Steve Hofstetter (Photo Credit: Nick Larsen)
Dec. 9, 2021 By Allie Griffin
A comedian who was born and raised in Queens — and at one time owned a comedy club in Long Island City — is returning to the elementary school he attended as a kid to perform and film a comedy special.
Comedian Steve Hofstetter will make a return to the school auditorium at P.S. 117 in Briarwood to perform on Dec. 18. He will take the same stage where he first performed 35 years ago.
He is doing two sets—one at 7 p.m. and another at 9:30 p.m.—at the 85-15 143rd St. school. The show is titled “The Recipe.”
The Queens native has gained a large YouTube following since he began posting videos of his stand-up routines and his interactions with hecklers. Since starting the channel in 2006, it has racked up 185 million views and more than 600,000 subscribers.
Hofstetter is known for using his own style of satirical social commentary on politics, pop culture and current events. He has appeared on various shows on networks like ESPN, VH1, ABC, CBS, Showtime and more. He also was the host and executive producer of season one of Laughs on FOX.
He is also known locally as the founder of the now-defunct Laughing Devil Comedy Club in Long Island City. Hofstetter opened the tiny comedy club on Vernon Boulevard in 2011 but sold it to other comedians in 2014 after moving across the country.
In his new set “The Recipe”, Hofstetter explores personal experiences like growing up in a mixed-race family, achieving career success and the grief he felt after losing his father. He will also do an audience Q&A following his sets.
Tickets to the shows, which are restricted to age 14 and up, are now on sale. General admission costs $25 and VIP admission — for the front five rows — costs $50.
Hofstetter is encouraging the public to donate money to the school and school programs. He said that those who donate online—and provide a screenshot of the donation—will receive a complimentary ticket if the e-mail him at kindness@stevehofstetter.com.
Individuals must show proof of vaccination for entry.
