CapComedy Club:
Ellen Karis
with special guest Stephen Steele
and host Byron Brooks

The Studio at the Appell Center
Friday, May 12, 2023 | 7:30PM

ELLEN KARIS — the “Greek Goddess of Comedy” — has had a successful career performing all over North America and has been described as the “little dynamo” given her petite stature, strong improv skills and ability to build a quick rapport with any audience. Born and raised in NYC in a traditional strict Greek home, her brand of sarcastic, observational humor is along the same lines as comedy legends Joan Rivers and Richard Lewis.

Her jokes about her marriage and family, trying to make it in show business against all odds, addiction to sweets and the absurdities of the ever-changing pop culture, youth obsessed world we live in, bring laughs to any crowd. Her comedy special “By the Way, I’m Ellen Karis” has received rave reviews. 

Ellen is also very popular in the Greek-American community, as she is one of the few Greek female stand-up comedians performing today with her hit one-woman show “Greek Chicks Rule.”

Starting her career as a CPA with an MBA in Finance, Ellen parlayed her quick wit and job experience on Wall Street to become a political humorist on many of the Fox News TV shows, and as a frequent guest on talk radio and Sirius XM. After co-hosting an internet radio show for several years, she now has two weekly podcasts: “Karis Comedy Corner” recorded at the Comic Strip Live and “Being Reasonable with Ellen Karis” on the Toughen Up America Network. Ellen’s tell it like it is, common sense views about current events combined with her personal anecdotes and interesting array of guests, has caught quite the buzz as a different and intelligent voice to hit the airwaves. 

STEPHEN STEELE did his first stand-up routine in college and then revisited years later starting out at Rascals Comedy Club in New Jersey. He uses his life experiences and societal observations to write and deliver comedic insights to the audience — with a twist. Stephen performs all over the Tri-State area in clubs and at private events. He has opened for major acts and runs a production business featuring top comedic talent.

BYRON BROOKS is originally from Fayetteville, NC but resides in White Marsh, MD. He is a popular comic in the Baltimore comedy scene and has done standup across the country. He is the co-creator of the Baltimore Comedy Writers group and has toured with national variety acts. Byron brings a one-of-a-kind, must-see stand-up style that will keep you laughing.</

Welcome to another exhilarating season in our historic theatres, filled with the sounds, sights and excitement of the live performing arts. We have so much planned so far this season—rock, pop, folk/Americana, Broadway, jazz, comedy, films, variety shows, family programs and more—and we are continuing to add even more stellar events to the schedule. I hope you will spend some time in our digital playbill and discover all we have going on at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts.

Something for Everyone

This spring we announced the first shows in our 2024-25 season roster. Mark your calendar, or better yet, click HERE or tap into our Season At A Glance in the menu and get your tickets today! 

 As always, the best way to get first access to the best available seats and our new show announcements is to become a Member. Membership starts at just $75 for a full year of amazing benefts for everyone in the household!

A very big THANK YOU to our current Appell Center Members ~ you play a crucial role in our sustainability! It is Membership support that makes it possible for us to foster and inspire the artists of tomorrow, unite friends and loved ones in shared experiences, and cultivate a bustling downtown, while attracting the hottest concerts and theatrical productions for your enjoyment, expanding our education programs and community outreach, boosting York city tourism and nightlife, and preserving our historic facilities. 

Community Focus

In addition to the shows on our stages, the Appell Center is committed to recognizing and celebrating the talent and knowledge found in our community. Our team is involving our community partners and residents to broaden our focus and ensure that everyone has access and is welcome to experience the arts and create art as well. Tap into the menu and read all about it in our Learning & Engagement story. Then think about how you can become involved or have an impact on this work.

Again, welcome to the Appell Center and enjoy the show!

Todd Fogdall
President & CEO

The Strand and Capitol Theatres at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts feature the very best artists and stories from around the region and across the country. We are excited to welcome you to experience the joy and inspiration that can only come from the live performing arts! 

The 2024-25 season is here! We know you will have an amazing experience at this performance, and welcome you to click through all the pages to see all that we have coming this season... You won't want to miss it!

Tickets and Appell Center Memberships can be purchased online at appellcenter.org, in person at 50 N. George Street, York, or by calling the Box Office at 717-846-1111.

COMING SOON

BEN FOLDS (11/15) Widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation, Ben Folds returns to the Strand Theatre following a sold-out performance in 2022! Opening the show is multi-faceted actress, singer and composer Lindsey Kraft. 

CHICAGO THE MUSICAL (11/27) is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen.

