Comedy, community & a good cause take the stage at Liederkranz in Mansfield

MANSFIELD — If laughter really is the best medicine, Mansfield is in for a healthy dose.

Comedian Moody McCarthy brings his stand-up set to the Liederkranz in Mansfield on Jan. 31 for an evening of laughs that also gives back to local youth.

The Liederkranz is located at 1212 Silver Lane. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins shortly after 7 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a cash bar and food from the Liederkranz kitchen.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to Mid-Ohio Youth Mentoring (MOYM), helping children and families in the community gain access to positive adult role models through mentoring programs.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance through MOYM’s website, Facebook event page, or by contacting the MOYM office at 419-525-4618 or via email at mym@midohioyouthmentoring.com. Tickets will also be available at the door until sold out.

Moody McCarthy returns for comedy benefit show

McCarthy began performing stand-up in 1992. The Syracuse native has lived in New York City since 1998.

“My first love is playing music (guitar),” McCarthy said. “That’s my backup plan when I’m in my 80s.”

McCarthy said he was influenced early on by watching on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. He worked up the nerve to try stand-up when he was 25, after spending a year writing jokes.

McCarthy said he is known for his conversational style, drawing comedy from everyday experiences, including marriage, family life and his dog, while approaching familiar topics from an unexpected angle.

Audience members can expect a lighthearted set including sports humor — with a nod to his admiration for Brutus Buckeye — along with playful observations about current events and daily life.

“The only people I take aim at are morning people,” he said. “I’m married to one and they deserve ire.”

This will not be McCarthy’s first appearance in Mansfield. He previously performed at the same fundraising event in 2010 and returned to the area in 2019 for a Shawshank-themed show.

“I’ve also been to Mansfield University,” McCarthy said. “That’s in Pennsylvania, but I want credit.”

The event supports Mid-Ohio Youth Mentoring, a cause McCarthy said he was happy to champion after being invited by producer Scott Dunn, an early friend from his comedy career.

“I really have the best job there is,” he said.

McCarthy said he believes stand-up comedy can bring people together, especially in an era when face-to-face interaction is increasingly rare.

Joining McCarthy on the lineup will be fellow comedian Dustin Harvey, whom McCarthy said he is looking forward to seeing perform.

A night of comedy fuels the mission

MOYM Executive Director Jim Nicholson said the program has hosted comedy shows since 2010.

MOYM, formally known as Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central Ohio, serves children ages 5 to 16, helping them reach their potential and grow into responsible adults.

“Honestly, I think everyone needs to laugh these days,” Nicholson said.

Being able to play a part in spreading laughter and give people a fun night out, while raising money for kids in the program, is a win-win he added.

“Plus, having a room full of happy people gives me the perfect moment to talk about mentoring,” he said. “And at every show I get a few people who sign up and become mentors themselves.”

Nicholson noted the support they receive from the community is always incredible.

Their winter show usually sells out, he added. Walking into the room every time reminds him of how many people believe in what they do.

“It’s both humbling and energizing, it really helps us connect more kids with the mentors they’ve been waiting for,” Nicholson said.