Once it was a place with the clanging noise of jail bar cells closing, but now laughter regularly wafts through the Workhouse. The source is the liveliness and vigor of stand-up comics of distinct genres and attitudes filling the seats as comedy nights are now a fixture at the Workhouse.

“The Comedy Nights at the Workhouse have been a roaring success and we look forward to them continuing in the new year!" said John Mason, Workhouse CEO.

The Workhouse schedules different comic shows. Some might appeal to audiences that like their comedy adult and sometimes raw, and those who are seeking out Christian comedy appropriate for all ages.

There is Rahmein Mostafavi, bringing his personal insights on life from a mixed ethnic perspective. He has been in the performing arts for the past 15 years and is a former longtime cast member of the long-running murder mystery "Shear Madness" at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. He has even shared the stage with comics such as Tim Meadows.

"Comedy is truthful. I rarely go into the abstract," said Mostafavi. His work involves family, politics, even dashes of ethic observations. He wants audiences "to just laugh. We are telling jokes, laugh."

Mostafvi's Cool Cow Comedy will bring cutting edge, strong, no-holds-barred comedy to the Workhouse on Jan. 18 when he hosts an evening with the likes of Dan St. Germain who has been seen on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and a newcomer, Gabe Zucker.

A completely different comedy approach will come from Raymond Cecil Chase II known professionally as Cecil Ray. His goal is "to create a venue where Christian comedians can showcase their craft and talents" according to Ray and his producer and wife Tracy.

"The comedy routine is a Christian comedy act, which is suitable for all ages and enjoyable for the entire family. The evening will include a live band as the audience watches a live show in action with Cecil Ray as the host and star with featured local comedian who are invited to his club to perform."

"The act is based on real life and real situations. For the other performers the acts could be a mixture of real life, jokes and stories," noted Ray. "I want the audience to feel like their funny bone has been hit hard and they enjoyed the laughs.

So grab your funny bone and head out to the Workhouse for laughter.