White Rock theatre shows added to Icarus Capital, starting with Sophia Johnson on April 6, 2024
Rising Cross-Pacific Star Sophia Johnson to Headline White Rock Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Night Series on Saturday April 6 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
White Rock, British Columbia (March 5, 2024) - The White Rock Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Night series, now, newly produced by Icarus Capital Group/Yuk Yuk’s Media, is gearing up for its fourth show of the 2023-24 season, and local comedy enthusiasts are in for a delightful surprise. Rising cross-Pacific sensation Sophia Johnson is set to headline, offering audiences a taste of her comedic brilliance as she prepares for her much-anticipated headlining theatrical debut in White Rock.
Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, Johnson is not just a comedian but also a versatile actor who made the leap to Vancouver in 2018, drawn by the city's comedy and acting scene.
"Vancouver's dynamic comedy and acting scenes as well its beautiful scenery lured me here on a whim," shared Sophia Johnson. "Canada has significantly influenced my comedic style, pushing me to elevate my performances in a highly competitive, yet collaborative environment."
Before making Vancouver her home, Johnson made waves in New Zealand, gracing prestigious stages like the New Zealand International Comedy Festival and the Dunedin Fringe Festival. Meanwhile, Johnson has showcased her comedic acting chops on Netflix's "Ash vs the Evil Dead" and CW's "Legends of Tomorrow." Her star continued to rise with invitations to the renowned Just For Laughs Vancouver festival, where she also contributed to the "Best of the West" album recording in 2022. In 2023, she made her TV debut with a stand-up taping for "New Wave of Stand Up," now available on demand with CBC Gem.
As Johnson's career trajectory soars, she embarks on the upcoming multi-city tour, "Queens of Comedy," alongside other prominent Canadian female comedians, and is set to record her debut comedy album in Victoria later this spring, while also contemplating her next move in her homeland of New Zealand.
Reflecting on her journey, Johnson remarked, "...performing comedy and acting in Vancouver has been transformative, opening doors I never thought possible. From sharing the stage with my idol Maria Bamford to exploring new recording opportunities, Vancouver has been instrumental in shaping my career. Now, with the pandemic behind us, I'm eager to start exploring the world again.”
Joining Sophia Johnson on stage will be a stellar lineup, including host Shane Clark, feature act Ryan Williams (recently named one of Just For Laughs' "New Faces Canada" in Montreal), as well as comedians Melanie Rose and Ray Morrison.
"We've had our eye on Sophia Johnson for some time now, captivated by her unique blend of humor and confident stage presence," shared Garry Yuill, CEO of Icarus Capital/Yuk Yuk’s Media. "Her recent headlining successes at Yuk Yuk’s Surrey confirmed what we already knew: she's a comedic force to be reckoned with. We're thrilled to showcase her talent to a broader audience as part of our 2023-24 season lineup in White Rock."
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Event Details:
When: Saturday April 6th @ 7pm or 9:15pm (doors open at 6pm and 8:45pm)
Where: Oceana PARC Playhouse, 1532 Johnston Rd, White Rock, BC V4B 3Z7
Ticket Price: $30 per show (all taxes & fees included)
Note: the 5th and final show of the 2023-24 season will be held on May 25, 2024 and feature Toronto’s Cedric Newman (Amazing Race Canada, Halifax Comedy Festival) as the headliner.
About Sophia Johnson (Headliner):
Sophia Johnson, a dynamic Vancouver entertainer hailing from New Zealand, has captivated audiences in comedy and acting. Her talent shines on global platforms, including Netflix's 'Ash vs the Evil Dead,' CW's 'Legends of Tomorrow,' and 'Nancy Drew.' Johnson's comedic brilliance extends to live performances at three New Zealand International Comedy Festivals.' She was also a writer for TVNZ's '7 Days,' contributing to its ongoing success. Her infectious humour can be heard on Just for Laughs Originals' 'Best of The West' album 'Yee-Haw Hell Yeah.' Recently, her TV set for Just for Laughs Vancouver's New Wave of Stand Up aired on CBC Gem.
About Ryan Williams (Main Opening Act):
Ryan Williams is one of Canada’s most exciting comics. His energetic performances, coupled with sharp material, make him a performer not to be missed. His Debut album “Manual Labour of Love” was released by Comedy Records and went #1 on the iTunes Canada Comedy charts. Ryan has appeared at Just for Laughs New Faces 2023, The New Wave of Comedy on CBC Gem, CBC Radio’s The Debaters and Laugh Out Loud, The Winnipeg Comedy Fest, Just for Laughs Vancouver, Just for Laughs Toronto, JFL 42, JFL Northwest, Grindstone Comedy Fest, The Drew Mclean Comedy Festival, was a finalist in Sirius XM's Canada's top comic and was featured on JFL Northwest's best of the west compilation album.
About Melanie Rose (Opening Act):
Melanie Rose, a rising star in comedy known for her sharp wit and relatable stories, is making waves in the world of stand-up. Born and raised in Richmond, BC, Melanie's journey into comedy began with open mic nights after attending comedy classes. With a unique perspective on life and a knack for crowd work, she quickly gained traction, touring across Canada as a professional comedian. Beyond the stage, Melanie is a passionate advocate for mental health, using her humor to raise awareness and break stigma. With her quick wit and commitment to making a difference, Melanie Rose is a comedian on the rise.
About Ray Morrison (Opening Act):
Introducing Ray Morrison, the master of uncomfortably comfortable comedy with a twist of senior's angst. Ray's journey into comedy began when his wife told him, "Get a hobby, you are driving me crazy!" In 2017, he clinched the title at Vancouver's "One Hitter Quitter" comedy competition, triumphing over 130 competitors. As he claimed his prize, the crowd chanted "Grandpa, Grandpa, Grandpa!" A comic for all ages, Ray has regularly performed at prestigious comedy clubs like Yuk Yuk’s across the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, delivering funny, relatable, and delightfully clean humour.
About Shane Clark (Host):
Shane's comedic style is a paradox that's hard to explain – an uncanny ability to address the uncomfortable with a dose of warmth and likability. He takes his audience on a rollercoaster of emotions, from uproarious laughter to introspective contemplation, and all emotions in between. His genuine approach allows him to connect with people on a deeper level and create a real camaraderie with his crowd.
For interview opportunities, photos, logos, etc, please contact:
Eric Y. Lapointe, eric@andnowglobal.com, 604-600-2490