Orcas Island will host a performance by the Ladies of Laughter tour on Sunday, March 22, at 7 p.m. At the Orcas Center, bringing a national showcase of female comedians to the San Juan Islands.
The tour will feature headliners Leighann Lord and Kelly MacFarland, both established performers with television appearances and recordings on Sirius XM, according to producer Peggy Boyce. Tickets are tiered, priced at $70, $40, and $25, with discounted $10 tickets available for students, and seniors.
Ladies of Laughter began as a tribute to comedian Mary Jo Wobker, who championed women in comedy. Following Wobker’s death in the early 1990s, Boyce founded the organization, launching a competition initially held at a New Jersey YWCA in 1998. The competition gained national recognition the following year with sponsorship from Anheuser-Busch.
Over the past 25 years, Ladies of Laughter has become known as a platform for launching the careers of female comedians. Comedian Tammy Pescatelli has credited her Ladies of Laughter win as a pivotal moment, propelling her from a featured performer to a headliner and ultimately leading to opportunities in Los Angeles.
The organization expanded in 2018 with the creation of the Carol Burnett Spirit Award, recognizing women who inspire others in comedy. The inaugural award was presented to Carol Burnett, selected through nominations from competition entrants who cited her as a formative influence. Burnett accepted the award via video, encouraging aspiring female comedians to persevere in their pursuit of comedy.
Boyce emphasized that Ladies of Laughter prioritizes providing a “safe haven” for women in comedy, deliberately seeking performance venues with established reputations, contrasting with the often unpredictable environment of comedy clubs. She stated the organization’s mission is particularly important now, providing a platform for women to share their experiences and perspectives through humor.
Past contestants in the Ladies of Laughter competition include Amy Schumer, Michelle Buteau, and Melissa Rauch of “The Big Bang Theory,” demonstrating the tour’s track record of showcasing emerging talent.
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