TOM PAPA (12/5), one of the top comedic voices in the country, this accomplished actor, host, author and stand-up comic makes his Strand Theatre debut with all new material. Don’t miss it!

MANDY GONZALEZ ~ Home for the Holidays (12/7), one of the most powerful and versatile Broadway voices of our time, makes her Appell Center debut with a very special program to kick off the holiday season! She's been in HAMILTON, WICKED and the original Broadway cast of IN THE HEIGHTS, and she is currently performing on Tuesday nights on Broadway as ‘Norma Desmond’ in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s revival of SUNSET BLVD. There is no denying she is a star on the rise, and she will be here for one night only!

... there are simply too many shows to list, including COLD CASE LIVE, JEFF BOYER'S BIG BUBBLE BONANZA, comedian EARL DAVID REED, and so much more. Join our email list and get all the news as it happens!

FILM

CAPFILM continues to provide unique opportunities for moviegoers of all ages and styles... 

Click HERE for a full schedule of upcoming CapFilms... including our Art House series, December Holiday films and classic family movies... new titles are being added all the time!

These are just the FALL HIGHLIGHTS ... New events are being added to the calendar all the time, so visit appellcenter.org for the most updated schedule or click on SEASON AT A GLANCE in the menu… and be sure you are on our email list for announcements.

We look forward to welcoming you through our doors often!

The Appell Center is committed to making the performing arts available to everyone in York County. Our Community ConnectTix program expands access to free and discounted ticket to those for whom the price of a ticket is a barrier.

Nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for blocks of tickets (up to 20) for select events so the groups they serve can experience the wonder and thrill of live performance. 

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

	WALTON & COMPANY

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

HOSPICE & COMMUNITY CARE

Look around. Here you are, seated in this beautiful, historic theatre about to enjoy a professional, live show right here in York’s downtown! What could be more exciting? This would not be possible without the support of our members.

We are humbled by the generosity of individuals across the county who make it all happen, Appell Center membership support allows us to make a significant impact in York. Members are the reason we have been able to continue entertaining the community for nearly 100 years and maintain these two historic theatres. Their support has allowed us to provide free uplifting experiences to our neighbors for whom the price of a ticket is a barrier and provide free educational programming for a generation of children in school districts throughout York County.

Members have helped us stay the course. Because of them, we remain focused on our mission and are able to throw our doors open for another season full of inspiring entertainment for you!

Our members are passionate about the performing arts. Aren’t you? Make a lasting impact right now by becoming a member of the Appell Center for the Performing Arts. 

For information on the levels and benefits of membership, visit appellcenter.org or contact Kimberly Soderberg, Development Manager, at 717-825-2236 or ksoderberg@appellcenter.org

In August 2022, the Appell Center wrapped up its Centennial Capital Campaign, raising over $7,500,000 to support vital infrastructure improvements and establish a Facility Endowment Fund for much needed improvements to our facility, which will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2025. The summers of 2023 and 2024 saw the completion of many of these improvements, including ADA compliant doors and into the Strand Theatre lobby, highly efficient concessions areas and a brand new HVAC system throughout the facility roof-top units, interior air management devices and system controls, which improves the efficiency and comfort of the building, reduces energy costs and provides cleaner and healthier air. 

We would like to recognize the many loyal and generous community members, foundations and businesses that helped us reach our goal and invested in the future of the performing arts in York County. They deserve a standing ovation!

• Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• Powder Mill Foundation
• Anonymous
• J. William Warehime Foundation
• W. Dale Brougher Foundation
• Kinsley Foundation
• Helen Appell
• Chandra & Lou Appell
• Arthur J. & Lee R. Glatfelter Foundation
• Glatfelter Insurance Group
• Giambalvo Family Foundation
• The Graham Foundation
• Shipley Family Foundation

• Stephen & Jenn Tansey
• Meg & Peter Brubaker
• New Standard Corporation
• PeoplesBank Charitable Foundation
• Jolene & Julian Tolbert
• Carl & Brenda Vizzi
• Dr. Vincent & Kathryn A. Butera
• Tony & Stef Campisi
• Jane G. Davis
• Hodges Family Foundation
• Dr. Benjamin & Anne Hoover
• Elizabeth M. Imboden MD
• Loren & Faye Kroh
• Lee Fence & Outdoor
• Menchey Music Service, Inc.
• Susanne Motter & Edward Motter
• Ruby & Mark Schmidt
• Bill & Sue Scott
• M&T Bank
• Traditions Bank
• The York Water Company

