A Night of Laughter: Comedy show, fundraiser returns to Uniontown
The State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown is shown. COVID-19 concerns forced the cancellation of one of this year's shows, but the second, hopefully, will be presented in the fall.
Uniontown native Joel Richardson’s goal is to provide locals with a chance to kick back, relax and enjoy a high-caliber comedy show.
They’ll have a chance to do so Saturday as the State Theatre in Uniontown hosts “A Night of Laughter.”
“It’s always been important to bring the show to Uniontown without having to go all the way to New York City — I bring the show to Uniontown,” Richardson said, noting that two of the headlining comics regularly perform in NYC.
“There’s always something new that happens during the comedy show at the State Theatre in Uniontown,” he added. “It’s a fun crowd for the comedians to perform in front of. It’s an energy exchange and the comedians know it’s a special event.”
This event’s headliners are KC Arora, Teddy Smith and James Mattern, the latter of which hasn’t been to the Uniontown area in over a year.
Mattern is known for his work on “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” “That’s My Time” and “Nights with Mary.”
Arora and Smith are brand new to the Uniontown area, Richardson said.
Based out of New York, Arora has made a number of appearances on television, including a comedy set for Gothom Comedy Live on AXS TV last year. He also recently appeared on FOX’s Punchlines in Aug. 2017, according to his website.
Smith, also out of NYC, has frequented comedy clubs and festivals in his time, though most recently appeared on Comedy Central, Showtime and Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show” website.
In addition to the headliners, the event will also include a musical performance by local band Martyr Kanin. Richardson said it’s a reunion of sorts, as it’s their first time playing together since lead singer Michael Miskanin had a child.
“Over the past 10 years, I’ve built a fan base in Uniontown, having so many relatives, friends and now fans in the area,” Richardson said.
“Soul Joel Productions embraces the historic State Theatre as its only venue in the Uniontown area,” Richardson said in regards to his namesake production company. “There is something special in the air in a theater setting! Whether it’s the band or comedians, the performers feed off the energy from the crowd.”
The night isn’t just about the acts on stage, though. It’s also a chance to give back to the community that Richardson and so many attendees call home.
Richardson said the show will benefit local charities in Fayette County.
“It feels good to give back through the power of laughter,” he said, adding that about half of his shows during the year are fundraisers.
Overall, Richardson said he hopes people will come and enjoy three high-caliber comedians and a local music group for what’s bound to be an enjoyable evening.
“To anyone that missed the show at the end of January, now is your chance,” he said. “Everyone was talking about the last show, that it was the best show ever in Uniontown. But we have to keep raising the bar and trying to out perform the last show.”
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the band taking the stage a half hour later. Tickets are available at SJPComedy.com, the State Theatre Box Office, or by calling 908-414-7097, and range from $15 in advance and $20 at the door.