Summer Laughs at Art Center Theatre

Venturino’s Comedy had its final acts for the Summer Comedy All-Stars series on Friday night, August 7, with three comedians who brought observational, witty, clever, and satirical comedy.  

Drawing in a decent crowd comprising of couples, friends, and a girls’ night out group, theatre goers came ready to laugh! 

The theatre itself just underwent a refresh of its own with a cleaning of the seats and floors. A brand-new coat of paint to the walls of the theatre and greenroom has been completed, with the remaining walls scheduled for painting in the next week. The stage was enhanced with a new red valance curtain across the top, furthering the theatre experience.  

As patrons lined up to enter and get their tickets at the box office, one could notice the newand eye-catchingwallpaper. “These are posters of every show the theatre has done in the last four years,” said Joan Gerberding, “Since the Arts Center took over the theatre.”  

Gerberding was beaming with pride, “We have been working really hard.” Not just with the cosmetic touches to the theatre, but the line-up of offerings for all ages and tastes has also been increased.  

That evening, Venturino himself was the first to take the stage. Warming up the crowd with his relatable banter and his own brand of humor with comedy through music. Forgoing his usual guitar, he took the crowd to both the 80s with his attire and sound, engaging in the age-old debate of cats versus dogs, garnering the audience to sing ‘meow-meow-meow’ with him.  

Originally hailing from Orlando, John Charles was next. His jokes on waiting to marry until later in life, the plights of being in the service industry, and health complications as one gets older hit home for many. Especially when he declared the shoe department as being a woman’s true happy spot in life and the relatable realities of colonoscopy prep! 

Jim Moran was the evening’s headliner, fresh off a run at the Borgata in Atlantic City.He had more than one joke about coming to the Arts Center Theatre on Marco Island, all in good fun. He dove into hilarious situations his two Jamaican stepsons put him through in their youth, marriage after 30-plus years, and the reality of being a child in a large household growing up. He kept the crowd laughing with his on-the-spot audience participation and quick wit.  

Though the Summer series has come to an end, Venturino’s Comedycontinues on September 25 with Comedy Hypnosis by Bob Lauver, followed by a variety of comedians each month afterward.  

The Arts Center Theatre additionally has several upcoming shows, plays, and even Murder Mysteries! Check out the line-up for yourself and get tickets for your next night out at: www.marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre