By Pamela Fisher
For more than seven years, Off the Wall Comedy Productions has produced crowd pleasing stand-up shows across the country. The company is now bringing laughter to the Lake George Forum, located at 2200 State Route 9.
Throughout June and July, Off the Wall owners Paula Sweeney and Mike Madden produced their first shows at the Spirit Lounge, a new sports pub and full bar located inside the Forum. In August, the production company has been busy “lining up shows for the fall,” stated Sweeney.
Off the Wall shows have featured comics Angry Bob, The Las Vegas Boys, Sandy Beach, Matt Kelly and a variety of others.
Sweeney stated she was drawn to the Forum because of its potential to hold both large and small events. Sweeney invites community organizations and businesses to consider Off the Wall Comedy Productions for fund-raising and private events. Shows can be arranged for functions such as company parties or retreats, and performances can feature family-friendly to adult comedy material.
The new sports lounge and comedy performances are among several changes to the Forum, now under the new management of Rod and Lisa Simmons. The Simmons, who Sweeney describes as being “full of energy,” have also started the Lake George Fighting Spirit, a Junior A hockey club hosting student athletes from around the world. Mr. Simmons, who has prior experience as a junior hockey coach in Canada and NCAA, will serve as the team’s head coach. Mrs. Simmons brings more than twenty years of coaching experience and sports management to the program, and will also serve as a power skating instructor. Additionally, the Simmons are offering skating clinics, private lessons and hockey camps.
The Forum will continue to welcome the Queensbury High School hockey team to use the ice for practices and home games. For the first time, the South Glens Falls high school team will also use the Forum’s facilities. The venue is also introducing “Rock-N-Skate” on Friday nights from 7-9 PM. The event is targeted to high school students and will feature flashing lights, games and prizes, and live music performed by local bands.
“We’re continuing to move forward and trying to find our niche,” said Mr. Simmons. “So far our experiences at the Forum have been very positive.”
The Forum is available for events, trade shows, and parties. Its multipurpose Olympic size arena can serve as an expo center or concert venue, and the building is fully equipped with meeting rooms, a cafe, and lounge.
Partnered with the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Forum will host a ribbon cutting ceremony during the Fighting Spirits home opener against the Cape Cod Islanders. The ribbon cutting is scheduled for 6 PM on Saturday, September 15, and is open to the public. The game will begin after the ceremony at 7 PM.
For more information about the new Lake George Forum and its programming, call 668-2200, email lakegeorgeforum3@gmail.com, or visit their website at www.lakegeorgeforum.net.