New Year’s Eve Stand-Up Comedy, Dec. 31

Starring MARK RILEY

with comedians Janet McNamara and Bill Douglas

2 shows: 7 & 9 p.m.

EXTRA SEATS ADDED! Due to popular demand, overflow floor seating now available for each show. Only 18 extra seats available per show. Get them while they last:

Only a handful of reserved theater seats remain. If you cannot find seating you want by clicking the show below, click here or the blue button above to purchase general admission floor seats.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve on Saturday, Dec. 31 with comedy shows featuring headliner Mark Riley, former NHL referee turned comedian and one of Boston’s favorite headliners.

“New Year’s Eve comedy has become a tradition for us, and people appreciate the opportunity to celebrate the beginning of a new year with laughter,” Executive Director Ken Butler said. “These are very funny comedians with different styles, and people will really enjoy them.”

Riley will be joined by two other extremely funny Boston-area comedians, former Boston Comedy Festival finalist Janet McNamara and teacher-by-day, comedian-by-night Bill Douglas. The show is produced by the Mass Arts Center along with Scamps Comedy Productions. Tickets are $35. Showtimes are 7 and 9pm.

For some audience members, this will be their introduction to the Mass Arts Center, the renovated indoor theater at 888 South Main St., Mansfield.

“This is a fantastic performance space and we’re always excited to introduce people to what we’re doing,” Butler said. “It will be the perfect entertainment choice for New Year’s Eve.”

Mark Riley was born and raised in Boston (yes, he can sort of pronounce his “r’s”) and is one of the most-booked comedians in New England. His high energy and unique perspective on everyday situations combined with his sharp observational humor keeps audiences in stitches. His material is always changing so you’ll never see the same show twice. He connects with audiences in a unique way and is fearless to hecklers! Mark performs at comedy clubs and is available for fundraisers, corporate/private events, roasts, and will emcee or host your event. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly show, PG-13, or R rated, (he draws the line at X rated) he will deliver laughter. Lastly, Mark has starred in commercials and is available for voice work. He has also been interviewed for the podcast Behind the scenes of a comedian on Spotify.

Mark fine-tuned his comedic talents in various coliseums and “ice barns” throughout the country when he traveled as a professional ice hockey referee. He was a stellar employee of the NHL for one whole week before he was fired. It was at that moment Mark realized he was better on stage rather than the ice. Mark co-authored the movie script “Penalty Box” based on his life in pro hockey. He is currently publishing his first book and has many television appearances including NESN and Dirty Water TV. And to further impress you, he was a finalist in the 2016 Boston Comedy Festival.

Janet McNamara is a Boston-based comic with a conversational style and awkwardly charming energy. Earlier this year, she was selected to perform in the prestigious Hampton Beach Comedy Festival (August 19-22). The former finalist in the Boston Comedy Festival contest, McNamara won the 2014 BeanTown Comedy Riots and has been featured in Boston’s Women in Comedy Festival, the Ashville Comedy Festival and Burbank Comedy Festival. You might also recognize her as being the ‘Golden Idol’ winner for the worst audition of American Idol season 10, an appearance that introduced a national audience to her joie de vivre and infectious energy. McNamara doesn’t speak French.

By day, Bill Douglas is a middle school science teacher.  At night…he’s still a middle school science teacher. But he travels all around New England, the Midwest, and even San Francisco performing comedy.   He has opened for Steve Bjork, Mitch Stinson, Andy Beningo, and Paul D’Angelo.  For more than thirty five years, twelve years olds have prepared him for people NOT laughing at his jokes.