An Academy Award-winning comedian and a former NFL long snapper will help kick off the upcoming 92nd season at the State Theatre in Easton. Steven Wright, with his distinctly lethargic voice and deadpan delivery, opens the 2018-2019 season on Friday, September 7th while on September 21st, former Philadelphia Eagle Jon Dorembos bring his unique blend of magic, comedy and inspirational storytelling.
Both shows go on sale to State Theatre Members on Thursday, June 28th at 10 am and to the general public on July 5th at 10 AM.
State Theatre Memberships can be purchased at any time and begin at $75 for one year. As a non-profit organization, State Theatre membership contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Memberships, as well as tickets, can be purchased at the State Theatre Box Office, 453 Northampton Street, Easton, by calling 1-800-999-STATE, 610-252-3132 or online at www.statetheatre.org. Fees apply.
Steven Wright got his big break and was booked for his first “Tonight Show” appearance on Friday, August 6, 1982. The king of late night enjoyed the performance so much he invited Steven to appear again the following Thursday, a rarity on “The Tonight Show.” His back-to-back appearances helped put his fledgling career into high gear. The comic soon found himself performing his off-beat routines on “Saturday Night Live,” “Late Night with David Letterman,” and numerous trips back to “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.”
Wright expanded his comedy career to include comedy albums, film and television appearances. His 1985 debut album, I Have A Pony, earned him a Grammy nomination. In 1985, Steven starred in his first HBO Special “A Steven Wright Special.” In 1989, Steven was honored with an Academy Award for Best Short Film for his film entitled “The Appointments of Dennis Jennings” in which he starred and co-wrote.
In 2013 Steven received The Johnny Carson Comedy Legend Award. The award is given each year to a celebrated comedian who has been influenced by Carson in some way and has left his or her own mark on the comedy world. In past years, award recipients have included Dick Cavett, Cloris Leachman and Ed Asner. Steven was nominated for an Emmy Award as a Producer on the 2014 season of the hit FX series, Louie and is a regular guest with Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers and continues touring the U.S., Canada and overseas.
Jon Dorenbos played in the NFL for 14 years, 11 of which were with the Philadelphia Eagles. In fall 2016, Dorenbos astounded the judges of “America’s Got Talent” with his combination of magic and uplifting stories stemming from his difficult childhood. His unique performances earned him a spot in the finals and a third-place finish in the competition among tens of thousands of contestants.
Practicing illusions since the age of 12, Dorenbos is a master magician who incorporates comedy and the love of football into his performances. Audiences experience a deeply personal and engaging show and discover the magic that has shaped Dorenbos’ life. From struggles turned into successes to lighthearted stories from the locker room when he was an Eagles player, Dorenbos delivers a night filled with fun, yet insightful, storytelling.
After getting traded to the New Orleans Saints during the 2017 preseason, it was discovered Dorenbos had an aortic aneurysm that required immediate surgery, ending his career but saving his life. The Eagles would go on to win Super Bowl LII that season, and it was announced Dorenbos would get an honorary ring.
