Something Sounds Funny at The PCT

The Pocono Community Theater (PCT) and Cultural Center in East Stroudsburg, PA held an Open Mic Comedy Night on Sunday October 25^th. The evening presented a number of professional comedians to whom the stage was open to them so they could share some new material with the modestly sized audience that attended. These comedic renderings were greeted with mixed responses as the quality of the humor and its delivery varied from comic to comic. There were also a number of obscenities uttered throughout the evening. Although this vocabulary has been common with many comedians during the last decade or so, the varying quality of the performances led some (but not all) members of the audience to feel uncomfortable.

The evening began with some welcoming sentiments shared by PCT Board member Kenneth Bachman who ended his word with an introduction of the night's Emcee. James Camacho www.facebook.com/Jamesycamachocomedy?fref=ts shared his welcoming remarks along with some humorous phrasings that served to set the tone for the remainder of the evening. He then introduced the first comedian, Christopher Sicoli www.facebook.com/christophersicoli, to the audience and did so for the other comedians who would perform afterwards. They were Ritu Chanora, Joseph Christy, Dave D., Pam DeButts www.facebook.com/Comedian-Pam-DeButts-260324854134172, Mario Lappino, Talj Howard, Ed Rufolo, Kenan Jerome Floyd, Rob Heilimann www.facebook.com/hilemonthegreat?fref=ts, Dave Hoj, and Constance Frances.

As the final comic shared her last laugh, Mr. Camacho introduced the headlining comedian for the evening. Johnny Watson took the stage and shared his observations of life and the people he has encountered while living it. Much of what he spoke of struck a humorous chord and the response from the audience reflected this. It was at the conclusion of his set did Mr. Camacho stepped upon the stage to bid the audience farewell. He was followed by the return of Kenneth Bachman who shared his adieu while inviting the crowd to return for future Open Mic Comedy Nights. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the event in the Something Sounds Funny at The PCT Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154318961528761.1073741915.91146283760&type=3.

Johnny Watson spent his childhood living in a series of black and Hispanic neighborhoods in New Jersey developing his comedic craft by telling jokes in order to survive. He was voted funniest and best story teller in grammar school and in high school from which he graduated last in his class. After being a member of the US Navy, Mr. Watson turned to comedy as a full-time profession and performed at The Laugh Factory in New York City, NY and The Comedy Store in Los Angeles, CA as well as hosting Television, film, and theater productions. You can learn more about Johnny Watson by exploring his Website at www.johnnywatsoncomedy.com.

In addition to presenting their Open Mic Comedy Nights, The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center presents a variety of films both popularly current as well revivals of those films released in the past such as the film “Batman” on Sunday November 8^th. The Pocono Community Theater also hosts special events such as their Book Club Series which explore novels that have been adapted to the screen and are currently being shown in the theater as well as special events like their 168 Hour Film Race competition showcasing the work of local filmmakers which takes place from Sunday November 1^st until the 8^th and their 7^th Annual Red Carpet Event scheduled for Friday November 6^th. Their next Open Mic Comedy Night is scheduled for Sunday November 8^th beginning at 7pm. Please Explore The Pocono Community Theater Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/PoconoCommunityTheater or their Website at www.poconocommunitytheater.org for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.