Stay Local and Laugh Out Loud
Clear your calendar and be prepared to be amused, because the Orinda Chamber of Commerce’s third annual champagne comedy event is happening at the Orinda Theatre on March 2, beginning at 6:45 p.m.
They say that laughter is the best medicine – so “Live at the Orinda” is just what the doctor ordered. No prescription needed, just a ticket, and a willingness to – as the organizers say – Laugh ‘Til Your Sides Hurt.
Clear your calendar and be prepared to be amused, because the Orinda Chamber of Commerce’s third annual champagne comedy event is happening at the Orinda Theatre on March 2, beginning at 6:45 p.m.
A Chamber on a Mission
“This started out as part of the Orinda Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to bring life to downtown Orinda,” explained Orinda architect, Chamber member and comedy show event director Rick Kattenburg. “We want to give Orindans and all Lamorindans a reason to come to Orinda.”
“We’re bringing life back to Orinda’s Theatre Square,” he continued. “Anyone who declared that Theatre Square was dead, they’re absolutely wrong. It’s popping with new restaurants and other new businesses.”
And, on March 2, it will be popping with lots of great comedy – and great beverages, too.
“Every seat in the Orinda Theatre will be a good seat for this show. We will also have a live video feed of the comedians on the big screen, plus a full, no-host bar in the lobby.”
MC honors have been bestowed upon Michael Fender, who will subsequently introduce renowned local comedians Will Durst and Johnny Steele, along with Dan St. Paul and Kabir Singh.
Filling the Voice
Do Orinda and comedy go together? Absolutely, enthused Kattenburg.
“Where else can you go to see a great comedy show? The nearest venue is San Francisco or Pleasanton, a significant drive either way. We affiliate with Tommy T’s Comedy Club, he helps us each year get the hot comics to come to Orinda,” he explained.
“We think everybody needs a good laugh every once in a while, and we’d love to see even more young people join us this year,” Kattenburg continued. “It’s a great date night, a great night out for people of any age, 21 and up, of course.”
General admission tickets, purchased in advance, are just $35 each – or $40 at the door. There are “VIP Champagne” tickets, too - $60 includes a glass of bubbly and guaranteed up-close seating. For $100, enjoy two complimentary glasses of champagne and front row seats. Purchase of two $100 VIP tickets and there’s a bottle of champagne with your name on it.
“There’s a great reception in the theatre lobby before the show. It’s great to see people out in front mingling,” said Kattenburg.
A Vibrant Downtown is No Laughing Matter
“We think things like this make for a better town. And, as the Chamber of Commerce, we want our businesses to thrive,” emphasized Kattenburg.
“When the show ends,” he continued,” we love to see everyone end up in the nearby restaurants.”
The Chamber, he pointed out, works tirelessly for the betterment of the community.
“This is the largest fundraiser that we do, in addition to a myriad of activities like luncheons, the restaurant tour, Fourth of July and mixers,” he pointed out. “And we’re not just raising funds for the Chamber, but for plenty of other community organizations and events as well. There’s so much going on here that enriches people’s lives.”
Live at the Orinda: Friday, March 2, 2012. Orinda Theatre, 4 Orinda Theatre Square, Orinda. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Open and VIP seating available. Tickets are $35 - $100. (925) 254-3909. orindachamber.org