Archive: Arts & Entertainment

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Wednesdayday announced the new National Comedy Center, the first non-profit cultural institution and visitor experience dedicated to comedy, is officially open in Jamestown, Chautauqua County. The $50 million state-of-the-art museum is dedicated to telling the vital story of comedy in America, and celebrates comedy's great minds and unique voices, from Charlie Chaplin to Dave Chappelle. The National Comedy Center is presenting a weeklong celebration of comedy performances and dialogues to commemorate the grand opening, which coincides with the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, featuring more than 50 events including appearances by comedy greats such as Amy Schumer, Lewis Black, Lily Tomlin, Fran Drescher, W. Kamau Bell and original "Saturday Night Live" cast members Dan Aykroyd & Laraine Newman.

"The new National Comedy Center will serve as a tourist attraction and an economic game changer for Chautauqua County and the Western NY Region," Cuomo said. "The National Comedy Center highlights some of the most memorable comedic performers the world has known and will serve as a destination for visitors from across the country. New York is proud to invest in comedy and the arts, as we work to foster economic growth and create cultural hubs statewide."

Construction of the project, which began when the Governor broke ground in August 2015, includes a new 6,000 square-foot building, which, combined with the renovation and adaptive reuse of two historic buildings, including the historic Jamestown Gateway Train Station, makes up the total 37,000 square feet of exhibit space.

The exclusive collections and more than 50 immersive world class exhibits focus on everything from late night comedy to slap stick, and humor as a powerful means for social activism. Visitors are taken on an interactive journey through comedy history, from early vaudeville acts to the latest viral memes. Cutting edge personalization technology is used to create a humor profile that is embedded onto a radio-frequency ID wristband for each visitor. This allows for customization of the exhibit experiences, and encourages reflection on, and education in, one's own sense of humor. It is one of the most technologically advanced attractions of its kind, and also touts a cash bar, and a Blue Room — where the more adult rated or off-color comedy can be found. There are also personal archives on display from people including Lenny Bruce, Rodney Dangerfield, the Marx Brothers, Charlie Chaplin, Jerry Lewis, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Jerry Seinfeld, George Carlin and more. Visitors will leave the museum with a profound appreciation for comedy icons and innovators, as well as the tremendous influence of humor on how we think, live and laugh.

Project Chairman Tom Benson said, "Eight years ago, a small group of incredibly hardworking and dedicated people had the dream of making Jamestown America's home for comedy through the creation of the National Comedy Center. Due to the perseverance and blood, sweat and tears of that amazing group and the support that we received from our capital funders, including Cuomo and New York State, this dream has become a reality that will change the face of Jamestown and provide long lasting economic benefits for all of Western New York. We have made the transition from people laughing at us to laughing with us and it feels great."

The National Comedy Center is supported by over $14 million in resources from the state, including $4.4 million awarded through a competitive, community-driven process with the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council; an additional $5 million through the Buffalo Billion II initiative; $5 million via New Markets Tax Credit Program; and other state sources. It is expected to attract more than 114,000 visitors each year and give a $23 million boost to the local economy annually, while also sparking further economic development and helping to improve the economic environment in the region. The National Comedy Center is anticipated to support over 200 jobs and generate $6.5 million in wages annually across Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Erie counties.

"With significant investment and support from New York State, the National Comedy Center is set to be transformational for Western New York and the Southern Tier," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "The Center will be major draw for tourism and have a ripple effect across the region. Tourists will now be able to visit the natural beauty of Niagara Falls, stop by Buffalo to enjoy the fun at Canalside, and make a trip to Jamestown to visit the world-class National Comedy Center and all Jamestown has to offer. We are creating a synergy that will boost job creation and invest in the future of our economy."

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