As seen in Asheville-Citizen Times November 14, 2025
In a town where comedy is popping up everywhere, The Comedy Zone at Wortham offers something different: a polished, intimate experience that blends the energy of a national comedy club with the charm of a performing arts venue. Thanks to its partnership with The Comedy Zone—the nation’s largest comedy club network—Wortham brings in top-tier talent from across the country, all within the refined setting of the Tina McGuire Theatre. No sticky floors, no shouting over bar noise—just a room built for performance, where every laugh lands a little louder, and every seat feels like the best in the house.
Picture this: low lights, a bar tucked in the corner, VIP tables with drink tickets, and a stage just steps from the audience. For five weekends each season, the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts transforms its Tina McGuire Theatre into a full-fledged comedy club. It’s all part of The Comedy Zone, a fast-growing series now in its third year—and one of Asheville’s best-kept secrets for live comedy.
“This series is finding its rhythm,” said Rae Geoffrey, managing director of the Wortham Center. “We’ve seen audiences grow steadily over the past three seasons, and now we’re seeing people come back again and again. The Comedy Zone shows are the perfect mix of casual, community, and pure entertainment.”
The Comedy Zone brings nationally touring comedians—many with credits on The Tonight Show, Netflix, Comedy Central, and NPR—to downtown Asheville for two-night runs. Each weekend features a double bill: an opener and a headliner, delivering back-to-back sets that range from sharp observational humor to wild storytelling and everything in between.
The 2025–26 season kicked off in October with Orlando Leyba, whose animated style and offbeat charm have earned him four appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and his own Max comedy special, Adorable. Up next: Helen Hong, performing December 5–6. A fan favorite on NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me, Hong is known for her razor-sharp wit and roles in Never Have I Ever, Silicon Valley, and The Thundermans. Her stand-up special, Well Hong, is currently streaming on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+, and her shows at Wortham are on track to sell out.
Future headliners include:
- Sid Davis (Jan. 16–17), a late-blooming comic with a Dry Bar special and a knack for turning everyday family life into laugh-out-loud moments.
- Michael Palascak (Feb. 27–28), a Last Comic Standing finalist with credits on Colbert, Corden, and Conan.
- Kevin Bozeman (Apr. 3–4), whose clean, clever comedy has racked up over 7 million views on Dry Bar.
“The partnership between The Comedy Zone and Wortham has been a treasured relationship for the last three years,” said Jon Alliss, who books the series. “We at The Comedy Zone pride ourselves on bringing the nation’s best comedic talent to everyone, and we’re extremely grateful to Wortham and the people of Asheville for embracing live comedy with such heart and enthusiasm. In an ever-changing world, everyone needs a dose of laughter now more than ever, so we are honored to take on the mission of bringing more laughter to Asheville. Come out to a show and let’s have a laugh together!”
IF YOU GO
What: The Comedy Zone at Wortham Center
When: Fridays & Saturdays, 8 p.m.
Where: Tina McGuire Theatre, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville
Tickets: Available at worthamarts.org or by calling 828-257-4530
Upcoming Shows:
- Dec. 5–6: Helen Hong (limited availability)
- Jan. 16–17: Sid Davis
- Feb. 27–28: Michael Palascak
- Apr. 3–4: Kevin Bozeman
