Big Apple Comedy Club 66
Four Nationally Touring Comics Bring New York Energy to Sussex County as Big Apple Comedy Club Returns to The Newton Theatre
March 21 @ 20:00 – 23:30
A night of fast-paced punchlines, sharp storytelling, and nationally recognized stand-up is headed back to Sussex County this spring as the Big Apple Comedy Club series returns to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, March 21, with an 8 p.m. showtime.
Now in its sixty-sixth edition, the popular touring showcase has become a fan favorite at the historic Newton venue, regularly drawing sold-out crowds eager for a high-caliber comedy lineup without making the drive into New York City. The upcoming performance continues that tradition by assembling four distinctly different comedic voices—each with major stage, television, and festival credentials—into one tightly produced evening designed to deliver nonstop laughs from start to finish.
This year’s lineup features Richie Byrne, Ariel Elias, Nick Griffin, and Joyelle Johnson, four performers whose styles span high-energy crowd interaction, observational storytelling, cultural commentary, and fearless self-aware humor. Together, they represent a cross-section of the modern stand-up landscape, making the show accessible to longtime comedy fans and first-time attendees alike.
Richie Byrne brings a dynamic, interactive style that thrives on real-time audience engagement. Known for his ability to turn everyday moments and spontaneous crowd conversations into structured comedic set pieces, Byrne has built a reputation as a performer who treats each show as a unique event rather than a rehearsed routine. His quick timing and improvisational instincts make him a natural opener for an ensemble showcase, immediately pulling the audience into the rhythm of the night.
Ariel Elias adds a smart, conversational voice shaped by sharp social observation and personal storytelling. Her material often explores relationships, identity, and modern cultural contradictions with a tone that feels intimate while still delivering big laughs. Elias has steadily gained national attention for her ability to blend sincerity and sarcasm into a style that resonates with audiences across generations.
Veteran comedian Nick Griffin brings a polished, fast-moving delivery that reflects decades of experience on major comedy stages and television platforms. Griffin is widely respected for his crisp joke construction and tightly layered punchlines, crafting material that feels effortless while remaining technically precise. His presence in the lineup anchors the evening with a seasoned perspective and a classic stand-up structure that complements the newer voices on the bill.
Joyelle Johnson rounds out the showcase with bold, deeply personal comedy rooted in perspective and unapologetic confidence. Her work blends cultural commentary with self-aware humor, creating a set that balances warmth and edge while remaining sharply relatable. Johnson’s stage presence is commanding yet approachable, and her storytelling ability allows audiences to connect quickly with both her humor and her point of view.
Together, the four performers deliver a full-spectrum comedy experience—ranging from rapid-fire punchlines to longer narrative arcs—designed to mirror the energy and diversity of New York City’s most respected comedy clubs.
The return of Big Apple Comedy Club to The Newton Theatre highlights the growing role of regional venues in bringing nationally touring stand-up acts directly to New Jersey audiences. Located in the heart of Sussex County, The Newton Theatre has become a cultural hub for live entertainment, offering an intimate setting where audiences can experience top-tier comedy without sacrificing the atmosphere of a classic performing arts space.
For local audiences, the series has become a reliable destination for discovering comedians who regularly headline clubs, theaters, and festivals across the country. The rotating lineup format ensures that each edition offers a fresh experience, while maintaining the consistent production quality that has helped build a loyal following for the showcase.
Tickets for the March 21 performance go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m., and organizers anticipate strong demand based on previous editions of the series. With only one performance scheduled, early purchasing is recommended for fans eager to secure seats.
The Big Apple Comedy Club showcase also arrives during a particularly active season for live comedy across the state. From club residencies to touring theater shows, New Jersey continues to expand as a regional destination for stand-up entertainment. Readers interested in discovering additional shows, touring comics, and live comedy experiences can explore Explore New Jersey’s curated stand-up comedy coverage, which highlights upcoming performances and venues throughout the state.