• Mr. & Mrs. Fred C. Fay
• Kenneth E. Hickman
• Wellspan York Hospital Medical Staff
• Collin Holder
• Kendall & Eric Menzer
• Judith V. Blakey
• Robert A. Bowen
• John & Cappy Bush
• Erda Erdos
• John & Denise Gilliland
• William R. Hartman
• James D. Isett, DMD, MS
• John Schmidt Foundation
• Fran Polk
• Bob & Donna Pullo
• Vance & Suzanne McConkey
• Kris & Tom O'Shea
• Todd & Elaine Fogdall
• Tony & Amy Doll
• Eugene J. Draganosky
• Michael & Melanie Hady
• Sean Gormley
• Debbie Simon & Tim Grumbacher
• Mike & Vicky Kochenour
• Stan & Jane Lebouitz
• Judy Simpson
• Shawn & Chrysta Stine
• Kurt & Barb Thomas
• Todd & Delaine Toerper
• Kira & Jan Wagner
• William & Kimberly Yanavitch II
• Jack Kay
• Joe & Susan Wagman
• RKL
• Doug & Kristin Berman
• Elliot & Krista Gardner
• Rob & Becky Gratalo
• John & Jan Klinedinst
• Erin McGlaughlin
• Katie & Rob Berkebile
• Nate & Sandra Sterner
• The Tolerico Family
• Graham & Elizabeth Zifferer
• Z. D. Bauer
• Don & Jane Dellinger
• Reed & Natalee Gunderson
• Duane & Kristin Moyer
• David & Linda Davidson
• Charles & Holly Wise
• Robert Gantz
• Betsy Keefer
• Stephanie Kessler
• Miodrag Kukrika
• John & Wendy Lakatosh
• Hunter & Emily Mink
• Mike & Jackie Summers
• Jerry Caslow & Dr. Jane S. Sutton
• Robert Godfrey
• Dennis R. Kohler
• Joan & David Stauffer
• Krista & Mike Darr

The Appell Center continues its focus on bringing the very best entertainment to diverse audiences of all ages... but wait, there's more!

In addition to planning the shows on our stages, the entire organization is committed to recognizing and celebrating the artistic talent of our community in many ways. 

Learning Workshops for All Ages

Acting... dance... singing... storytelling... jazz... improvisation... even circus arts! These are just a few of the focus areas that are available for students age 3 and up to explore. PLUS, we have added Tot Rock, an early learning program for our youngest friends age 0-2!

FAMILY WORKSHOP - Theater Games for the Whole Family
Saturday, September 21 • Ages 4 - 10 and their families | 10:00am
Price: Pick Your Price (recommended $15 per Family)

Enjoy a mix of fun theatre games and imaginative storytelling for the whole family that will spark creativity and build confidence through the powerful play of acting and theatre. Family fun is guaranteed, along with great ideas for games and activities to take home for your next family game night.

Taught by Ángel Nuñez, Executive Director of OrangeMite Studios Theater Company.

PRE-TEEN WORKSHOP - Intro to Shakespeare
Saturday, September 21 • Ages 8 - 13 |1:00pm
Price: Pick Your Price (recommended $15 per student)

Step into the world of Shakespeare as this workshop explores scenes from some of the Bard’s classic works. Participants will not only explore the language but build their confidence and enhance their acting skills as they discover the joys and thrills of Shakespearean theatre.

Taught by Ángel Nuñez, Executive Director of OrangeMite Studios Theater Company, York County’s premier Shakespeare-focused theater company.

TOT ROCK RETURNS! 
October 5, 19; November 2; December 7 | 10:00am
Ages: 0-5 and their adults
Price: Pick Your Price (recommended $15 per family)

This early childhood music learning program shares a well-rounded musical experience with infants, toddlers, and their families—an experience rooted in melody, rhythm, repetition and collaboration. Even more important than these musical concepts is the quality time Tot Rock will provide you and your children in a safe, fun, positive space full of music, laughter, and shared experiences. Music can be a foundation of family learning, so let’s make some joyful noise here at the Appell Center!

MONDAY NIGHT IMPROV CLASS with Chris Myers 
Mondays, October 14 – November 18 
All Ages
Price: $130

Come ready to laugh the day away with local actress and improv comedy wiz Chris Myers while learning classic and new wave improv games that will jostle your brain and tickle your funny bone! The six-week session ends with a performance open to the public on the Capitol Theatre stage.

