Business & Tech

Traco Theater Opens Nov. 4 with Comedy Show

Grand opening of new venue downtown for independent movies, comedy, performances

An idea born in 1924 as the will be reborn in downtown Toms River tomorrow. It's opening night at the Traco on Friday, as the venue debuts a comedy show as its inaugural night of entertainment.

The original Traco has been absent for decades. It operated as a theater until the late 1950s; then, it became a drugstore. The building stood where the parking lot adjacent to the is now.

But when Kim Ratto and Helen Harris, proprietors of the , planned to create an entertainment destination for Toms River, Ratto turned to the historic name with the blessing of the Hirschblonds, the operators of the original. Traco is an acronym for Toms River Arts Company.

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The Traco Theater has been taking shape all summer and fall in the spot next to the Cookie Cab.

There's a door between the eatery and the venue, so patrons can get a bite on the new dinner menu for . The eatery has redesigned itself, adding another display case and accommodating for dinner crowds.

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For opening night, a three performer strong lineup is planned.

Performing as emcee is Patrick Howitt, a young up-and-coming comic with the NJ comedy festival under his belt.

Featured performer Joanne Filan comes from the stages of Caroline’s, Gotham Comedy Club, Stand Up New York, Boston Comedy Club, The Duplex, The Comedy Cellar, and Rose’s Turn.

Headliner Jason Schneider's biography includes work as a contributing writer to Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update.” Some more about him, according to the Traco: "he has been featured in segments on 'The Today Show,' 'ABC World News Now,' and NPR Radio, and has received international attention for his $1 Joke Business in over 100 print publications. Jason was named 'One of the funniest comedians in Philadelphia' by the Philly’s Phunniest Competition.” Jason has appeared as an intern on The Howard Stern Show, has been featured in Comcast On Demand’s 'Young Comedian Showcase,' and has hosted a dating radio show in Boston."

Doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets are $15. The comedy promises to deliver adult humor and may be inappropriate for children.

Though kicking off with a night of comedy, the Traco is aiming for seven nights a week of entertainment, for example showing "independent films ranging from dramas, suspense, thrillers, action and mysteries will be showing seven days a week with evening and weekend hours." The theater will also be available to rent.

For more information, call 732-228-7273 and visit the Traco website.

Writer JD Watson contributed to this article.


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