NBC'S HIT LAUGHFEST 'LAST COMIC STANDING' ANNOUNCES NEW HOST BILL BELLAMY AND NEW TALENT SCOUTS ALONZO BODDEN, ANT AND KATHLEEN MADIGAN AS THE EMMY-NOMINATED SERIES EXPANDS ITS SEARCH INTERNATIONALLY TO FIND THE FUNNIEST COMEDIAN IN THE WORLD

Casting Calls To Be Held in London, Montreal and Sydney, Australia in Addition to Los Angeles, New York, Minneapolis, San Antonio and Tempe

BURBANK – February 1, 2007 - NBC's unscripted laughfest "Last Comic Standing" will return to the schedule this summer with new host Bill Bellamy, new talent scouts including "Last Comic Standing" alumni Alonzo Bodden, Ant and Kathleen Madigan -- and an all new quest -- to find the funniest new comedian in the world. The Emmy-nominated series broadens its scope this season by searching internationally for the world's funniest comedian, holding casting calls in London, Montreal and Sydney, Australia in addition to Los Angeles, New York, Minneapolis, San Antonio and Tempe. Celebrity judges will also join the talent scouts as they search for the world's funniest new comic.

The fourth season of "Last Comic Standing" ranked as the #4 summer series overall in adults 18-49, with every telecast ranking in that week's top seven in adults 18-49. The fourth season averaged a 3.6 rating, 10 share in adults 18-49 and 8.1 million viewers overall.

A favorite in the world of comedy over the last decade, comedian and actor Bill Bellamy recently released his debut comedy DVD, "Bill Bellamy: Back to My Roots," which aired as a one-hour special on Comedy Central. He headlined the new season of "Def Comedy Jam," and starred in the romantic television comedy "Getting Played," the drama series "Fastlane," and in the sitcom "Men, Women & Dogs." On the big screen, his credits include "Any Given Sunday," with Al Pacino; "Love Stinks," "Love Jones," "How to be a Player," and most recently, "Neverwas" with Jessica Lange and William Hurt. He was also the voice of Skeeter in Nickelodeon's comedy series "Cousin Skeeter," and hosted "MTV Jams" for five years.

Alonzo Bodden, the jet mechanic-turned-comic who describes his material as "cynically good natured," won season three of "Last Comic Standing." A top headliner at comedy clubs nationwide, Bodden had his own half-hour comedy special on Comedy Central, and has appeared on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," "The Late, Late Show with Craig Kilborn," "Premium Blend" and "The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show." In addition, he appeared in "Bringin' Down the House," "The Girl Next Door," "Angel" and "Grounded for Life."

A familiar face to "Last Comic Standing" viewers, Ant was a contestant in season two and has also made appearances in every other season of the show as well. He is the host of "Celebrity Fit Club" and is a regular guest on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "The Tyra Banks Show." He was also a regular celebrity panelist on "To Tell the Truth," a weekly correspondent on "The Dennis Miller Show" and a featured comedian on Comedy Central's "Premium Blend." His stand-up DVD is titled "Ant: America's Ready."

Called one of America's funniest female comics by Jay Leno, Kathleen Madigan was a contestant on season two of "Last Comic Standing" and was voted Best Female Stand-Up at the American Comedy Awards. A hit at comedy clubs across the country, Madigan starred in her own HBO half-hour comedy special, and in "Comedy Central Presents: Kathleen Madigan," and the "USO Comedy Tour Special." She also starred in Comedy Central's "The World Comedy Tour," and has appeared on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and "The Late Show with David Letterman." The St. Louis native has also released two CDs, "Live" and "Shallow Happy Thoughts for the Soul," and recently released a new DVD titled "In Other Words," which debuted as a one hour special on Comedy Central.

Bodden, Ant and Madigan will scout for the best comedians from searches beginning February 26 in Los Angeles and concluding April 2 in Tempe.

The following is the schedule for casting calls, which begin in each city at 9:00 a.m.:

February 26 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Improv (8162 Melrose Ave., LA 90046)

March 7 – Sydney, Australia – Location TBA

March 12 – London, England – Location TBA

March 17 – Montreal, Canada – Location TBA

March 21 – New York, NY – Gotham Comedy Club (208 W. 23rd Street, NY 10011)

March 27 – Minneapolis, MN – Acme Comedy Club (708 N. First Street, Minneapolis
55401)

March 30 – San Antonio, TX – River Center Comedy Club, 849 E. Commerce Street, Suite 893, San Antonio 78205)

April 3 – Tempe, AZ – The Tempe Improv, 930 E. University Drive, Tempe 85281)

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Dwight Slade..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Valentine's Day Jameson Tour Dana Gould Last Comic Standing 5 Nick Swardson

