Funny business: Center for Visual and Performing Arts offering some comedy greats

Performing and show business is all about timing.

It's one of the reasons local claim-to-fame Nick Gaza, the nationally-known TV comedian who is originally from East Chicago, says it's a great time to be funny.

"With all of the worries of the world these days, everyone needs a good laugh now more than ever," said Gaza, a 1983 Bishop Noll grad who moved to Los Angeles for 20 years and recently returned to the region and now lives in Schererville.

Gaza's return to Northwest Indiana has pointed a new spotlight on comedy options in the area.

Last year, he began working with the Center for Visual & Performing Arts in Munster to book weekend comedy talent. The concept has worked so well an entire schedule of shows, featuring national headliners and  dinner theater, is ready to welcome the new year.

"We're billing this as a chance to get over those winter doldrums by planning a night out this January and February for what we're calling the Comedy Nights at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts," Gaza said.

"And the addition of a buffet dinner included with the ticket price makes it even better. It's close, the parking is free and it's a night of great food and laughs as just the ticket to treat cabin fever."

Four performances with top comedians from across the country are planned Fridays, starting tonight, Jan. 13, and continuing Jan. 27, Feb. 10 and Feb. 24, all at the CVPA in Munster, 1040 Ridge Road. All of the shows are for audiences 21 and older.

First up to the mic, having just flown in Thursday from Los Angeles, is Bil Dwyer, with opening talent Sonya White.

A stand-up comic and favorite TV game show host, Dwyer is familiar to audiences from Game Show Network's "Extreme Dodgeball" and the 2006 reinvention of the CBS panel show game "I've Got a Secret."

He was on the fourth season of NBC's "Last Comic Standing," as one of the finalists.

Right now, he's appearing in a recurring role as Valerie Bertinelli's ex-husband on the highly-rated TV Land sitcom "Hot in Cleveland."

And the fact that tonight's event is being called "Dinner with Dwyer," featuring an Italian buffet with Chicken Vesuvio and penne primavera, makes Dwyer feel right at home with his South Side Chicago roots.

"I was born and raised not far from Munster in Evergreen Park, Ill., and my parents would take me to the old Drury Lane Martinique Dinner Theatre, which always had the promise of a great meal with great entertainment at a great price," Dwyer said.

"I remember seeing actor Hugh O'Brien star in the play 'Charlie's Aunt' at that Drury Lane Theatre."

Dwyer will be testing out some stories and routines from a new one-man show he's been fine tuning.

Dwyer is also donating his funny talents to a "Comedy for a Cause" event 7 p.m. Jan. 14, showcasing a stand-up comedy show to benefit the Hobart Firefighters Local 1641. The event is at the Art Theater, 230 Main St., in Hobart and also features comedian Bill Brady and host Ron Harlow from WJOB. The show is also 21 and older with beer, wine and concessions available.

Later this month on Jan. 27, Jack Mayberry, a "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" favorite, headlines at the Center along with opening talent  Tiffany Ellen. The event also includes the "Dinner with Mayberry" bonus, providing a country menu theme.

On Feb. 10, it's Frank Del Pizzo with his hilarious true-to-life stories and easy-going style conversational approach. In honor of Valentine's Day, there's a French buffet dinner included with the ticket price.

And the funny finale to the winter comedy round-up is Chicago talent Patti Vasquez, with opener John McDonnell. A barbecue buffet dinner will be served.