New comedy show thriving on Hoboken’s sense of humor

Hoboken is a town with a sense of humor. After all, with the national attention it has drawn throughout the years, how could its citizens not be able to have a laugh at their own expense? It’s that sense of humor could be paving the way for the mile-square city to be a hub of another type of comedy – standup.
Now, the latest in a string of new comedy events – WOW Comedy – is taking over downtown Hoboken one night per month. WOW, founded by Alex Csedrik, is held in the back room of the Shannon, located at 106 First St.

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“The city is starting to put together a nice comedy scene. It’s nice to be part of that.” — Alex Csedrik
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“I think people are realizing that this is a great place for comedy. The people are friendly and down to earth,” said Csedrik. “As the host, I see people here are very willing to laugh at themselves. They can laugh and say ‘Yeah, that’s true about Hoboken.’ That’s why comedy has really picked up here, I think.”
According to Csedrik, the show is simultaneously great for two reasons: first, it gives Hoboken residents a chance to take in world-class comedy without crossing the river, and second, it gives local comics a chance to cut their teeth in front of a local audience and surrounded by their peers.
“It’s so far emerged as one of the really good shows in Hoboken, and the city is starting to put together a nice comedy scene,” said Csedrik. “It’s nice to be part of that.”
The next night of WOW Comedy is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21 at 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. and there is a $10 cover charge. There will be drink specials and special prizes available.

Great talent

Csedrik, who began performing standup in 2011, has since honed his craft with the circuit of young and emerging comics that make up the bulk of each month’s WOW lineup.
“We’ve played a lot of similar venues, I’ve performed with them,” he said. “I know what they can bring, and so it’s always a pleasure getting them.”
But the show also attracts some bigger names, usually one per show. Past performers have included Akaash Singh (MTV), Shaun Donnelly (The Late Show), and Tim Dillon (VH1’s Best Week Ever).
Csedrik also praised the Shannon as a top-notch location for hosting comedy events – both for its physical attributes and the fact that you don’t need to fulfill a two drink minimum to gain entry.
“The beautiful thing is that the back room gives the show a comedy club feel, that atmosphere, but you’re still in a bar, so the prices are good for patrons,” said Csedrik. “It’s a friendly show in terms of price and it’s just a laid back atmosphere.”
For more information on WOW Comedy, visit the group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/wowcomedy.

Dean DeChiaro may be reached at deand@hudsonreporter.com