Def Comedy Jam Co-Creator Brings Rising Stars to NJPAC

Legendary comedy talent scout Bob Sumner will present an evening of fresh comedic voices when “The Rising Stars of Comedy: I’m in Love with Mary Jane Show” takes the stage at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on June 22, 2025. Beginning at 6 PM, this showcase features five emerging comedians—Anthony Oakes, Rio Paris, Mason King, Rashaun Reese, and Apple Brown Betty—each bringing unique styles and perspectives to a night of raw, authentic stand-up comedy as part of the Prudential North to Shore Festival.

Sumner, co-creator of HBO’s groundbreaking “Def Comedy Jam” series and current Curator of Comedy at the Apollo Theater, has established a legendary reputation for identifying and elevating comedic talent. This carefully curated lineup continues his tradition of spotlighting the next generation of comedy stars before they reach mainstream recognition, offering audiences a chance to witness emerging talent in an intimate setting.

Comedy Kingmaker Showcases Fresh Talent

Few individuals have shaped modern comedy as profoundly as Bob Sumner, whose eye for talent helped launch the careers of numerous comedians who would become household names. Through his work as co-creator of HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam,” Sumner provided a platform for performers including Dave Chappelle, Chris Tucker, Cedric the Entertainer, and the late Bernie Mac, fundamentally altering the landscape of American comedy, according to New Jersey Stage.

This legacy of talent discovery continues with “The Rising Stars of Comedy,” which showcases performers Sumner has identified as voices to watch in the contemporary comedy scene. Each of the featured comedians—Anthony Oakes, Rio Paris, Mason King, Rashaun Reese, and Apple Brown Betty—brings a distinctive style and perspective to the stage, representing diverse approaches to stand-up comedy.

Sumner’s involvement lends significant credibility to the showcase, as his track record for identifying emerging talent remains unparalleled in the comedy industry. His current role as Curator of Comedy at the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem further cements his status as a tastemaker whose selections merit attention from comedy enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

Diverse Comedic Voices Take Center Stage

While specific details about each performer’s background and comedic style have not been fully revealed, the showcase promises to present a range of perspectives and approaches to stand-up comedy. This diversity of voices has been a hallmark of Sumner’s curatorial approach throughout his career, reflecting his commitment to representing the breadth of contemporary comedic expression.

The event description notes that each performer offers “their own wild style, quick wit and unforgettable energy,” suggesting a dynamic show that will feature contrasting approaches rather than a uniform comedic sensibility. This variety ensures that audience members will experience a comprehensive sampling of current comedic trends and talent.

The showcase’s title, “I’m in Love with Mary Jane,” hints at thematic elements that may appear throughout the evening, though the specific content remains to be seen. This framing suggests material that may engage with contemporary social issues and cultural references, potentially including perspectives on changing cannabis laws, a topic that has evolved significantly in New Jersey in recent years.

NJPAC Setting Continues Comedy Tradition

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center has established itself as a significant venue for comedy in the region, regularly hosting both established stars and emerging talent. Located at 1 Center Street in downtown Newark, NJPAC’s involvement in the North to Shore Festival extends its commitment to diverse programming across artistic disciplines.

As one of the premiere cultural institutions in New Jersey, NJPAC provides an ideal setting for this showcase, offering professional production values while maintaining the intimate atmosphere essential for effective comedy performance. The venue’s central location in Newark makes it accessible to audiences throughout the region, according to Patch, which highlighted NJPAC’s role as a festival hub.

The comedy showcase represents one component of NJPAC’s extensive involvement in the North to Shore Festival, which includes performances across multiple artistic disciplines hosted at various venues throughout the institution. As both a festival venue and the home organization of festival producers, NJPAC plays a central role in shaping the event’s identity and programming.

Special Elements Enhance Performance Experience

Beyond the featured comedians, the showcase will include additional elements designed to create a comprehensive entertainment experience. A “special surprise DJ and host” will maintain energy throughout the evening, creating continuous engagement between the individual comedy sets.

The event description makes reference to “a crowd ready to roll like in the Peppermint days,” suggesting an atmosphere reminiscent of legendary New York comedy clubs where many comedy careers have launched. This approach aims to recreate the electric environment of comedy’s most fertile developmental spaces while introducing new voices to contemporary audiences.

These additional elements reflect Sumner’s holistic approach to comedy presentation, recognizing that the audience experience extends beyond the specific performers to encompass the overall atmosphere and energy of the event. This attention to environmental factors demonstrates the depth of expertise Sumner brings to the curation process.

Part of Broader Festival Programming

The Rising Stars of Comedy showcase forms part of the extensive Newark programming for the Prudential North to Shore Festival, which spans three cities and features hundreds of events across multiple artistic disciplines. Now in its third year, the festival has established itself as New Jersey’s largest summer arts celebration, according to The Montclair Girl.

Comedy represents a significant component of the festival programming, with major performances by established names including Jon Stewart, John Mulaney, and Pete Davidson scheduled for the Prudential Center. The inclusion of emerging talent through showcases like “Rising Stars of Comedy” creates balance in the programming while fulfilling the festival’s mission to highlight both established and developing artists.

Tickets for “The Rising Stars of Comedy: I’m in Love with Mary Jane Show” are currently available through the NJPAC website and box office. Comedy enthusiasts are encouraged to secure tickets in advance for this opportunity to witness tomorrow’s comedy stars today, curated by one of the industry’s most respected talent scouts.