Maryellen Hooper October 17, 2008

Though she was born on Long Island, Maryellen grew up in the Tampa, Florida area. She learned quickly that being funny was a good way to be accepted. When acting in high school and community theater productions, she always got the funny parts; but it wasn’t until 1985 that she truly considered comedy a career. After entering (and winning) talent competitions at nearby comedy clubs, it wasn’t long before she headed to New York. Of course, she didn’t give up her day job(s) right away... while learning the ropes of the New York comedy club scene by night, she earned rent money by cutting hair in an upscale Manhattan salon and working as a "rolling billboard" - complete with orange jumpsuit, helmet and skates - around Wall Street. As an up-and-comer on the comedy circuit, Maryellen soon found herself in demand as an opening act for such talents as Jerry Seinfeld, Gilbert Gottfried, Tommy Davidson, Andrew Dice Clay (!), and Wynonna Judd. Her comedy career kept snowballing and soon Maryellen was named “Best Female Stand-Up” at the 12th Annual American Comedy Awards - stand-up's highest honor. She has performed at the prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal.

Her persona has been described as "...if Lucille Ball and Dick Van Dyke had a baby girl," which Maryellen jokingly explains is "because I have red hair and trip over ottomans." providing non-stop laughter, Maryellen describes her material as "...just plain silly, fun stuff everybody can appreciate.

Her numerous television and radio appearances include “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, Lifetime's “Girl's Night Out,” A&E's “Evening at the Improv,” her own Comedy Central “Lounge Lizards” special, and much more. Her first comedy CD - aptly titled Dignity Under Duress - was recorded live at the legendary Ice House Comedy Club in Pasadena and released on the Uproar label. A true original, Maryellen is a favorite at venues across the country. Whether you see her headlining at a Las Vegas showroom or your local comedy club, her patented style of silliness will have you falling out of your chair.

SHOWTIMES: 8:00 & 10:30 pm

Official Website: http://www.aacomedy.com