Coldwater Comedy Fest Offers Big Laughs

Laughter is considered great medicine and Tibbits offers the perfect cure for the winter blues as it presents its third annual Coldwater Comedy Fest March 12 at Tibbits Opera House.

Part of the Tibbits Entertainment Series, the show begins at 7:30. The evening of comedy features three outstanding comedians with broad audience appeal and a beer and wine cash bar.

Headliner for the evening is Andrew Norelli who has made numerous late night appearances including twice on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” For the latter he was booked by Kimmel himself who said “because of how few slots we have available, you have to be an A++ comedian to get booked on my show, and Andrew is.” Other TV appearances include Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham,” and the nationally syndicated comedy round-table “Comics Unleashed,” where he also worked as a monologue joke writer.

Norelli’s natural charisma and sharp material have charmed audiences at comedy festivals around the world. He won the first annual Las Vegas World Series of Comedy and second place at the Boston Comedy Festival. Additionally, his performance at the prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal was praised in “Time Out New York.”

The evening will also include featured comedian Allen Trieu. A native of West Michigan, Trieu has molded his experiences into an eclectic act which has been described as unique and open-minded. His witty observations and personal style touches on many subjects including college, race, pop culture and even going green. Take that variety, add a laid back style and that equals a good time for audience members of all different backgrounds.

Ben Wilke will act as emcee for the Comedy Fest. Wilke has been playing clubs all over the Midwest for the past four years. He has been a feature comic at Grand Rapids’ Laughfest, and Dr. Grins. He also belongs to the elite comedy group Comics For Hire, which recently played the historic Wealthy Theater. Ben is also an award-winning writer, director, editor and actor with credits from the Detroit International Film Fest, and Chicago’s Vidocy Film Contest, through Philadelphia’s Project Twenty1, and Michigan’s own 48-Hour Film Contest. Ben has years of training at Chicago’s Second City and Improv Olympic. He also has a quick wit and ability to see things immediately for what they are.

According to Tammy Apmann, Tibbits Audience Outreach Director, “Comedy Fest is a perfect opportunity to kick back for some great laughs. Between the three comedians this show appeals to all ages and a wide variety of tastes.”

Tickets for Comedy Fest are $25, $23 for Tibbits members or $17 for upper balcony. (All prices include fees.) They are available online at www.Tibbits.org, by calling 517-278-6029 or at the Tibbits business office at 93 W. Chicago Street Monday through Friday. Tibbits Opera House is located at 14 South Hanchett St. Coldwater, Michigan.

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