Tucked away inside the Hyatt Hotel in Princeton, behind an unassuming bar and a set of black doors, is a hidden gem for comedy lovers: the Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club (CRS). The intimate venue, bathed in the glow of bright stage lights and framed by thick curtains, has hosted some of the biggest names in comedy for over 20 years.
Suzy Yengo, the current President of Catch Rising Star, owns the club, which has played a pivotal role in shaping Princeton’s comedy scene.
While the club had to close its doors for two years due to pandemic-related renovations, it has reopened to enthusiastic crowds. Its proximity to New York City makes it a go-to spot for comedians testing new material.
Ryan Maher, a comedian who first performed at the club in 2008, says it’s a place where performers feel free to experiment.
Maher says, “It’s got an old-school vibe. You can get away with [different material] here because it’s a club with history and a name.”
Similarly, RoRo Antonuccio, radio host and comedian from NJ 101.5, says, “You’ll see comedians who could fill Madison Square Garden, but they still come here and give 100%. It’s a place with a legacy, and we have to keep it alive,” says RoRo.
The club’s appeal is broadening alongside the evolving demographics of Princeton.
Jim Wright, the club’s National Director from 2012 to the present, says, “We’ve seen a shift. We’re doing more Indian shows now because of the community around us, including sold-out performances in Hindi.”
Although this willingness to adapt has kept CRS relevant, ensuring it continues to reflect the tastes of its diverse audience, navigating the current cultural landscape has presented new challenges for comedians.
Wright says, “Comedy is more important than ever, but comedians have to be careful. Everything can be a triggering subject.”
Maher notes that the rise of viral crowd work videos has changed the way audiences behave at live shows.
Maher says, “People come to shows thinking heckling is part of it now because they see it online. But that’s not what a comedy club is about. You’re there to listen.”
He also mentions the rise of social media influencers trying to transition into stand-up comedy.
Maher says, “They might be great online, but stand-up is a different game. Some of them bomb because they don’t have the experience to handle a live crowd.”
However, Antonuccio views comedy as vital for one’s mental health during these challenging times.
Antonuccio says “Comedy is a lifeline. I’ve been through a divorce and two abusive relationships. I took a writing class, joined a community, and turned my pain into laughter.”
Antonuccio continues, “That’s what people need – to tap into that. The second you laugh, it’s literally endorphins and dopamine. Laughter is good medicine.”
Catch Rising Star comedy club was originally founded in New York City in 1972 before opening a branch in the Princeton location. The club has helped launch the careers of comedic legends including Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, and Chris Rock, with a brand name still widely known in comedy.
What sets CRS apart is the loyalty of its comedians over the years. Rob Bartlett, Bobby Collins, and the late Gilbert Gottfried have all made repeat appearances on its stage.
Wright beams with pride when he says, “They treat Catch like their home club. Even after they’ve outgrown smaller venues, they keep coming back.”
Antonuccio has witnessed firsthand the dedication of New York comedians willing to make the trip to Princeton.
Listing names like Eric Potts, Vince August, Mary Capone, and Jill Myra among the frequent performers, Antonuccio says, “They’ll drive two hours through traffic just to perform here.”
CRS also remains deeply connected to its community, offering special promotions like free tickets for military personnel and first responders through Vet Tix. Additionally, during birthday weeks, guests can attend a show for free, adding a personal touch to the club’s offerings.
As it emerges from the pandemic, CRS is poised for a new chapter of growth, the opening of a new club in Somerset, MA, and plans for continued expansion into theaters across the U.S. signal a bright future.
Wright says, “We’re picking up where we left off pre-pandemic.”
In addition to brick-and-mortar clubs, Catch A Rising Star is partnering up with different venues and theaters to host and produce shows across the country.
With a legacy rooted in laughter, Catch a Rising Star remains a vital part of the comedy landscape offering a stage for rising stars and a much-needed escape for audiences seeking humor in an ever-changing world.
This article was produced as part of MCCC’s Community Reporting “J Lab” certificate program made possible by grant funding from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and The New School: Journalism + Design. For more information about the J Lab contact Program Director Prof. Holly Johnson at johnsonh@mccc.edu.
