Comedy Coming to Huntington and Winter Cottage at Caumsett Gets a Makeover

There is no lack of entertainment in the Huntington area, and people will travel here from all over Long Island to find it. But Paul Anthony felt that something was missing, and as producer of the Long Island Comedy Festival, he made it his personal mission to bring a world-class, professionally produced comedy show to the Huntington area.

That show, titled Long Island Comedy, will return to The Oak Room at Meehan's on Saturday, Sept. 25.

Long Island Comedy is a traveling comedy club with more than 100 of the country's top comedians on the roster. Starting out as a summer festival five years ago, it has now grown into a year-round endeavor, with the mission to promote the art of live stand-up comedy.

With shows taking place in some of the great, historic theaters across Long Island, Anthony initially approached the IMAC with plans to bring his show to the village; unfortunately, the theater closed for good shortly after their first meeting.

The search for the perfect Huntington venue continued and included a few more dead ends over the course of a year. Finally, after peeking into The Oak Room at Meehan's, the private party room adjacent to Meehan's of Huntington, he approached co-owners Michael and Patrick Meehan with his idea. Although they could see the possibilities, initially they would only commit to a one-time performance.

The Meehans were convinced as they said the first show was sold out – and hysterical! "Each of the shows that we've done so far have sold out," Michael said. His brother Patrick added, "Most people reserve for dinner and make a complete night of it."

"Meehan's is fast becoming the Comedy Showcase venue for Long Island," Anthony said. "Each month you can see top comedians from around the country. It's a great, intimate room, and there are no minimum drink requirements. It's the way comedy shows were meant to be."

Now, after a small summer break, the show is back with four new comedians who are all looking forward to bringing their act to Huntington.

Scheduled to appear on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 8:30 p.m. are Stan Keshner, Rich Walker (who has opened for Ray Romano), Carie Karavas and Melvin Garlick. All are seasoned professionals with appearances in Atlantic City, The Catskills, New York and Vegas.

Tickets are only $20 – and they sell out quickly. Visit www.licomedy.com or call Paul Anthony at (516) 446-6782.

WINTER COTTAGE AT CAUMSETT GETS MAKEOVER

Claudia Dowling is fighting a cold. She's tired, and a little bit run down. But her enthusiasm for her most recent project is still apparent as she talks about producing The Design Show House at the Winter Cottage at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, which is open to the public Tuesday through Friday until Oct. 17.

Late last year, she decided to e-mail The Caumsett Foundation with the idea of redecorating a room in another house located on the property. After not hearing anything for months, she was eventually approached by Lynn Gundersen, chairman of the foundation, who told her that there was another house, The Winter Cottage, which was in complete disrepair and might be brought back to life with her help.

Dowling said yes to the challenge, and with the help of 21 designers and artisans and three landscape architects, completely cleaned, repaired and decorated the cottage – the result being one of the best design show houses that she has been involved with.

"It was just a great experience," Dowling said, "And has turned out to be one of my favorite houses. ... There were challenges every day, but everyone was wonderful. Everyone worked together to overcome each obstacle to allow us to complete this entire project in exactly two months time."

The thing that made this experience so unusual, according to Dowling, was the way that everyone came together and worked as a team. "I've been involved with other houses where the designers wanted to work separately and behind locked doors." she explained. "This was the first experience I've had where everyone worked side by side through all of the hard work, and consulted with each other to ensure that, although each room would have its own design, there would be a cohesive feel throughout the house."

With more than 30 years experience as an interior designer, she has been involved with "at least" 18 designer show houses over the course of her career – the Caumsett Park Design Show House is the first that she has produced. The project is co-produced by her daughter, Jennifer Indence.

More than 600 people walked through the show house during the opening weekend. The number of people has fluctuated each day since then, but according to Dowling, the turnout has been excellent so far.

When the doors close to the public on Oct. 17, she plans to have a celebratory party at her store to congratulate all of the designers and to finally get a chance to relax and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.

Oct. 3, designated as Designer Sunday, is a chance for all to meet the participating designers; find out what inspired them, including designer tips and more.