Now Appearing

Tuesday-Saturday
September 7-11

Bob Jay

with Feature Act
Jennifer Sheinberger

Funny Stop presents one of the most unique talents to cross our stage as Bobby Jay brings his "Voices In My Head" tour to Northeastern Ohio comedy fans.

Bobby's stand-up act, impersonations, and sound effects have recently lead him to open for Don McLean in Atlantic City, an appearance at the Los Angeles Friars Club, and the "Best Up and Coming Comic" award at Laff Across America.

Don't miss Bob Jay, who is making his only 2010 appearance on Tuesday through Saturday at the Funny Stop.

The "Ohio's Best Amateur Comedian" Contest at the Funny Stop which began in April has moved into its semi-final round.

The field of hundreds of contestants have been whittled down through the preliminary and quarter final elimination rounds, bringing us to a total of 25 remaining amateur comedians.

One group of 12 and another group of 13 competitors will face off as the openers during the next two Tuesday night's shows to see who will advance to the exclusive contest finals on its own special night, Monday, September 13th.

Advancing to the Tuesday, August 31st semi-finals are:

Joe Kawalchek, Liza Pierce, Matt Morgan, Willie Webb, Kyle Hanserst, Lewis Lasko, Nick Contaneze, Marty Drexter, Matt Karp, Patrick Brown, Mark Kawanzy, Spider Jones, and Eric the Great.

Advancing to the Tuesday, September 7th semi-finals are:

Dan Crosjean, Dominic Lionelle, Chris Mevetta, Chinaman, Ray Felton, Hunter Hudson, Luca Yaniro, Dr Jay, Alex Crad, Don Swekowsky, Tim Danko, and Yoo Simply Sam.

We invite you to come out and see the next generation of comedy, live on the Funny Stop's stage. Remember, audience reaction and audience support are key factors that the judges use to determine which of these amateur comedians advance through this round and into the competition's finals.

With a format very similar to the "Ohio's Best Amateur Comedian" Contest, the Funny Stop will offer a special competition on Wednesday nights beginning September 22nd, just for current or former emcees.

These contests will be used to advance one of these emcees up another rung on the comedy ladder, with the winner earning a position a week as a co-Feature performer in the future at the Funny Stop.

Three to four emcees will perform 10 to 15 minutes of "not too dirty" material each to lead off each of the Wednesday night shows during the competition.

During this contest, two emcees from each Wednesday night's performance will be selected to move to the next round of eliminations.

Contestants scheduled to perform as the show openers on Wednesday, September 22nd are Greg Smurdel, Justin Cash, and Shawn Boyd.

The Wednesday, September 29th contestants will be Mark Kowanzy, Kirk Robinson, Boyce Blancher, and Rodney Bankston.

Kicking off the show on Wednesday, October 6th will be Eric Talbot, Chris Menetta, Nick Contanese, and Ben Palmer.

Wednesday, October 13th will see Dan Swartz, Chris Clemmons, and Anthony Savatt opening the show.

The last preliminary round will be held on Wednesday, October 20th with Mike Scanlon, Prince James, and Oliver Gray.

As with the "Ohio's Best Amateur Comedian" contest, audience support and audience reaction will be one of the key factors our judges use to select those who advance to the next round.

Finding and developing the future stars of comedy has been the Funny Stop's legacy for more than two decades.

We appreciate the support from our audience's on Tuesday nights of the Amateur Comedian Contests and think that everyone will enjoy seeing the next level of performers battle for a chance to advance their comedy career with the upcoming Wednesday evening competition.

On Monday, April 19th the Funny Stop hosted the finals of its multi-month long "Ohio's Best Amateur Comedian" contest.

The finalists qualified by surviving 3 elimination rounds in the competition. Each presented their 5 minutes of material in front of the "standing room only" crowd in the Funny Stop showroom during the first ever, exclusive night for the contest finals.

Multi-time contest bridesmaid, Anthony Savatt was the unamanous choice of the panel of judges as the newest "Ohio's Best Amateur Comedian" at the Funny Stop.

Eric Keller, Anthony "Spider" Jones, Chinaman, and Chris Sinchock rounded out the top five finishers as judged by our panel and overall audience reaction.

Savatt will add his name to the trophy which saw Dan Schwartz, Bryan Birker, and co-champions Black and Brendon Biddlecombe who were the winners of the 3 contests which were held during 2009.

Congratulations to all of the amateurs who took the stage throughout the months of eliminations in the Funny Stop Comedy Club's "Ohio's Best Amateur Comedian" contest. They are welcome (along with any new entries) to participate in the next contest which has preliminary qualifying rounds being contested as the opening acts of each Tuesday night's shows at the Funny Stop.

If you have 5 minutes of clean material, contact Nidal at 330-923-4700 to be added to a future Tuesday night's open mic lineup.

Coming Up Next

Monday
September 13

THE FINALS!

Ohio's Best Amateur
Comedian Contest

Beginning clear back in April, hundreds of contestants have attempted to qualify for our contest which will crown "Ohio's Best Amateur Comedian".

Each and every Tuesday night over the past 6 months, to begin the evening's show at the Funny Stop, new fresh talent has taken the stage to show the audience what they have got.

Through this process, those showing great comedic promise have advanced while others were eliminated. Preliminary qualifying rounds led to 3 quarter-final and one pair of semi-final eliminations.

Those amateur comedians who have survived these 3 levels of eliminations will take the stage on Monday night, September 13th.

