Damon Runyon Repertory Theater - The Best In Theater

Need a giggle? Need to forget about your boss, the rent, your lousy next door neighbor? The Runyon Theater and Laffs Express America’s leading providers of stand up comedians presents COMEDY TONIGHT at the Runyon Theater. See comedians who have appeared on HBO, Showtime, and Comedy Central. See the funniest comedians working today! So shrug the blues, throw back you head and laugh it will add years to your life. This weekend WOZZER AND CALIZ. Please note: the Opening act has changed.

LaffsExpress comedy club @ the Runyon begins January 13 with Michael Winslow "The Man of 10,000 sound FX" (From Space Balls, and the Police academy movies.

Then join us to laugh with national touring comedians you've seen on HBO, Comedy Central, etc. each month.( More details will be posted as soon as they are available.)

Jan 13- Michael Winslow & Brent Gill

(Winslow opener) - Brent Gill Sometimes known as Brent the Great is a comedian from Denver. He has worked with such notable headliners as Dom Irrera, Bob Marley, Dana Gould, Cheech and Chong’s Tommy Chong, Norm MacDonald and Jim Gaffigan just to name a few. His observational comedy will have you wondering what he will say next.

Michael Winslow

Actor and comedian Michael Winslow is known worldwide for his wacky role as officer Larvelle Jones in the "Police Academy" film series

After winning the Gong Show's top honors twice, he made his film debut in "Cheech And Chongs Next Movie" followed by "Cheech And Chong's Nice Dreams". His movie career continued with featured roles in "Alphabet City" with Vincent Spano and "Grand View USA" starring Jamie Lee Curtis.

When "Police Academy" became a smash success, his celebrity status was all but assured. He then went on to play a part in Mel Brooks' "Spaceballs", a film that helped to further spotlight his unique style of comedy. He was also heard, but not seen, when he supplied the voice of Stripe, the evil little creature, in the hit movie "Gremlins".

Michael, a master of vocal gymnastics, can imitate over 1,000 sound effects using his voice alone. Whether he is recreating the frenzy of Jimi Hendrix playing the guitar, or the roar of a jet plane, his versatility is truly remarkable.

Born September 6, 1958 to Robert and Verdie Winslow in Spokane, Washington, on Fairchild Air Force Base Michael Winslow was the youngest of five brothers. His mother often tells stories about when he was a baby she would hear him imitate airplane noises, jet engines, anything that had sound living on base, there was always a lot going on.

"Growing up on an Air Force Base made it difficult to have friends, so I created imaginary friends, dogs, cats, trucks, anything that would keep me occupied for the moment," says Winslow.

After high school and a brief stint at college, Michael had his first professional performance at a club/theater in Boulder, Colorado named Tulagi's. This was very exciting for him because Jimmy Hendrix, The Doors, Tommy Bolin and other famous bands had played there.

He was an opening act for a group called "Nova", an Italian Rock Fusion Band. Through the grapevine he heard they were fans of Hendrix, so why not portray none other than Jimmy Hendrix. He had lots of props including his mother's afro wig he borrowed from her closet. He was quite nervous, but the audience responded to his rendition of "Purple Haze" with an applause he'll never forget. That moment he knew he wanted to be an entertainer.

Winslow then packed his bags and hitchhiked to Venice Beach where he would remain homeless for quite some time until finally in 1984 he got his big chance. Director Hugh Wilson and Producer Paul Maslanski came to see him perform at a Long Beach Theater where he was opening for the one and only Count Basie and his Orchestra. They were overwhelmed by his performance and so was he. They immediately wrote him into the script of the unforgettable "Police Academy 1". The movie was such a success it paved the way for other movies and commercials: "Spaceballs", "Cheech and Chong", "Gremlins", "Back to the Future 3", "Extra Large" and the list goes on.

Feb. 4 Joe Caliz & Jeff Wozer

Joe Caliz (opening Act)

Joe Caliz has been working in comedy clubs and performing Stand-Up Comedy since the age of 17. He's a hypocrisy-exposing, laughter producing, dark, intelligent comedian with heart. Joe is based out of Las Vegas, Nevada, where he quickly became a staple in the Las Vegas comedy scene. He has performed at many major venues in Vegas including the Rio Hotel & Casino. This experienced comedy pro amuses with his unique blend of truth telling humor, and with his years of experience and unflappable stage presence, he quickly wins over every audience.

Jeff Wozzer

Based out of Denver, Colorado, Jeff Wozer's clean and clever material make him a regular on the club and corporate circuit. Over the years he has worked with the likes of Lewis Black, Brian Regan, Dave Chappelle, Darrell Hammond, and Martin Short.

When not dropping names, he also writes. His humor articles have been published in Rocky Mountain Sports, the Explorers Club Explorers Journal, Atlanta Sports and Fitness Magazine, Competitor No-Cal, City Sports Texas, Outside Bozeman, Windy City Sports, Dining Out Miami, Dining Out Fort Lauderdale, Dining Out Denver, ESPN’s Active.com, Kentuckiana Health Fitness Magazine, Gantthead.mag, Pool Search Magazine, Competitor So-Cal, Metro Sports Washington, Metro Sports New York, New England Sports, Vote 2004, Dining Out Chicago, The Co-Pilot.com, Twin Cities Sports, The Wasatch Journal, and Inside Outside.

March 17 Ted Larson & David Testroet

Ted Larson

Ted Larson is the Nicest Comic in show Business, according to Ted Larson. His comedy is light and clean as his thoughts are dirty. He tries to find the good in things, and even found something good about Texas. Ted will slay your dragons and confuse your enchanters, or is that the other way around? Either way, he will leave you with a grin.

David Testroet

David Testroet AKA “The Big Guy” is truly a comedy veteran. A finalist in the Seattle comedy competition David’s hilarious comedy has taking him all around the world. From Walla Walla Washington to Tokyo, David is in definitely in demand.

David is also an established harmonica player and has incorporated it into his show. His hilarious “Big Guy Blues’ is a must see. He has appeared on Showtime, Fox ,CBS and the Comedy Channel.

April 7 - More info to come.

May 5 - More info to come.