Audiences Rally Back To Bellmore Comedy Club

BELLMORE, NY — As New York gets closer to emancipation from COVID-19, people are celebrating their freedom from the pandemic by resuming activities with others.

James Dolce is pleased to welcome guests back at his Long Island comedy clubs, the Brokerage in Bellmore, Governor's in Levittown and McGuire's in Bohemia.

"I never knew how much comedy was a necessity," Dolce told Patch. "The people really need to see comedy [and] the release that they get from it."

Dolce, who owns the three clubs for 17 years, is following all the guidelines, if not some confusion from Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

"It was one week you could only have a certain amount of people," Dolce said. "Then the next week you could open a certain amount more and then from there 100 percent opened if everyone is vaccinated."

However, Dolce is not "carding" customers upon entry for proof of getting vaccinated.

"If you're comfortable, come in," Dolce said.

Those who aren't should wait to attend comedy clubs. But, Dolce said that number is "very few and far between" as advance-ticket sales would indicate.

Masks are optional for anyone in the clubs, following the latest state guidance. The kitchen is open in the clubs for food and the bar will serve drinks as usual.

While the Brokerage has no space for outdoor performances, his Governor's Comedy Club was able to use the large parking lot in the back. He'll keep that as an option for his Levittown customers throughout the summer, filling up to 80 guests.

Dolce is not implementing any capacity restrictions, but depending upon the number of reservations, they could space out tables and chairs.

Although he's seeing crowds returning, Dolce was concerned that the tight quarters of comedy clubs would not be embracing for them.

"But, that hasn't been the case," he said.

The Brokerage was closed for more than a year, although they filled the comedy gap by providing Zoom shows from the Governor's stage.

For now, they are easing back into a regular routine with two shows Friday and Saturday, but Dolce isn't looking to recoup any lost money.

"You can't do that to the customers," he said. "It wasn't their fault that we were closed."

He's giving back to the community and those most impacted by the pandemic, with free shows for nurses and first responders. Free admission for truck drivers is coming soon.

Dolce is also willing to hold fundraisers for people more personally affected by COVID-19.

To get past the dark days of the pandemic, Dolce feels it's his duty to have the comedy clubs available for audiences now.

"We just want everybody to come back out, laugh, have a good time and enjoy some great comics coming up," Dolce said.