Laughter can be some of the best medicine, and there is no shortage of it at venues in the surrounding communities.
The Joke Joint, the Fruitland Park and Wildwood adult comedy stand up shows and the Improvisational Theater Club of The Villages are all outlets bringing quality jokes to the area.
The Joke Joint, a comedy venue at 13685 U.S. Highway 441 in Summerfield, offers spotlight shows, musical comedy nights and free dinners for local talent.
“I like to think of myself like the curator of entertainment at the Joke Joint,” said Alex Soto, owner of the venue.
He said during the COVID-19 pandemic he built a rolodex of loyal, comedic contacts he and his fiancé, Joann Vidal, manage.
“She’s the motor and transmission, and I’m just the hood ornament,” Soto joked. “There is incredible talent all over this area. We are blessed, but, I see there is a need, a desire and an interest in content that is just a little dirtier, a little more thought provoking or a little more rebellious.”
Sometimes “different” just works because Soto said he is getting great feedback from patrons.
“We are just different enough,” Soto said. “We have almost a 4.8 Google rating, so that tells me we are going in the right direction.”
He feels the venue helps provide people with a break from reality.
“What I’ve noticed week after week is, (attending a show) leaves a therapeutic residue that stays with you,” he said. “You have an after glow that stays with you. To have the chance to laugh for two hours is rare.”
The comedy club is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
“I always tell first timers try to come for a Friday or Sunday show,” Soto said. “It’s free to get in and you get a free buffet style dinner if you buy two drinks, so you spend $15 to $20 per person for the entire show. It’s a five-star feel for a three-star deal.”
Upcoming shows include a spotlight drag show with Mama Savanah with free entry and dinner from 7 to 9 p.m.
Friday; Ants Rants with two drinks for a $20 entry or four drinks for $25 at 8 p.m. Saturday and Open Mic Night with free entry and free dinner from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday.To stay in the know of what’s happening at The Joke Joint, visit jokejoint.tv.
On Friday, the Fruitland Park Adult Comedy Stand Up Show was hosted by Ants Rants, featured Caroline Post and starred Tommy Torres at the Fruitland Park Gardenia Center, 205 W. Berckman St.
The show is presented by Bob Gonzo, comedian, producer and owner of Bob Gonzo Productions.
“It was an affordable evening out within the city to stay local and enjoy what our community provides,” said Michelle Yoder, the recreation director of Fruitland Park.
Residents confirmed part of the draw for the event is that it’s local and unique.
“Community members have expressed the enjoyment of having something fun and different to do without traveling,” Yoder said.
Similar opportunities in Wildwood aren’t hard to find with the Wildwood Comedy Club’s reccurring event.
The next show is at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21 with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. at the Warfield Auditorium, 98 S. Warfield Ave. in Wildwood.
The 21 and up comedy night is $15 per person and requires reservations in advance. Dinner and drinks also will be on sale during the event.
For more information about the comedy nights in Fruitland Park or Wildwood, visit fruitlandpark.org or wildwood-fl.gov.
Or get silly and spit jokes on the fly with The Villages Improv Club.
The club that teaches basic improvisation meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday at Rohan Recreation, 850 Kristine Way in Wildwood. Those interested in seeing the group perform should save the date for its next public show from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 19 at Rohan Recreation.
For more information, visit thevillagesimprov.com.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
