Is Red Bank Funny Enough?

The Exciting Potential of Red Bank's Comedy Scene

Red Bank has become a bustling hub of culture. There are theaters hosting musical headliners, restaurants for every palette and a lively bar scene. And yet comedy, one of the oldest art forms, has been largely left out of the equation. Why hasn't Red Bank stepped up? Do the locals really hate to laugh? Well, we're about to find out.

The Struggle

Everyone loves to laugh. But not everyone loves the logistics of getting to, and navigating, the Big Apple to see great comedy shows. There are tickets to purchase, convenience fees to pay, train tables to read, Ubers to call, drink minimums to fill and piggy banks to break. Having fun is hard when it requires battling NJ Transit (currently on strike) or paying an arm and a leg for a spot in a parking garage. While there have been some great shows hosted by the Count Basie Center for the Arts and traveling agencies like Don't Tell Comedy, and a few local open mics like those at Basie Center Cinemas, there hasn't been consistently scheduled excellent comedy for devoted fans. But that's about to change!

The Kickoff

Friday, May 30th will be the start of a new era of comedy in Red Bank. Indie Comedy Shows is bringing Dan Perlman and Mia Jackson, two fantastically funny and critically acclaimed comics, to perform at Sensorium Emporium. Comedy in a soap store you may ask? You'd be surprised at just how funny soap can be. If you don't believe me, check out the Lavender Haze (dirty word warning!) bit from the last show.

Although you've probably heard of them already, here's a snippet about the the performers.

Dan Perlman, a stand-up comedian, writer and director, is a critically acclaimed performer who starred in the Showtime series, Flatbush Misdemeanors.  With a smart, dry style and a knack for deeply personal material, Dan’s comedy resonates long after the punchline lands.

A rising star in comedy, Mia Jackson, has appeared on Comedy Central and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.  Her hilarious takes on dating, family and growing up in the South blend sharp wit with great storytelling, leaving the audience in stitches. 

So what makes this show unique?

• The venue for sure. Sensorium Emporium is a beautifully renovated, historical building right in the heart of downtown.

• It's BYOB! No expensive drink minimums or servers interupting the show. And with Five Dimes Brewery and The Wine Cellar conveniently located on the same street, there are lots of options.

• The intimate setting. Seating for 70 makes this show an upclose and personal event where the comedians can fully harness their creativity and the audience can feel right at home.

• Tickets are only $40. That's right- for the price of a round trip train ticket you can see two top-notch comedians right here in town.

The Transformation

While this show marks the beginning of what will hopefully be a burgeoning comedy scene in Red Bank, it also holds a lot of cultural importance. With the closing of many independent venues and theaters across the country, it's become increasingly difficult to experience entertainment in a truly authentic way. Performers are forced to tailor material for larger and larger audiences. Consumers have no choice but to buy tickets laden with hidden fees for overcrowded shows. Streaming platforms continue to gatekeep entertainment with subscription fees and exclusive rights to certain programs. And many aspects of art and culture continue to be watered down for mass appeal and maximum profit.

That's certainly not to say great things aren't being accomplished on the music, film and comedy fronts. But it's become harder and harder to see them live. Small businesses, like cafes, book stores and soap shops, have transformed into places of culture out of neccessity. They're providing what people are craving- genuine, hyper-local, quality entertainment- by resurrecting the spirit of the indie clubs. No crazy fees, parking battles or travel oddyseys.

Good comedy should be accessible to everyone. So call the babysitter, call your friends, get your favorite bottle of wine or craft beer and get over to Sensorium Emporium on Friday, May 30th!

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