For those of you who complain that there’s nothing to do in Jersey City, get off your duff and check out Rascals on the Hudson. The new comedy club opened last month with two sold-out shows hosted by WKTU’s Goumba Johnny.”We’re seeking out the best in their field,” says manager Jay DiDomenico, explaining that Rascals is booking some of the best stand-up talent available in New York City – and nationwide.
Each show features three comedians, all of them professionals. Last weekend’s lineup included Tim Homayoon, a New Yorker who used to write for Saturday Night Live, and Nancy Ryan, who lives on the Jersey Shore when she’s not performing in Vegas, Reno, Denver, Chicago, or on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend. Headlining the show was Rob Magnotti, who has appeared on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and recently served as a warm-up act for the live studio audience for the Apprentice finale.
Homayoon got his biggest laugh with a little Jersey City humor – a bit about a Chinese taxi driver who speaks Spanish and listens to Snoop Dogg. Magnotti, a native of Central Jersey, used every inch of the stage for his physical comedy. Twisting his lanky body in wacky Travolta-style dance moves, Magnotti kept the audience transfixed. He also delighted the crowd with his live-wire impressions of Al Pacino, Bill Cosby, Jerry Seinfeld, Kramer, and Archie and Edith Bunker.
Local roots
Jersey City native Demitri Goletsos got the idea for a downtown comedy club a couple of years ago. Goletsos, a businessman with experience in the insurance and real-estate industries, opened Nicco’s – a downtown Jersey City restaurant – six years ago. At the time, Goletsos was a pioneer on the corner of Washington and York streets. DiDomenico says Goletsos has done a lot for the community.
“He’s really helped to revitalize the area and give back to the community,” DiDomenico says.
Goletsos says he loves the vibe of New York areas like SoHo and Tribeca and “want[s] to see some of that over on this side of the river. People went into the city because there’s more to do. I wanted to keep people on this side of the Hudson.”
He added, “I wanted to bring comedy to the area – to give people something to do at nighttime.”
DiDomenico says his boss has done that and more, explaining that Rascals offers a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience. Word is spreading about the new club, which already draws patrons from outside the county.
Cheap laughs
Rascals is worth checking out. On Thursday nights, tickets are only $10 – and now that it’s rerun season on TV, admit it: You really don’t have anything better to do. And this isn’t your cheesy hometown strip-mall comedy club. Patrons enter the club through the bar, which occupies an elegant old corner storefront. One exposed-brick wall is decorated with photos of comedians who’ve appeared at other Rascals locations – including Seinfeld. And the bar area has several TVs, so you can keep an eye on the game before and after the show.
Comedians take the stage in a spacious room that seats 300. The carefully renovated space (more exposed brick) provides a solid backdrop for the action on stage. And by the way, the performers often sit at the round table back by the bar.
For now, Rascals offers shows on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Future plans include an open-mic night for local amateurs.
@ Rascals
Rascals on the Hudson
360 Marin Blvd., Jersey City
(201) 217-8900
www.rascals.net
Upcoming acts:
Thursday, May 20-Saturday, May 22: Pete Correale, as seen on Comedy Central and NBC
Thursday, May 27-Saturday, May 29: Jim Mendrinos, as seen on Comedy Central’s Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn
Thursday, June 3-Saturday, June 5: Carl LaBove, as seen on Comedy Central and The Tonight Show
Show times and ticket prices:
Thursdays: 8:30 p.m., $10
Fridays: 9:00 p.m., $15
Saturdays: 8:30 p.m. and 10:45 p.m., $15
Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.rascals.net. Unless a show is sold out, tickets are also available at the door. To make a reservation, call (201) 217-8900. Ticket prices may be higher for certain celebrity shows.
Food and drink:
Two-item minimum purchase per person, per show. The kitchen serves up bar food such as wings, burgers, steak sandwiches, and shrimp cocktail.
For those interested in full-service dining, Rascals offers dinner-and-show packages with Nicco’s restaurant.
Rascals is open for lunch on weekdays. The Rascals Lounge & Bar is open nightly.
Other info:
Rascals is located two blocks from the Harismus Cove light-rail station. Complimentary valet parking is available on Saturdays.
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