Kai Oliver-Kurtin | Downtown News
In its first public San Diego debut, the Laugh Factory is bringing standup comedy to Hotel del Coronado, weekly through Labor Day.
Now in its 35th year, the internationally known comedy club is renown for booking the biggest names in the industry, many of which will take the stage Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights this summer in The Hotel del’s Carousel Room.
“We hope to bring smiles and laughter to San Diego,” said Jamie Masada, Laugh Factory founder and CEO. “I really believe laughter is the best medicine — comics are doctors to the soul.”
Although this is the first time the Laugh Factory has held public shows in San Diego, their talent has visited local military bases in the past to perform for wounded servicemembers.
“Laugher is an international language that brings people together regardless of race or religion,” said Masada, who launched Laugh Factory’s Comedy Camp for underprivileged children almost 30 years ago.
“I always tell people who come in, if they’re stressed or upset, sometimes you just need to go somewhere and laugh,” he said.
At its original location on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, California, the Laugh Factory has helped launched many of today’s most popular comedians.
That list includes, but is certainly not limited to, the likes of Tim Allen, Roseanne Barr, Drew Carey, George Carlin, Jim Carrey, Dave Chappelle, Dane Cook, Ellen DeGeneres, Jeff Foxworthy, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Chris Rock, Bob Saget, Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman, Jon Stewart, Robin Williams, and many more.
“We are excited to partner with the internationally-known Laugh Factory this summer and create memorable experiences for locals and guests alike,” said Andre Zotoff, the Hotel del’s vice president and general manager, in a release announcing the partnership. “We are constantly trying to find new, exciting ways to continue delivering unforgettable moments and build on our established partnerships.”
Masada visits cities across the country to scout for new talent, watching up to 20 shows in a single night. Every once in a while he finds a diamond in the rough and is able to open the door for a new comedian to one of the rarest professions in the world.
Laugh Factory recently launched its inaugural “Funniest Person in the World” competition online that will give one lucky up-and-comer the opportunity to participate in a nationwide tour and a grand prize of $10,000.
Regular upcoming summer shows at The Del are still being finalized, but are sure to include headliner Bobby Collins with opener Jimmie J.J. Walker through Aug. 2, and Ron Pearson with Gerry Bednob Aug. 7 – 9.
Thursday shows begin at 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday shows are held at 8 and 10 p.m. The 8 p.m. shows are considered PG-13 and the 10 p.m. shows are rated R.
“At our shows, we guarantee you will laugh or you’ll get your money back,” Masada said.
General admission tickets for Laugh Factory shows at The Del cost $35 and VIP tickets, which include early entry and guaranteed seating, are $45. Some prices may vary based upon the performance. The Hotel del Coronado is located at 1500 Orange Ave., in Coronado. More information is available at laughfactory.com, and tickets can be purchased at hoteldel.com.
—Kai Oliver-Kurtin is a local freelance reporter who also works full-time doing social media marketing for the U.S. Navy. She enjoys covering events, restaurant news, culture and entertainment. Contact her at [email protected].
