Arts & Entertainment

Wednesday's Comedy in the Plaza Draws Daily Show Co-Creator Lizz Winstead and David Letterman Regular Jake Johannsen

There's also talk of a 'mystery guest.' Get ready for an evening of laughs at the 10th annual free comedy show in Depot Plaza, hosted by our own Mark Pitta.

Last year there was barely standing room in the Depot Plaza as the crowd spilled onto side streets and nearby restaurants to get their fill of funnies at the annual community comedy night.

Joanne Edmonds, a member of the Mill Valley Arts Commission, which organizes the annual event, said they’re expecting a similar turnout to see comedians Jake Johannsen, who can boast more than 40 David Letterman appearances, and Lizz Winstead, co-creator of The Daily Show.

“I’m expecting her to be hysterical,” Edmonds said. “We do have to let them know this is a family oriented event, but that doesn’t stop them from being off-color.”

Commentary is often politically charged, and Mill Valley has learned to expect the unexpected.

“There are always rumors that there might be a mystery guest,” Edmonds said. “So many live here so you never know. We don’t even know. That’s what’s fun about it.”

Last year Robin Williams made a surprise appearance and although that can’t be ruled out again for this year, the mystery guest Edmonds is referring to will be “somebody different,” she said

How does Mill Valley book all these big names?

The event has always been able to attract well-know comedians, including Hal Sparks, Myq Kaplan and John Fugelsang in 2012. And it’s thanks to Tom Sawyer, a long-time supporter who does the booking at the Cobb’s Comedy Club in San Francisco.

“He sees if they want to do an early evening gig here,” Edmonds said. “And they usually do.”

However, that structure may soon change.

“He’s retiring, so this could very well be our last year with his connections,” Edmonds said. For the 10th anniversary, the Mill Valley Arts Commission plans to honor him with a proclamation thanking him for his years of service.

But don’t worry. It doesn’t mean the end of Comedy in the Plaza.

“Oh not, it’s just too much fun,” Edmonds said. “We’ll find a way to get comedians here.”

They’re hoping Sawyer will still want to be involved, but are also preparing for other alternatives. For instance, this year water bottles will be on sale for a small donation to the Arts Commission to help cover future expenses like flying comedians into town if they're not already booked at Cobb's.

“Hopefully the community will help us out,” Edmonds said.

The event is free to public, but it comes out of the Arts Commission budget. It’s also possible thanks to sponsors like the Mill Valley Inn, which puts up the comedians for free, and Piazza D'Angelo which feeds them before the show.

“It’s a gift to the community,” Edmonds said. “And that’s what the Arts Commission tries to do.”

IF YOU GO:
What:
Comedy in the Plaza
Where: Depot Plaza
When: June 19th, 6:30 p.m.
Cost:
FREE


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