is desperately trying to get back to the level of comfort he felt as a child wearing sweater vests his mom crocheted for him. Brett performs on comedy stages from the Alley Theater in Middleboro, MA, to The Pump House Music Works in Wakefield, RI. He also hosts his own comedy shows. Brett is a regular with Funny4Funds and John Perrotta's Comedy Factory. He has opened for leading New England comics like Chris Tabb, James Dorsey, Bill Simas, and Boston comedy legend Tony V. You can find Brett on Instagram @brett_davey_comedy
Headlining: Jay Are Adams
As an educator, musician, comedian, actor, and military veteran, Jay Are strives to create art that entertains and makes a positive impact on the world. His love of music started with singing in his church's youth choir, which he later directed. Started playing the saxophone in middle school. Later went on to play trombone, tuba, trumpet, in addition to playing upright bass for the Beverly Hills Junior Philharmonic. As a comedian, was featured on Kevin Hart’s “Hart of the City” Season 2 on Comedy Central, and helped to raise over $6 million as branch manager and performer for Funny4Funds, a national comedy night fundraising organization. Jay Are has a BA in Business Administration from Trident University and a MA in Theatre Education from Emerson College.