NEWS RELEASE
RESCUE LAKE SIMCOE COALITION
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The Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition is tickled to invite lake lovers and comedy fans to its second annual Laugh for Lake Simcoe comedy event on Friday, May 26. This year audiences will be treated to three of Canada’s favourite comedians: Martha Chaves, Rob Bebeneck, and Jon Steinberg. Tickets are now on sale at the Orillia Opera House.
“In a world gone mad, we need laughter,” says Claire Malcolmson, RLSC executive director. “Protecting the environment these days requires stress relief! We are offering an outlet, so join us for a night of frivolity and fun.”
Canadian Stand Up Comedy award winner (2018) Martha Chaves is the show’s headliner. She describes herself as "the most famous Nicaraguan-Canadian LGBTQ+ stand-up comedian in the world." She's hilariously relatable, universally funny and multi-talented. Chaves is also an actor, playwright and human rights activist.
Chaves has been featured multiple times in all the prestigious festivals in Canada: Just for Laughs, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, the Halifax Comedy Festival, and the We are Funny That Way, LGBTQ+ festival. She's a regular host at the Calgary Folk Music Festival. She's often heard in Laugh Out Loud and The Debaters and is a regular panellist on the long-running CBC Radio show Because News.
Funny man Jon Steinberg is another perennial favourite on CBC Radio's The Debaters and also has a decade of impressive show experience. He has appeared at major festivals, including the Halifax and Winnipeg Comedy Festival as well the prestigious Just For Laughs festival in Montreal.
Comedian Rob Bebeneck is establishing himself as one of the brightest new voices to come out of Canada. A quick wit and a keen eye for observation highlight a comedy skill set that is becoming a force on stages across North America and has audiences wanting more.
Last year, the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition’s volunteer fundraising committee stepped up to a big challenge of raising 1/4 of the organization’s budget at this event. Unfortunately, the dreaded Omicron dampened sales. But this year, the group sees no impediment to selling out and is hoping to raise $30,000 with the support of corporate sponsors.
WHEN: Friday, May 26. Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m.; performances start at 7 p.m.
WHERE: The Orillia Opera House, 1 West St. N., Orillia. Tickets are sold at the box office and online. Buy your tickets here.
WHY: A night of fun in support of The Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition. The Coalition’s ongoing activities include education and raising awareness of Lake Simcoe’s health and advocating for sustainable solutions at all levels of government.
About the venue: The Orillia Opera House has seating for 667 people, a beautiful performance space, a bar, and rooms for the silent art auction and information and sales tables. Light snacks and an assortment of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are available before the performance and at intermission in the lobby.
Accessibility: Patrons using a wheelchair, walker or who have difficulty with stairs should advise the Box Office (705-326-8011) at the time of ticket purchase. Accessible seating is NOT available online. Visit the Accessibility page for more information.
Interested corporate sponsors should contact [email protected] to get sponsorship packages. Packages range from $200 - $5000.
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