Ages 8 – 12: 6:00 – 7:00pm
Ages 13 – 18: 7:00 – 8:00pm
Ages 18+: 8:00 – 9:00pm
Performance Date: Monday, November 18 at 7:00pm

JUGGLING & OTHER FUN STUFF with Antonio Briley, Jr.
Saturdays, October 19 - November 9 |10:00am
Ages 8+
Price: $80

Have you ever wanted to learn how to juggle? Balance a bowling pin on your chin? Other things? Taught by local phenomenon and man of many talents Antonio Briley, Jr. (you may know him as Bananaman), this four-week class will give you the opportunity to learn and master all the quirky, interesting, and fun skills you’ve ever imagined... and some you haven’t.

Click HERE to register today for one or more of these amazing and unique workshops they will only experience at the Appell Center! 

Community Engagement 

In July 2022 the Appell Center began a collaboration with Creative Generation, a group committed to pioneering projects in the arts and cultural, education and social change fields to support those organizations driving systemic change in their communities. This work produced an actionable plan elevating knowledge within our community to help inform a set of tools to create a societal hub for arts and cultural education in York County, PA. Listening sessions with key partners and their constituents were conducted, and information gathered from those sessions has helped inform the next steps of our strategic plan in this area.

At the completion of the active phase of this collaboration, the following statement was crafted and made public on our website:

The Appell Center for the Performing Arts seeks to be a cultural hub for the community in York.

We play a vital role in the local ecosystem, collaborating with educational, civic and other cultural organizations, informal networks, and individual artists to create experiences as outlets for healthy, creative expression.

Together, we believe in connecting the arts with education, personal wellbeing and family life.

We seek to build meaningful pathways in arts, cultural and creative learning for the York community through consistent, reliable opportunities which provide

• engagement with a diversity of artistic and cultural forms;
• multi-generational creative participation; and
• transformative experiences for creative youth.

We strive to be a relationship-builder, convener and host.

PARTNER WITH THE APPELL CENTER

There are many ways to join us in partnership, but here are some common starting points:

• Attend a free or low-cost workshop and event. We have workshops and classes where you can pick a price that feels right for you and your family.
• Host an event or program at the Appell Center. Our Community Support Fund helps support local non-profits and mission-aligned projects with reduced rental fees.
  
• Bring a group to one of our performances. The Community ConnecTix program offers complimentary tickets to local nonprofit groups every season.
  
• Invite us to support an event or program. Our team can host tables at your events to promote performing arts opportunities in the community.

Click HERE to learn more about our Discovery Sessions and Community Engagement initiatives, and how you might work with us in partnership to bring one of your ideas to the community at large!

Your health and safety are our priority
The Appell Center will continually monitor all health related concerns with guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. All are encouraged to regularly visit our website or call the Box Office for up-to-date information, a list of Frequently Asked Questions and any specific instructions for your scheduled performance.

Bag check
It is recommended that you do not bring any bags with you in order to expedite entry. Bag checks are mandatory and conducted by our security team. Metal (or wooden) rods will be used to search each bag. Guests will be asked to open and hold their own bags while they are being searched for any items not permitted in the building.

Concessions
Concessions are available at both the Capitol and Strand Theatres. All alcoholic beverages are sold in reusable cups which must be purchased with your first drink. Guests are encouraged to bring their cups back to our concessions stands during future visits to purchase drinks at the refill price. Non-Appell Center cups will not be eligible for refills.

Restrooms
Restrooms are located on both levels of the Strand Theatre and on the first floor of the Capitol Theatre. Accessible restrooms are available in both theatres.

Accessible Services
ADA-compliant seating is offered in several locations. Assistive-listening devices are available for all Strand Theatre shows and select films. These devices can be requested from a member of our Front of House staff when you arrive or by calling the Box Office in advance at 717-846-1111. We also offer audio description and closed captioning for some films. Sign language interpretation may be available when requested at least two weeks in advance. Notify the Box Office of any needs when purchasing tickets. We’re happy to arrange the perfect seats and services for you.

Smoking
The Appell Center is a non-smoking facility, including e-cigarettes and vape pens.

Child booster seats
Complimentary booster seats are only available in the Strand Theatre on a first-come, first-served basis. Please see one of our Ushers when you arrive for assistance. 

Electronic devices
We appreciate your cooperation in silencing all electronic devices before the performance begins.

Photo/recording policy
For most events, photography/recording of any type is prohibited. However, for some events, non-professional, non-flash, photography is permitted. Any adjusted policy will be advertised on signs at the entrance to the venue. The Appell Center reserves the right to confiscate any photo or recording device if policies are ignored. Patrons found possessing professional equipment not expressly authorized will be asked to leave their cameras in their vehicles or will otherwise be escorted from the venue.

Click HERE to learn more about our policies.