NORFOLK - The 12th annual Great American Comedy Festival kicks off Thursday night with the Comedy Magic Show.

Talent Coordinator and Vice Chair, Chase Pflueger says it’ll feature The Optical Delusion.

"It's a show with Ben Seidman and Marcus Monroe that they're doing at large venues across the country. It's something that could potentially be a TV show in the future. They're bringing in a special guest from Europe to make an appearance as well."

Pflueger says they’ll be using cameras and TV screens to make sure everyone in the audience can see the close up magic.

He says it’ll take place Thursday night at 7 at the Johnny Carson Theatre on the Norfolk High campus.
Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for kids 13 years and under.

To buy tickets go to GreatAmericanComedyFestival.Com.
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The festival is presented by Nucor Vulcraft, Cold Finish, Nucor Steel Nebraska, and Nucor Detailing Center.

(NORFOLK, Neb.) – It’s almost show time for the 12th Annual Great American Comedy Festival. The traditional Comedy Magic Show kicks off the festival Thursday, June 13th. It is followed by the Comedy Showcase on Friday and concludes Saturday, June 15th, with the Festival Gala. Shows are at7 p.m. at the Johnny Carson Theatre.
 
The festival is presented by Nucor Steel Nebraska, Nucor Cold Finish Nebraska, Nucor Detailing Center, and Vulcraft Nebraska. It is designed to honor the legacy of Norfolk’s favorite son, Johnny Carson, host of NBC’s “Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” for over 25 years.
 
There is also The Cable ONE Late Night Show Friday at 10:30 at Divots.

(NORFOLK, Neb.) – When comedian Paul Reiser committed to be the Gala headliner at this year’s Great American Comedy Festival, he didn’t know that more awaited him in Norfolk.
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Reiser will be presented the Johnny Carson Comedy Legend Award at the 12th Annual Great American Comedy Festival. It opens Thursday, June 13th , with a Comedy Magic Show and includes a Comedy Showcase Friday and the concluding Gala on Saturday, the 15th . Comedy festival shows are at 7 p.m. at the Johnny Carson Theatre in Norfolk.

There is also The Cable ONE Late Night Show Friday at 10:30 at Divots.

Reiser will be presented his award at the Saturday Gala.

The 12th Annual Great American Comedy Festival is presented by Nucor Steel Nebraska, Nucor Cold Finish Nebraska, Nucor Detailing Center, and Vulcraft Nebraska.

(NORFOLK, Neb.) - The talent lineup for the 12th Annual Great American Comedy Festival includes some new talent and some familiar faces invited to return because of their very successful performances in past festivals.
The festival begins Thursday, June 13th, with the traditional Comedy Magic Show, continues Friday with the Comedy Showcase, and concludes Saturday, the 15th, with the Festival Gala. Shows are at 7 p.m. at the Johnny Carson Theatre.

The 12 th Annual Great American Comedy Festival is presented by Nucor Steel Nebraska, Nucor Cold Finish Nebraska, Nucor Detailing Center, and Vulcraft Nebraska. There is also The Cable ONE Late Night Show Friday at 10:30 at Divots.
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Saturday’s talent line-up, in addition to headliner Paul Reiser of NBC’s Mad About You, and host Pete Lee, includes Dino Archie, Dina Hashem, Chris Newberg, and Karen Rontowski. Archie began his career as a writer and actor, but always wanted to be, as he said, “funny; I love stand up.” He splits his time between Vancouver and Los Angeles.

(NORFOLK, Neb.) – The tradition of outstanding talent that leaves the audience roaring with laughter continues for the 12th Annual Great American Comedy Festival.

The festival begins Thursday, June 13th, with the traditional Comedy Magic Show, continues Friday with the Comedy Showcase, and concludes Saturday, the 15th , with the Festival Gala. Shows are at 7 p.m. at the Johnny Carson Theatre.
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The 12th Annual Great American Comedy Festival is presented by Nucor Steel Nebraska, Nucor Cold Finish Nebraska, Nucor Detailing Center, and Vulcraft Nebraska. There is also The Cable ONE Late Night Show Friday at 10:30 at Divots.

​(NORFOLK, Neb.) - Two of the most well received comics ever to perform at the Great American Comedy Festival will return in different roles for the 12th annual festival June 13-15.

Brian Kiley, winner of the 2014 festival, and Pete Lee, winner of the 2012 festival, will serve as hosts of the Friday Comedy Showcase and Saturday Festival Gala, respectively.

The annual event is no longer a competition as it was for the first nine festivals. This year, several different comedians, plus the headliner and host, will perform his or her timed sketch in a showcase-type program Friday and Saturday evening.

NORFOLK - This year’s Great American Comedy Festival will kick off with some delusional fun for the whole family.

“The Optical Delusions” starring Ben Seidman, Marcus Monroe and a surprise guest will take the stage for the traditional Comedy Magic Show Thursday, June 13th, at 7 p.m., at the Johnny Carson Theatre. The 12th annual festival continues Friday, June 14th, and Saturday, June 15th, at 7 p.m. at the theatre. There is also an Adults-Only Late Night Show at Divots Friday at 10:30.

Norfolk Daily News- By the time June rolls around, all those affected by this month’s flooding will be ready for a good laugh.

And that’s what the 12th annual Great American Comedy Festival in Norfolk will provide.

Festival organizers announced the two comedians who will headline the festival that was created to pay tribute to the legacy of Johnny Carson, who grew up in Norfolk and went on to host NBC’s “The Tonight Show” for 30 years.

Paul Reiser — a longtime comedian and actor — will headline the festival gala set for Saturday, June 15, at the Johnny Carson Theatre in Norfolk. Dave Coulier, who is perhaps best known for playing the role of “Joey” in ABC’s “Full House” series, will be the featured performer at the showcase set for Friday, June 14.