JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — The 37,000 square foot National Comedy Center in Jamestown continues to evolve, as the art form of comedy evolves.
Over the past year, the center has added a new mini-documentary dedicated to pivotal TV comedy Laugh In. And fans of stand-up comedy will appreciate the new reconstruction of the famous Caroline's stage. The iconic New York City comedy showcase has its famous stage backdrop, and original signage and furniture from the club, displayed at the National Comedy Center.
Perhaps the largest of the 50 exhibits in the center is the "Comedy Continuum". An interactive, 60-foot long wall allows visitors to track the evolution of comedy from show to show and from performer to performer. For example, from Lorne Michaels we got Saturday Night l.ive, which discovered Tina Fey, who created the sitcom 30 Rock, which elevated Tracy Morgan. It's fascinating to connect comedy across generations.
The National Comedy Center is suitable for families. It is open all year long in southern Chautauqua County, and the website is www.comedycenter.org.