Just To Be Close To You

Direct from Edinburgh Fringe!

New York Premiere! Meet Carl Poteraychke, a dreamy lounge singer ready to serenade, seduce, and show you what it means to love—just for an hour. Equal parts absurdist comedy and heartfelt longing, Cam Poter’s ten-time award-winning contemporary clown show uses character comedy and audience interaction to turn one man, one song, and an increasingly desperate need for connection into something hilariously surreal.

"A clowning masterclass" - The Skinny

"A looping, increasingly surreal experience" - San Diego Union-Tribune

Selected Awards

Best in Fringe - Winner, New Zealand Fringe 2026

Best of Fest - Winner, San Diego Fringe 2025

Outstanding Comedy - Winner, San Diego Fringe 2025

Artists' Pick - Winner, San Diego Fringe 2025

Audience Choice Award: Clown - Denver Fringe 2026

Venue: The Garden Studio

One Fringe Place
Across from the Eastman Theatre
Corner of Main & Gibbs Streets
Rochester, NY 14604

Doors: 30 minutes before showtime.
Show Duration: 80 minutes

Age Range: 13+

Tickets

Monday–Wednesday

Single Ticket: $22 (increases to $24 on 9/12)

Thursday–Sunday

Single Ticket: $25 (increases to $27 on 9/12)

The Garden Studio is wheelchair accessible. Please contact accessibility@rochesterfringe.com so that we can make arrangements for anyone in a wheelchair, or with any other questions.

NOTICE: Recording, Taping, and Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Garden Studio.

Details

Length: 60 Minutes
Tickets: Required
Venue: The Garden Studio
Genre: Comedy
Production Company:

Prices, Shows, & Content

Standard: from $22.00

This event will be IN-PERSON.

Pete Davidson

Pete Davidson is a celebrated comedian, actor, writer and producer. He is now starring in The Pete Davidson Show podcast on Netflix and will soon appear on the big screen in How to Rob a Bank for Amazon MGM. Davidson's prolific work includes Peacock’s Bupkis, a semi-autobiographical series he co-created, co-wrote and produced. Davidson was a cast member on NBC’s Saturday Night Live from 2014 to 2022, where his features and original music videos garnered millions of views.

Length: 90 Minutes
Tickets: Required
Venue: Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre
Genre: Comedy

Stages of the Game Teen Improv Troupe

Get ready for a hilarious outburst of improv performed by some of the brightest and wittiest teen minds in our area. Join us for a fast-paced, family friendly, interactive experience where the audience becomes part of the show—unique and goofy ideas are encouraged! Produced by A Magical Journey Thru Stages, and performed by Stages of the Game Improv Troupe. You'll howl with laughter at the madcap comedy created by some pretty creative kids!