RICHIE BYRNE
A true crowd favorite wherever he performs, Richie Byrne stands out in today’s stand-up landscape for delivering fast-paced, high-impact comedy that is clean, inclusive, and relentlessly funny. His style blends everyday family life, pop culture, and sharp real-world observations into an energetic, feel-good set that works just as seamlessly for all-ages audiences as it does for late-night comedy crowds. Richie is one of the hardest-working comics on the circuit, appearing in more than 500 live shows each year at comedy clubs, colleges, corporate events, and major resort venues, including top Atlantic City destinations such as the Borgata.
In addition to his extensive live career, Richie has made multiple national television appearances, including Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, VH1’s Stand-Up Spotlight, and The Rosie O’Donnell Show. His on-screen work also includes acting roles on several of television’s most iconic series, including HBO’s The Sopranos, Sex and the City, and NBC’s Law & Order. Known for his explosive energy and universal appeal, Richie Byrne consistently delivers a brand of comedy that connects across generations.
ARIEL ELIAS
New York City–based comedian Ariel Elias brings a refreshingly personal and quietly fearless voice to modern stand-up. Originally from Kentucky, she first discovered her knack for comedy by winning over a room at her own bat mitzvah—and she has been building on that instinct ever since. Her material blends deeply relatable stories with smart, understated commentary and a distinctly dry delivery that makes even the most unexpected moments land with precision.
Ariel has been recognized nationally as one of comedy’s most exciting emerging performers, earning the title of “New Face” at the 2021 Just for Laughs Comedy Festival and being named among Paste Magazine’s Best Comedians of 2022. Her work has been highlighted by major media outlets including The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Washington Post, and Good Morning America.
She gained widespread attention after a viral stand-up moment caught the eye of Jimmy Kimmel, leading to her late-night television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!—a clip that quickly surpassed one million views online. In 2024, she followed that breakout appearance with a performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Offstage, Ariel is usually attempting crossword puzzles or giving far too much affection to nearby dogs.
NICK GRIFFIN
Widely respected for his sharp writing and effortlessly polished delivery, Nick Griffin is a veteran stand-up comedian whose career spans more than two decades on the national stage. His comedy is built on smart, tightly crafted observations, dry sarcasm, and a confident storytelling style that rewards both casual fans and seasoned comedy audiences.
Nick has appeared on many of television’s most recognizable comedy platforms, including Conan, The Late Late Show, The Late Show with David Letterman—where he appeared eleven times—his own Comedy Central half-hour special, and most recently The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Originally from Kansas City, Griffin is now based in New York City and is a regular performer at premier clubs such as The Comedy Cellar, Stand Up NY, and Gotham Comedy Club.
On the road, he headlines clubs across the country and remains a frequent guest on the nationally syndicated Bob and Tom Show. Known for his precision, honesty, and razor-sharp timing, Nick Griffin’s comedy is personal, controlled, and consistently powerful.
JOYELLE JOHNSON
Brooklyn-based comedian, writer, and actress Joyelle Johnson has quickly become one of the most compelling voices in New York’s stand-up scene. Her comedy is bold, deeply personal, and driven by a fearless point of view that blends sharp social insight with playful self-awareness.
Joyelle made her network television debut on Late Night with Seth Meyers and has since delivered standout performances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Her additional credits include Comedy Central’s digital series Comics to Watch, Wyatt Cenac’s Night Train, and Laff Tracks on truTV.
She has appeared at some of the country’s most prominent comedy and cultural festivals, including Sketchfest, Bonnaroo, the New York Comedy Festival, and Bumbershoot. As she continues her rise as a headlining performer, Joyelle has shared stages with some of the biggest names in comedy, including Hannibal Buress, Dave Chappelle, and Russell Peters.
Beyond the stage, she also merges comedy with advocacy through her work touring with Lady Parts Justice League, founded by The Daily Show creator Lizz Winstead—using humor as a platform for social engagement and activism.
With four nationally recognized comedians sharing one stage for a single-night event, Big Apple Comedy Club #66 promises an energetic, laugh-driven evening that captures the spirit of New York’s comedy scene—right in the heart of Sussex County.
