TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – Laughter and comedy are returning to the Hudson Valley as Laugh It Up Comedy Club (LIU) opens its doors in a new location. The club that is known for drawing nationally-recognized comics, as well as up-and-coming talent, has been closed since March of last year due to the pandemic.
The first show is taking place on April 30 and will be limited to 90 patrons due to COVID guidelines in place. The club will follow with two shows on May 1.
Owner and comedian Dan McRitchie announced that the comedy club is opening in the Holiday Inn at 2170 South Road in Poughkeepsie. The club had been at Mahoney’s Irish Pub since 2015 and outgrew their space. The newly-renovated hotel was formerly a Best Western that housed Banana’s Comedy Club years ago.
Kal Getter of LIU said, “People need to laugh now more than ever and with our new location, we’re giving more people the opportunity to do just that.” Getter said that the hotel has been very supportive of the club’s needs. He said “They are working with us so that we will have a dedicated bar and menu for shows along with socially-distant seating that will allow everyone to see the comics perform.” The hotel is also making a larger room available to the club for shows that draw a larger audience.
McRitchie pointed out that the hotel has prepared a “dinner and show package” that patrons can take advantage of. “This is a tremendous move for us and our patrons are going to really enjoy the new setting. We’ve got a new sound and lighting system, better seating, and easier access. We’re really looking forward to making people laugh after the pandemic took the smiles away.”
McRitchie also hosts “Comedy for a Cause” shows for local charities such as the Foodstock Fund and Dutchess Outreach. “We’re a part of this community and we try to help those that help others,” said the funny man.
