Catch a Rising Star is a chain of comedy clubs, founded in New York City in December 1972 and owned by Rick Newman. It has since spread to other areas, such as Las Vegas and New Jersey. Currently owned by Suzy Yengo Esq.
The original club in New York City was notable for its role in starting the careers of many famous singers and comedians, many of whom enjoyed later success in television, theater and film. Among these are: Marc Maron, Shawna, Gilbert Gottfried, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, Max Dolcelli, Jon Stewart, David Letterman, Bill Maher, Jerry Seinfeld, Rosie O'Donnell, Ellen DeGeneres, Jay Leno, Fran Drescher, Robert Klein, Gabe Kaplan, Joy Behar, Kathy Griffin, Freddie Prinze, Shelley Ackerman, Andy Kaufman, Mario Cantone, Janeane Garofalo, Andy Dick, Chris Rush, Ray Romano, Richard Belzer, Jim Carrey, John Kerwin, Steven Wright, Adam Sandler, Elayne Boosler, Eddie Murphy, Rodney Dangerfield, Dave Chappelle, Margaret Cho, Jo Koy, Richard Lewis, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Garry Shandling, Denis Leary, Larry David, Lou DiMaggio, Louie Anderson, Tim Allen, Colin Quinn, Stephen Lynch, Mike Royce, David Juskow, Dingle Rainey, Dennis Miller, Pat Benatar, Louis C.K., David Cross, Bill Burr and many more.
The original club has since gone out of business. Its former location, on 1st Avenue between East 78th Street and East 77th Street, is now occupied by Prince Properties, a real estate agency. In the late 1990s, the club was located on West 28th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. The chain is currently negotiating to build a new club in the New York area.
Other locations throughout the US are located in Princeton, New Jersey, Reno, Las Vegas, Twin River Casino, Rhode Island and the new Catch A Rising Star on Broadway in New York.