The Triad to Re-Launch as STAGE 72 in November; Susie Essman, Mario Cantone and More in Lineup

This November, after five years of ongoing renovations, the popular Upper West Side performance space the Triad Theater (158 West 72nd Street) will officially re-launch as STAGE 72 as a part of the New York Comedy Festival, which will include performances and appearances by Susie Essman, David Steinberg, Meredith Vieira, two special editions of Celebrity Autobiography featuring Janeane Garofalo, Tony Danza, Mario Cantone, Oscar-nominee Jennifer Tilly, SNL alum Rachel Dratch, and more.

Throughout the year STAGE 72 will present music, comedy, dance, plays, film screenings and other live offerings which include the long-running Triad hit Celebrity Autobiography, the popular nightlife production Gotham Burlesque, as well as a new independent film screening series with Emerging Pictures.

At the helm are Peter Martin and Rick Newman (creator and founder of the legendary “Catch A Rising Star” the Comedy Club which helped launch the careers of Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld and many others), who have transformed the cozy 72nd Street space to evoke a stunning cinema palace of yesteryear with a brand new lighting scheme, coffered ceilings, marble tiles, and a custom built green room with surround sound among some of the recent renovations.

At his legendary Comedy Club Catch a Rising Star which debuted in 1972, Rick Newman offered a stage to many of today’s comedy legends which is where many of them were discovered, including Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Bill Maher, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Ray Romano and Joy Behar. He also discovered singer Pat Benatar during an audition night at “Catch” and then managed her for 12 years

Peter Martin has owned the Triad for 16 years and has produced many shows including Pulitzer Prize-winner Frank McCourt's show based on his memoir Angela's Ashes as well Forbidden Broadway Strikes Back and Kurt Anderson's Loose Lips. Peter's first job in the theater industry was as the original company manager for Forever Plaid, one of the most successful shows in the history of Off-Broadway. Peter then took over the theater where he began his career and transformed it into the Triad.

The full schedule at STAGE 72 during the New York Comedy Festival is Thomas Dale & Friends on Wed. 11/7 at 7pm, Katie Goodman on Wed. 11/7 at 9:30pm, Celebrity Autobiography on Thur. 11/8 at 7pm and 9:30pm (featuring Janeane Garofalo, Tony Danza, Rachel Dratch, Mario Cantone, Eugene Pack, Dayle Reyfel, Jennifer Tilly & Alan Zweibel), Who Killed Woody Allen? on Friday, 11/9 at 7pm and 9:30pm, A Conversation with Susie Essman hosted by David Steinberg on Sat. 11/10 at 7:30pm and Meredith Vieira Productions Presents Life in a Marital Institution (20 Years of Monogamy in One Terrifying Hour) starring “This American Life” contributor James Braly (producer Meredith Vieira will also give a post-show talkback). Tickets for the New York Comedy Festival can be purchased online at www.NYComedyFestival.com.