Johnny Carson Honored In Jamestown

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JAMESTOWN, NY (WNY News Now) – A new exhibit featuring famous television host Johnny Carson is coming to the National Comedy Center, along with a show to honor the late host.

Comedian Pat Hazel, who is hosting and performing the show, spoke to us in an exclusive interview about the once in a lifetime show at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts.

“This is an amazing salute to Johnny,“ explained Hazel. “The exhibit, the immersive experience is something that will be here and long lasting, but the comedy tonight show that we’re doing Saturday is one time only, created specifically for Jamestown. We’re having a reunion of all of his favorite acts, acts that were on many times. Master magician Lance Burton, Joan Embrey from the wild animal park, the Passing Zone Jugglers from America’s Got Talent, it’s going to be a really extraordinary fun gathering for people to be a part of.”        

Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, according to Hazel, transformed the talk show industry into what it is today.

“Johnny was the most convivial host, he was somebody that amplified the voices of celebrities, but also the common man,“ stated Hazel. “If he had somebody on that dressed up chickens, he made them shine. He was a great monologist, a great writer, a great sketch player, and he was a very sophisticated talk show host. He set the standard for everyone we see in late night now.”     

The National Comedy center is unveiling a new exhibit to honor the “King of Late Night” this Saturday, showcasing many exhibits of the legend’s three decades of comedy.

“It’s so new. Literally Saturday is the opening to the public in its preview form and it’s kind of cool,“ explained Hazel. “The technology is amazing, everybody is responding, Jimmy Falon is a virtual host in a hologram form, and then seeing some of the costumes and memorabilia, it’s very nostalgic.”    

The Carson Tonight show will be held at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts this Saturday at 7 p.m. and will feature a variety of live comedic acts to honor the Carson Legacy.