The Comedy Date Night series at the Yucaipa Performing Arts Center has been a successful event for all ages. Last week, about 50 attendees from Yucaipa and surrounding areas witnessed top acts from two of Hollywood’s hottest comedians, Richard Villa and Courtney Black. Host Ace Guillen warmed up the crowd with his electric guitar and jokes about musicians present and past. Meanwhile, backstage, both comedians took to their Instagram stories. Courtney raved about the dressing room she got all to herself, free to “blow up” if she so desired. Richard Villa took a stroll upstairs to talk with those watching the kids and comment about the free child care. “Check this out. I can’t believe they have daycare for this show. Guys, if you’re stuck in traffic, come on out. They look trustworthy,” he joked. “We’ll just close this door, and you never have to see your kids again.”
It was clear the comedians tailored their acts for our Yucaipa audience by interacting and asking questions. Audience members laughed with Courtney Black about sending her a souvenir chicken (without the flies, of course). Richard told “his story” with top-notch acting skills that really drew the audience in, as Caryl Delcid, local resident said:
“They really brought the audience into the program! They made it a lot of fun, and we had many laughs. By the end of their skits, you would swear you knew them on a personal level.”
Kim and Jack Richardson came from Highland. “This was a great date night for us. We will definitely come back for future comedy shows.”
The Date Night comedy series brings two new, widely known Hollywood comedians every third Thursday of the month through May. Next up is Don Friesen and Christine Little on Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. Free child care is provided for one child per ticket purchased, ages 4 - 13.
Call the box office at (909) 500-7714 to purchase the entire series for $2 off each show. Regular price is $20 and $10 for student/military/senior(55+). Purchase tickets online at yucaipaperformingarts.org, and follow @yucaipaperformingarts on Instagram for special deals and discounts.