Story by ELISSA McCRARY/Photos by JASON GETZ
For novice comedians Sandra Briggs and Robert Joseph, the reward outweighs any risk of standing on stage sharing funny stories with a crowd.
The comedy bug bit them both in 2016 shortly after meeting at a Toastmasters event. Months later, they decided to enroll in a series of comedy classes at Highwire Comedy Company.
Since then, Briggs, a human resources professional, and Joseph, a data scientist, have made the rounds in metro Atlanta performing open mic stand-up during local comedy nights. They recently founded RLJ Productions, under which they host professional comedians at Hudson Grille in Sandy Springs on the first Tuesday of the month. The show is held in a rear food and drink space that is separate from the main dining room.
“We haven’t been at this comedy thing very long,” Briggs says. “But it must be in our blood because we like it so much. It’s like a high-wire act. You’re up at the mic in front of people who are expecting you to entertain them. It’s definitely a high, and scary at the same time.”
Hudson Grille is one of several places serving up belly laughs.
The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre on Marietta Square features “Show Up, Go Up” open mic comedy performances in the Lumiere Lounge every Wednesday evening. Local up-and-coming comedians are welcome with no screening or audition required.
Host and local comedian Rik Wayne says fellow comic David Roper started the shows to help expand Atlanta’s comedy scene.
“People love to laugh,” Wayne says. “That’s a fact. There is usually standing room only for the comedy shows on Wednesdays. Doors open at 7 p.m., and we typically have [more than] 20 comics signed up for open mic.”
On Nov. 21, Wayne hosts the Strand’s third annual Pranksgiving show with a variety of professional comedians performing.
On occasion, the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta gets in on the comedy action. Tickets are currently on sale for Los Angeles-based funny man Avi Liberman’s two shows on Oct. 14. Liberman’s comic style blends life experiences with news and culture trends. The comedian founded Israel’s “Comedy for Koby” events, which presents popular comics in shows for local audiences and benefits family members whose loved ones were fatal victims of terrorism.
“We expect Avi Liberman to be a big draw” says Sandra Bass, JCC director of arts and culture.
The Punchline, Atlanta’s long-running comedy club. welcomes Alonzo Bodden on Aug. 9-11. The “Last Comic Standing” comedian has appeared on several TV shows including “Fresh Off the Boat,” “Dr. Ken” and “Californication.”
John Heffron of Comedy Central fame performs at the Punchline Aug. 23-25. Heffron is a familiar face appearing on “Collateral,” “Luther” and “The Loch” television series. Dan Soder, known to many as Mafee on Showtime’s “Billions,” is also scheduled to appear at the Punchline this fall.
The comedy club has been packing in crowds since 1982, first at its longtime home in Sandy Springs, and now in Buckhead, where the Punchline moved to in 2015.
Over the years, such legendary stars as Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor have performed on the Punchline stage.
Meanwhile, Briggs and Joseph say they’re looking forward to discovering where their venture into the world of comedy will take them.
“Comedy is a dance with you and the audience, with each night being different,” Joseph says. “What worked last night may need to be tweaked to work on a different night. When the dance clicks and you connect with the audience it is an amazing feeling.”
“Get Your Laugh On Comedy Show.” Hudson Grille. 6317 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. 404-554-8282. Rljproductions.com
“Show Up and Go Up” open mic. Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square, Marietta. 770-293-0080. earlsmithstrand.org
Avi Liberman. Oct. 14. The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. 678-812-4002. mjcca.com
Alonzo Bodden, John Heffron. The Punchline, 3652 Roswell Road, Atlanta. 404-252-5233. punchline.com
INSIDER TIPS
Comedy shows at the Strand Theatre are adults-only due to the off-the-cuff nature of comedy. Admission is for ages 21 or older.
Punchline co-owner Jamie Bendall started performing stand-up comedy in 1991, 20 years after being admitted to the New York State Bar. Bendall is a personal injury attorney with Bendall and Mednick Attorneys at Law.
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