The quality of the presentation and quality of their 5 minutes of material combined with audience reaction will be the keys our panel of judges will use to select the newest "Ohio's Best Amateur Comedian".

Amateurs who qualified for the Finals through the Tuesday, August 31st semi-finals are:

Liza Pierce, Kyle Hambhurst, Nick Contanese, Matt Morgan, Joe Kowalcheck, Eric The Great, Spider Jones, and Marty Drexler.

The remainder of the amateur comedians who will take the stage in "The Finals" will be determined through the semi-final round on Tuesday, September 7th.

In addition to the material from all of our finalists, the Monday, September 13th show will also include a special appearance by headliner Faye Woodroof, "The Grandmother From Hell".

Be aware that the finals for the "Ohio's Best Amateur Comedian Contest" at the Funny Stop have sold out every time over the past few years. Do not run the risk of being turned away at the door. Get your reservations made today for the special, Monday, September 13th by calling the Funny Stop Comedy Club box office at 330-923-4700.

Be sure to ask your server for the evening's food and drink specials.

Over 20 Performers & Officials Took The Stage
During "A Toast To Mike Veneman" Fund Raiser

On Monday, January 18, 2010 the Funny Stop Comedy Club hosted "A Toast To Mike Veneman", a fund raising event to honor the longtime legend in Northeastern Ohio comedy who is currently battling ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease.

A huge audience was entertained and moved by the rapid fire comedy, sincere remembrances, previously untold stories, and governmental recognition during the bittersweet event which was highlighted by the more than 20 individuals who took the stage to honor Mike.

To see a full list of those who gave their time to appear at "A Toast To Mike Veneman" and to view several photos from the event, click HERE.

In tough economic times, who wouldn't jump at the chance to purchase an item valued at over $1,000 for less than $50 ???

With the introduction of the Funny Stop Comedy Club's 2010 VIP Card program, that is exactly what Northeastern Ohio comedy fans have the chance to do.

The Funny Stop's 2010 VIP Card offers FREE ADMISSION for the card member and one guest to any show on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday nights as well the 10:30 PM show on Fridays from January 1 through December 30, 2010.

A pair of regularly priced 10:30 PM Friday show tickets would run $20.00

Take this amount and multiply it times 52 weeks of the year and the Funny Stop 2010 VIP Card offers over $1,000 in savings during the year.

Beginning New Year's Day, the Funny Stop Comedy Club will offer the 2010 VIP Cards for sale for only $49.

THAT'S RIGHT! Only $49 for an opportunity to save over $1,000.

The Funny Stop Comedy Club 2010 VIP Card will be offered for purchase at the showroom door or by contacting the box office at 330-923-4700.

Exciting new programs like this are just one reason that the Funny Stop Comedy Club has been selected for back to back years by MyFoxCleveland's "Hot List" as the #1 Venue for Live Comedy in Northeastern Ohio.

Thanks To All Of The Talented Performers Who Appeared At Our 20th Anniversary Celebration

Back Row (L-R) Mike Scanlon, Stan Piatt, Mike Wypasek, Pete Barak, Mike Veneman, Mayor Don Robart, Todd, Charlie Weiner, Rodney Bengston, Marv Conner, Kirk Bogos, Mike Conley, and Bill Boronky.

Front Row (L-R) Stuart Warner, Dan Long, Tony Barak, Lucy Bebee, Lionel Hamilton, John Rathbone, Mike Gersh, and Tommy Chong.

Absent from picture: Kathy Dice and "The Real" John King.

Click here to sign up for our weekly e-Newsletter.

Subscribers receive notification of upcoming events, exclusive free and discounted ticket offers, as well other important information in our weekly Funny Stop E-Newsletters.

With back to back to back wins in the MyFoxCleveland "Hot List" competition as the best venue for Live Comedy in Northeastern Ohio it would be easy for the Funny Stop Comedy Club to rest on its laurels, but that is not the case.

Let's take a look at just some of the new things going on at the Funny Stop Comedy Club.

Stage View Bar

Since the move to our new location nearly 5 years ago, one element that our patrons have missed is a sit down bar within the club.

Well now the Funny Stop has brought back that old facility element and has taken it one better by providing a sit down bar with a view of the stage.

Whether it be before, during, or after the live comedy show, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of our Stage View bar area.

Drink specials are offered after each evening's comedy show and a special Ladies Night promotion is offered every Thursday night as well.

It is getting more and more difficult for groups and organizations to find facilities to host their gatherings, meetings, reunions, etc.

Stepping in to fill that void, the Funny Stop now offers its showroom for such activities on mornings and afternoons, seven days a week as well as on most Sunday and Monday evenings.

Groups of up to nearly 200 will enjoy our open floor plan and elevated stage area.

Limited use of audio/visual equipment as well as food and beverage service are also available.

For more details, available dates, pricing, and to make your reservation, contact Nidal at 330-923-4700.

Do you know someone who needs an evening out on the town?

Do you have a relative or friend who is hard to by for?

No matter the circumstance, look no further than Gift Certificates from the Funny Stop Comedy Club to fill that need.

Funny Stop gift certificates spend just like cash so use them for admission the show, to enjoy a delicious meal or snack, or even to enjoy the beverage of choice.

To purchase a Funny Stop gift certificate, contact our box office at 330-923-4700.

Don't forget that the Funny Stop now offers a "VIP Card". Check out the full details of this program in the article found elsewhere on this page.