The stand-up comedy of today was born years ago on a stage not too far away.
For more than 60 years, the Catskills helped define the word “entertainment.” At various resorts and bungalow colonies in and around Sullivan County, comedians such as Jackie Mason, Red Buttons, Bob Hope and Buddy Hackett were getting huge laughs that defined an era and influenced all who have followed. But as venues like the Concord, the Paramount and the Pines closed their doors late in the 20th century, the Borscht Belt brand of comedy slowly faded away.
Meanwhile, another brand name was etching a page in stand-up history. The Catch a Rising Star comedy club opened in New York City in 1972. Founded by Rick Newman, the club was a place to see and be seen. The venue helped launch the careers of comedians Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Rosie O’Donnell, Jerry Seinfeld and others. It, too, went out of business almost a decade ago, but the brand name and commitment to making audiences laugh are still very much alive.
Next week, these two elements of comedy history will combine; Catch a Rising Star (CaRS) is opening at Monticello Gaming & Raceway.
“This is the rebirth of comedy in the Catskills,” says Cliff Ehrlich, senior vice president of Monticello Gaming & Raceway.
He and CaRS CEO Craig Neier were both familiar with the rich history of comedy in the area and felt that rejoining the two — Catskills and comedy — was a natural move.
“We want people to count on every Friday, knowing they’re going to get some laughs,” Ehrlich says.
CaRS will be open every Friday night, sharing the same space as the nightclub Hype. Along with the slot machines, live music and food, the comedy club is just another addition to what Enrich feels is “the entertainment capital of the entire mid-Hudson Valley.”
Neier too is familiar with entertainment in the region. As a teenager he used to perform as a magician in the Catskills.
“This is kind of my homecoming,” Neier says. “Driving up here I actually went and visited some of the old properties where I used to perform. So it’s exciting to be a part of it.”
Comedians performing during the first 10 weeks of the Monticello Catch a Rising Star were specifically selected by Neier to provide the “right mix.” What separates this lineup from other comedy clubs in the area is that it’s aimed at a much broader audience.
“We try not to be over-the-top offensive,” Neier says. “Most of the talent that we utilize can perform for any age group.”
The first man fitting that bill is veteran performer Uncle Floyd. Floyd got his start at the age of 16 in Lake George, working whatever room he could find.
“I’ve been in the mountains 40 years. From northern Catskills to southern, it’s all I know,” Floyd says. “I never even stopped to think about how I got into it. I just got in and that was that.”
Floyd describes his comedy as “escapism” and “old school.” It’s a style he developed working both in the Catskills and at the original CaRS in Manhattan.
“It was the most happening place in the city,” Floyd says. “Noisy, a lot of drinkin’, a lot of huggin’, celebrities everywhere, it was incredible.”
In addition to performing at the original CaRS, Floyd made extra money waiting on tables there. He served Rodney Dangerfield, Andy Kaufman, David Brenner and others.
Amateur comedians will submit a three-to five-minute tape to Neier, and 20 entrants will be selected to perform in Monticello. Semifinals on May 20 will narrow the field further, and the finals on June 1 will determine a winner. The grand prize is a paid performance either in Monticello or one of three other CaRS locations.
Where: Catch a Rising Star at Monticello Gaming & Raceway, 204 Route 17B, Monticello
Call: 794-4100, ext. 494, or 866-777-GAME, ext. 494
Visit: www.catcharisingstar.com or www.monticellogamingandraceway.com
Also:
March 30: Sherry Davey
April 6: Mike Petit
April 13: Brad Zimmerman
April 20: Rodney Laney
April 27: Joe Moffa
May 4: Vinnie Mark
May 11: Melvin George
May 18: Sherry Davey
May 25: John Lampert
To enter the Catch a Rising Star “Funniest Comic in the Mountains” contest: Participants 21 and older who live or work in the Catskills/Hudson Valley region should send a three- to five-minute VHS or DVD by April 30 to Catch a Rising Star, ATT: Craig Neier, 1011 Bloomfield Ave., West Caldwell, NJ 07006.
Source: Times-Herald Record
