About New York, Frank Sinatra famously sang, “If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere.” When it comes to the city’s comedy scene, that sentiment definitely applies. As it turns out, “anywhere” can include (but is not limited to) the Hamptons. Some people just needed to “start there.”
Enter Joseph Vessey. As a comedian, writer and actor, Vessey has had success producing and writing projects with Adam Sandler, and has toured with Sandler, David Spade and Rob Schneider. Since 2010, the New York native has produced the comedy All Stars at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, which returns for two more shows this fall. The long-running series aims to highlight up-and-coming talent in the New York City comedy scene.
Vessey, who grew up in Manhattan, remembers seeing famous comedians like Richard Lewis at the legendary Sag Harbor Theater during summer visits with his family to Shelter Island. While the famous Hamptons has no problem attracting big names like Lewis, Vessey says he noticed they didn’t have any events for up-and-coming comics. So he pitched the series to Bay Street as a monthly presentation—and it was a success.
The show, often hosted by Vessey himself, usually features two or three comics and a host, who are all given the same amount of stage time. Thanks to the format and relaxed atmosphere of the Hamptons, Bay Street comics can allow their shoots to stretch out a little longer than in the city.
“Coming to New York, you have to be a comedy beast,” Vessey says. “(On Bay Street) they’ll be able to get more detailed material that sometimes you can’t get in New York. Viewers really get to know each comic.”
The October 27 show is hosted by JP Justice, a comedy veteran with over two decades of experience in stand-up, writing and acting, and has opened shows for comedy legends such as Bernie Mac and Chris Rock. Also on the list is Tracy Carnazzo, a comedian and prolific podcast host who has performed at comedy festivals across the country, on television and, of course, in venues throughout New York City.
Rounding out the list is Kevin Israel, a lawyer-turned-comedian who successfully used his unique life experiences to land a spot on Kevin Hart’s LOL Network and win a Gilda Radner Laugh Off Award in 2013.
“They’re all very different from each other, so I think audiences can expect a variety of comedy,” says Vessey. “There is something for everyone. They’re all funny.”
Vessey won’t be performing at the upcoming shows, but there’s a good reason for that: He’s busy finishing up work on his own comedy special, produced by the Kinnane Brothers, and hitting the road to open for Adam Sandler on the I Missed You Tour.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun, with a lot of special guests,” says Vessey. “Everyone who comes really gets value for their money. It’s almost a two and a half hour show. It’s like a rock concert.”
Viewers of the Bay Street show may expect a more intimate performance, but that’s what comedians appreciate about the venue, Vessey says. “Everyone loves coming to this theater because it’s a great place and it’s so well known.”
Just as Bay Street is a beloved destination, comedy is a beloved genre of entertainment that serves a very important mission: laughter therapy.
“It’s good to have people still come to the show and realize that people are still doing comedy, still doing edgy things – and come out and laugh.”
Live and laugh on the edge with All Star Comedy at the Bay Street Theater on Friday, October 27 at 8:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the box office by calling 631-725-9500 or by email. (email protected)or online at baystreet.org starting at $35.