For the last two months, Joy Asia on Rt 20 in Marlborough has been the home of the Happy Ending Comedy Night every Thursday evening from 8:30-11 p.m., providing area comedy fans a chance to see up-and-coming local comics perform, and also giving folks who think they got what it takes, a chance to show their stuff during the open mic session that concludes each Comedy Night.  

Already well known around town for its lively karaoke nights, Joy Asia's foray into the local comedy scene was the brainchild of local businessman Bernie Novitch, owner of Collector's Paradise, located at 771 Boston Post Rd. Helping tremendously with the booking and planning is Phoenix transplant and current Boston comic Erik Levi. 

This past Thursday evening saw Levi himself take the stage, along with Michael Abramson, Kristin Seltman, Armand Marghart (aka "Fageet" from Dubai), Shawn Donovan, and headliner E.J. Murphy. Other popular Boston comics who frequent the Joy Asia stage include Matt Kona, Will Noonan, and Chantal Carrere.

The average night sees between five and six comics take the stage, with the headliner getting about a half hour of stage time. Paid, scheduled acts are booked for the 8:30-10 p.m. slot, after which the floor is opened up for anyone who wants to give it a go.  

Joy Asia's Comedy Night is absolutely perfect "if you love comedy and want to see a free show with top Boston comics," according to Levi. After attending a couple comedy nights myself, I couldn't agree more. The caliber of talent they are able to trot out every week, while charging no cover, makes this an absolutely perfect way to spend one's Thursday evening without having to travel to Boston or Worcester.

If you want to catch some of Boston's rising comic stars or even want to get onstage and try it yourself, make it a point to get down to Joy Asia one of these Thursday nights. You won't regret it.

Potential audience members be warned, however, with such a variety of comics taking the stage each week, also varied is their content and subject matter, ranging from the topical and observational, to more adult themed acts as well. 

This weekend in Marlborough:
 

Speakers: Saturday - Draw The Line (Aerosmith tribute band)

Dante's at Firefly's: Saturday - Comedy Night (Dave Russo/Mark Scalia/Chris Dimitrakopoulos) $15

Westender: Friday - Hit The Bus; Saturday - The Mason Tyler Trio