News and Press

2009-07-29

This is a "Laffing Matterz" - the Comedy Troupe Returns

With daily headlines trumpeting the woes of the world, laughing matters more than ever before and the Broward Center and Laffing Matterz are coming to the rescue of loyal fans hungry for hilarious satire and serious dining.

Couples, friends, co-workers, families and groups can once again join together laughing at the absurdities of South Florida living, 1-95 construction, cosmetic surgery, national politics and everything in between when Laffing Matterz at the Broward Center begins a 13-week engagement in the Abdo New River Room beginning October 15, 2009.

"We're back!" exclaimed Rita Wells, who with husband Mark, are the creative forces behind Laffing Matterz. "Our previous home in the historic McCrory building became a good-time destination of choice for locals and visitors. The Laffing Matterz experience will continue to be unique at the Broward Center in that it precedes the theatrical comedy with a dinner experience that far exceeds our audiences' expectations. The Broward Center is one of the premier entertainment venues in the region, and we are delighted to call it our new home."

Imagine Saturday Night Live with 90 percent musical spoofs or "Capitol Steps" with all original songs instead of popular song parodies and you begin to understand how Laffing Matterz garnered a five-star rating by Trip Advisor and numerous awards by local publications. Laffing Matterz at the Broward Center features a cast of 13 multi-talented performers who serve up a surprise at every performance.

While the show is constantly updated, audiences will once again be treated to fresh, exciting cuisine from Executive Chef John Eustace as the entire dinner experience is replicated in the new venue. Past menu favorites have included summer rolls with peanut dipping sauce and crab cakes with Creole mustard sauce appetizers along with entrees such as Tenderloin of Beef, Pork Porterhouse, herb-crusted sea bass with pineapple and red-pepper salsa, jumbo shrimp stuffed with crabmeat and vegetarian polenta with portobello mushrooms. Dessert favorites range from Butterfinger cup sundaes, and cream puffs in hot fudge to a legendary Key lime pie.

"We look forward to welcoming patrons for an exciting new experience when Laffing Matterz at the Broward Center opens this fall for an extended run," said Kelly Shanley, Broward Center president and CEO. "We are bringing back one of the many reasons for residents and tourists to come to downtown Fort Lauderdale to enjoy a night out which combines great comedy and fine dining in a unique theatrical setting."

One difference at the new venue is that audiences will be able to choose their seating at tables which seat four, six, eight and 10. The evening typically lasts three hours with the first half dedicated to the dining experience.

Deeming Laffing Matterz "a classy date," in naming it Best Dinner Theatre in 2006, New Times Broward Palm Beach raved, "It's a real live troupe, full of creative men and women who create hilarious cultural and musical satire…The food is delicious (some of the best sea bass you're likely to find, for example) and the service is, well, extraordinary."

Showtimes are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Admission to Laffing Matterz at the Broward Center is $63 and $68 and includes the show and a dinner.

Tickets and group discounts for parties of 10 or more are available through the Broward Center's box office at 954-462-0222 or www.BrowardCenter.org. Chima Steakhouse, Mangos Restaurant & Lounge, Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, Mercedes-Benz of Fort Lauderdale, Hob Nob, Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler (RRA), Sun Sentinel and Comcast are proud sponsors of the Broward Center. All dates, programs and artists are subject to change. •

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