Wilmington, DE – As COVID-19 restrictions continue to be loosened, live comedy is making a slow but steady comeback nationwide. With many regular venues are operating at limited capacity, bookers are having to move shows outdoors, as is the case with Matthew Oakley and Steve Norris, producers of Delaware Campfire Comedy Night. The show will be the first of its kind in the area, and to make guests feel comfortable, it will even feature a 2-s’more minimum.
“Comedy shows are hard enough to produce without the element of being outdoors,” explained Oakley, who has made dozens of dollars in his years of producing shows. “We wanted the experience to feel as authentic as possible, which is why tickets are $25, the seats are uncomfortable, and guests are required to purchase at least two s’mores, which are $8 a pop.” Norris echoed his coproducer’s sentiments, saying that live comedy “doesn’t need a comedy club to be grimy and overpriced.”
The lineup will feature some of the best talent in the city’s comedy scene, including Arturo Bonilla, who will close out the event by premiering his new hour-long special.
“I had originally invested thousands of dollars and months worth of free time into the production of my special, but coronavirus fucked that up. Plus, I have some material that is super relevant, so although an outdoor show isn’t ideal, I know the world needs my special right now. And while I wish I could get paid in cash, the VIP fire pit access and exposure is one VIP fire pit more than any club has ever paid me.”
Campfire Comedy Night will take place at Canby Park next Saturday night at 8 PM, and preparations have already begun. While volunteers assemble a makeshift stage, the Dept. of Parks and Recreation has made sure that the whole production process goes smoothly.
“We are all very excited to have a comedy show at Canby Park,” commented Parks and Rec coordinator Lacy Stallworth. “Nothing about giving comedians a microphone in front of picnicking families makes us the least bit nervous. They’ll just be paying egregious amounts of money to do what they typically do for free, except this time, the kids can enjoy a few dick jokes and mom can stumble on her words when a 20-year-old guy in a cargo shirt asks if she’s on Tinder.”
Proceeds from Delaware Campfire Comedy Night will also benefit an unnamed foundation that provides financial aid to comedians who are currently being forced to rely on the proceeds of an outdoor comedy show.
By Tyler Dark.
The Bringer 