Despite the threat of the Nor’easter this past Friday, patrons made their way to the Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club in the Hyatt hotel in Princeton. The intimate, dimly lit basement theater was a welcoming port in the storm, and the perfect venue for the highly energetic, New Jersey comedian, Billy Garan.
While Garan opened his set admitting, “I have seen more people in a hot tub,” the roaring laughter that ensued made it feel like a packed house. His act included self-deprecating humor, old Hollywood impressions, and perfectly delivered puns. The performance—several short sprints, rather than one long marathon anecdote—was fast moving and varied, jostling the audience between knee-jerk laughter and the need for close listening. If you weren’t listening intently, you might miss quips like “I’m from New Jersey, I can fix a horse race but I can’t fix the plumbing.” Or Garan lamenting his past break-up with a heavier-set woman, “when she left me, I was crushed.”
Throughout his routine, the nature of the Garden State featured prominently. Whether through knocks against Governor Chris Christie’s weight, anecdotes from childhood, or Garan’s expressive hand talking and accent, Garan’s Jersey roots are inextricably linked to his comedy. Despite the jabs, he noted the tri-state’s toughness and spirit.
Garan finished the show thanking the audience. “Thank you, thank you. You guys are small, but intense.” Small, but intense, just like the state Garan calls home.
Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club is in the basement of the Hyatt Hotel.
102 Carnegie Center Dr
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 987-8018
This weekend Catch Rising Star is featuring Davin Rosbenblatt: October 18 – 19 Friday 8pm Sat. 7:30pm & 9:30pm