Big Apple Comedy Club Returns to Newton Theatre for a Star-Studded Night of Laughter

Comedy fans in New Jersey are in for a treat as the Big Apple Comedy Club makes its highly anticipated return to the Newton Theatre on Friday, January 9, 2026. This fan-favorite show promises a night packed with side-splitting performances, featuring four of the comedy world’s brightest talents: Wali Collins, Wayne Cotter, Kyle Dunnigan, and Erin Maguire. Each brings a unique style and wealth of experience, ensuring laughter from start to finish.

Wali Collins, a standout in New York City’s comedy scene, has built an impressive career since beginning stand-up in the late 1980s. With three consecutive nominations as “College Campus Entertainer of the Year,” Collins quickly rose to national prominence. Fans may recognize him from appearances on HBO, Comedy Central, ABC’s The View, and VH-1, as well as a warm-up spot for David Letterman and a feature on the “Late Show with David Letterman.” Collins’ acting credits include Coyote Ugly, Spin City, and Chappelle Show, while he also hosts the PBS special “Wild TV.” Known for his versatility and razor-sharp humor, Collins delivers a performance that blends wit, storytelling, and charm.

Veteran comedian Wayne Cotter brings decades of experience to the stage. A former electrical engineering student turned national comedy fixture, Cotter has been a favorite on Jay Leno, David Letterman, and Johnny Carson, appearing on Carson’s last two anniversary specials. Recognized by the American Comedy Awards as a nominee for “Best Standup Comedian,” Cotter combines precision, timing, and a deep understanding of the craft, making him a must-see for any live comedy audience.

Kyle Dunnigan offers a multi-talented approach to comedy, combining stand-up with writing, acting, and impressions. An Emmy, Peabody, and Writers Guild Award winner, Dunnigan has starred in the Jerry Seinfeld film “Unfrosted,” contributed to Inside Amy Schumer, and appeared on Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Seth Meyers. With a strong online following of over 1.3 million fans and numerous festival performances including Montreal and Chicago Just For Laughs, Dunnigan’s quick wit and sharp observational humor promise an unforgettable live experience.

Rounding out the lineup is Erin Maguire, a New York City-based stand-up comedian, actor, and podcast host. Maguire’s humor, shaped by her Boston roots and working-class upbringing, has garnered national attention. Her debut comedy album, Baseline Presentable, hit number one on iTunes comedy charts, and she has been featured on SiriusXM, The Tamron Hall Show, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Winner of multiple comedy festivals including Woodstock Comedy Festival and Mohegan Sun’s “Last Comix Standing,” Maguire delivers high-energy, razor-sharp performances that captivate audiences of all ages.

The Newton Theatre event promises more than just laughs—it’s a celebration of stand-up comedy at its finest, featuring performers with decades of experience and a diverse range of comedic styles. Fans can expect a night of witty storytelling, brilliant impressions, and nonstop humor. For more opportunities to experience top-tier live comedy across the state, check out Explore New Jersey’s stand-up comedy for an extensive guide to upcoming shows and events.

With this lineup, January 9 is set to be one of the most memorable comedy nights of the season in New Jersey, appealing to longtime fans and newcomers alike.