Acme's  Insider's Night Starring Dwight Slade Tuesday, February 6th 2007   ..:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" />..:namespace prefix = w ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" />Insider's Night this month is going to be hotter than ever with Dwight Slade headlining.  Dwight has appeared on Comedy Central's Premium Blend, HBO's Best of the Comedy Arts Festival, and has been heard on the Bob and Tom radio show. His rock star hair and high-energy act, mixed with his laid back west coast attitude creates a performance that is perfectly mismatched for maximum fun. Acme knows that a breath of fresh air is what you need at a time like this, so come in from the cold and let Dwight take away your winter blues.   Valentines Day Feb. 14th 8 pm Don't be that guy/gal!  Reservations are going fast!    Forget to make those reservations s/he's been hounding you about?  S/he hated your pick last year?  Come to Acme and celebrate a Valentines Day you both will agree on.  Karen's act is light, sophisticated, and just what Cupid ordered. She's been featured on Comedy Central and opened for legendary acts like Bob Hope and Ray Charles. Her witty word play and keen eye for comedy makes for a hilarious and entertaining performance you'll both want to take credit for.     "Her rare mix of intelligence and silliness is the best comedy I have seen in a long time." -Star Tribune   ..> ..> Valentines Day 4 Course Fixed Menu   Chopped Romaine Heart Salad   Hoisin Marinated Pork Tenderloin Served w/ Ginger & Sesame Angel Hair Pasta   Choice Of: ·          Sliced Roasted Certified Angus New York Strip Au Jus ·          Bone-in-Chicken Breast Stuffed w/ Ricotta, Mozzarella, & Monterey Jack cheeses       Garlic, Sundered Tomatoes, Dijon mustard, & Prosciutto Ham Served w/ a       Peppercorn Rosemary Sauce ·          Sautéed Mahi Mahi w/ Mango Salsa   Chocolate Decadence Cake     The Jameson Tour February 21st-24th ..> ..>        Acme is proud to join Jameson Irish Whiskey in presenting the Jameson Comedy Tour February 21-24.  Headlining the tour will be Steve Byrne, Nick Griffin, Billy Gardell, and Danny Bevins. All four national headliners will perform during each show, and the only question for you will be "How do they follow that!" Dana Gould March 1st-3rd "Simpsons Writer/Producer" ..> ..>      You've seen his name flash across the screen hundreds of times during the opening credits of the Simpson's, now see this comedy icon perform live.  A real treat for comedy fans who know that Dana rarely performs anywhere outside of LA.  Acme fans…Don't miss one of the most eagerly anticipated shows this year!   Last Comic Standing 5 Auditions March 27, 9am Open Call, 8 pm Call Back Show ..> ..>      You heard right.  Acme has been selected by NBC to host this year's auditions.  Acme, along with 7 other top clubs from around the world (a new wrinkle this year) have been asked to find this season's Last Comic Standing.  Other cities include, Los Angles, New York, San Antonio, Tempe, London, Montreal, and Sydney.      In case you forgot, hometown hero Josh Blue won the title last year and Acme's got more great talent ready to hit the big time.  With comedians already making travel plans, the competition has never been tougher, and the talent has never been better.    Nick Swardson June 9, 2007 State Theater 7pm ..> ..>     Hey Swardson fans!  Nick's coming home to headline the State Theatre June 9, 2007 at 7pm.  Nick has most recently been seen in Click, Benchwarmers, and Grandma's Boy (to name just a few).  This St. Paul native's movie career isn't slowing down anytime soon with Reno 911:Miami (the Movie) coming out Feb. 23 and more in production.  Tickets are on sale now, but won't last long.    ..> ..>

NBC is bringing back the 5th season of Last Comic Standing after last years success! This year, however, it's going international! Acme will be one of 5 US comedy clubs hold auditions, along with London, Montreal, and Sydney! The doors open and auditions start at 9:00am, with those auditioning getting 2 minutes to show their best material, and gain enterance to Last Comic Standing 5. Auditions will begin promptly at 9am, and run into the afternoon. Call backs for those selected will be later that night in a showcase format. Come early and be prepared to wait, as hundreds of comics from the area will be making the drive to Minneapolis to audition!

Auditions cities are:

February 26th
Los Angeles, California - Hollywood Improv

March 21st
New York, New York - Gotham Comedy Club

March 27th
Minneapolis, MN - Acme Comedy Company

March 30th
San Antonio, TX - River Center Comedy Club

April 3rd
Tempe, Arizona - Tempe Improv

Sydney, Australia

London, England

Montreal, Canada

Al Lubel

1/9 -1/13

 Few comics perform standup comedy as if they were arguing a case before a jury. For Al Lubel it is completely natural. Al left his practice as a trial attorney to concentrate on being a full time standup comedian. Within a year of quitting law Al won the $100,000 Comedy Grand Prize on "Star Search."

    His humor is introspective in nature. He rarely does "observational humor" such as, "Did you ever notice?" His humor is philosophically and existentially based. It can best be described as; "Did you ever dwell?" Al bares all, telling you more about himself that you necessarily want to know. He uses his legal ability to put himself on trial. Through this catharsis Al lets the audience know they are not alone in the world – they are with Al Lubel.

Valentines Day

Karen Rontowski

February 14th 8 pm

    Karen Rontowski headlines Acme for Valentines Day and reservations are on sale now.  Karen has been seen on Comedy Central, and heard on the Bob and Tom Radio Show.  She has opened for such legendary acts as Bob Hope, Ray Charles, and the Monkeys.

    The Minneapolis Star Tribune wrote, "Her rare mix of intelligence and silliness is the best comedy I've seen in a long time."  Great for both sexes, Karen's humor will make this Valentines Day one you'll both enjoy. 

Valentines Dinner/Show Packages $40 includes:

               4 course meal (see the full menu on our website)

                                        Reserved tickets for the show

                                             Valentines Day Show Only Tickets $20

Reservations can be made at 612.338.6393

Nick Swardson

 June 9th, 2007

Tickets for Nick are on sale now and the best seats are going fast.  Nick has appeared in Benchwarmers, Grandma's Boy, Click, and is currently filming two more movies to be released in 2007.  Reserve yours today through TicketMaster and see this hometown hero perform at the State Theatre.  

Frank Caliendo

There's only a few more seats left to see FOX NFL pregame guru and MadTV veteran perform at the Pantages Theatre February 17^th.  Known for his impressions of: John Madden, Al Pacino, Robin Williams and many more Frank will have you gasping for air with the things he has celebrities say.