Legendary Laff House Returns: Roderick Millwood Revives Comedy Legacy in Atlantic City
From South Street to the Shore: Laff House Atlantic City Opens at ACX1 Studios on April 1, 2025 with a star-studded line up!
ATLANTIC CITY – Legendary Laff House owner Roderick Millwood made a promise to his wife, Mona, on her deathbed—he wouldn’t let their comedy club die with her.
Although Millwood closed the original Laff House on South Street in Philadelphia 13 years ago, the club had already launched the careers of comedy icons such as Kevin Hart, Mike Epps, and J.B. Smoove. Now, he’s keeping his promise by opening a new club in Atlantic City at ACX1 Studios on The Pier at Caesars, formerly known as The Playground.
Mark Tyler
Millwood, affectionately known as “Mr. Rod,” will hold a star-studded grand opening of The Laff House Atlantic City, powered by Java Monster Coffee & Energy, on April 1, 2025, as a tribute to his late wife.
“I’m going to relive what I did on South Street right on the Atlantic City Boardwalk,” said Millwood. “This new chapter for the Laff House is deeply personal to me. It’s a tribute to my late wife, Mona, who was not only my partner in life but the driving force behind our dream of creating a thriving, independent, Black-owned business.”
Comedy Royalty to Host “Comedy Homecoming” Grand Opening
The grand opening, aptly named “Comedy Homecoming,” will be hosted by Emmy Award-winning comedian Sheryl Underwood and comic David Raibon, known for his roles in Snowfall, Insecure, and Ballers.
“Reopening the club on her birthday with the incredible Sheryl Underwood and David Raibon is a meaningful way to honor her legacy,” Millwood said.
Both hosts are excited about the new venue.
“Rod Millwood is the ideal owner for a comedy club. He is deeply committed to supporting comedians and enriching the stand-up comedy community,” Underwood said in a prepared statement. “I’m so excited that he is honoring his beloved wife, Mona, by continuing the legacy of the original Laff House Comedy Club in Atlantic City. I’m calling all stand-up comics, family, friends, and fans to join us on April 1 to kick off this grand opening in style!”
Underwood first performed at the Laff House in Philadelphia in 1997, and the grand opening of The Laff House Atlantic City is a stop on her Mix and Mingle Tour.
Mark Tyler
Co-host David Raibon echoed her enthusiasm.
“As creators of humor, we need to cultivate spaces where African-American comedians and others can perform and hone their craft to support their families," Raibon said. "The Laff House Atlantic City Comedy Club is just that kind of venue, and I’m honored to be part of its revival.”
Grand opening guests can expect to see Underwood, Raibon, and other celebrated stand-up comedians, with more names to be announced.
One comedian eager to attend is Michael Beyer, better known as Front Page Mike Rage. Beyer was a regular at the original Laff House in 2006 and a contemporary of Kevin Hart. His new book, Behind the Mic: Meeting Kevin Hart – “I Was There” Front Page Mike Rage, highlights Hart’s first night on stage.
Behind the Laughter: Meeting Kevin Hart: "I was There" Front Page Mike Rage
“This new guy missed the sign-up,” Beyer recalled. “He did 25 minutes his first time on stage.” That “new guy” was Kevin Hart.
“I said that guy is a star,” Beyer said. Hart, along with fellow comedian Big Jay, moved to New York, where their careers skyrocketed. Beyer, on the cusp of his own breakthrough, chose a different path—starting a family.
“I lost the urge to be famous when I had my son,” Beyer said. But when he heard Mr. Rod was opening a comedy club in Atlantic City, he jumped in to help through his construction business. Audiences may even see him perform on the very stage he helped build. His picture now graces the comedy wall of fame.
“We came in like gangbusters,” Beyer said. “A lot of cats on that wall are making it in show business.”
A New Generation of Comedians Steps Up
Mr. Rod believes the next breakout comedian could walk through the doors of his new Boardwalk venue.
“There’s a lot of talented people out there,” Millwood said. “If you’re funny, I’ll put you on.”
That was exciting news for Donovan Miller and his brother, Dimitri Miller, of Willingboro. Donovan has always dreamed of being a comedian.
“When I saw Kevin Hart and Chris Tucker doing their thing, I knew I wanted to be a comedian,” Donovan said. “People say I’m hilarious, and I want to push myself to do it.”
The Miller brothers wandered into the Laff House on a recent afternoon, where they got an impromptu lesson on comedy from Mr. Rod.
“The biggest problem with urban comedians is they don’t listen,” Millwood advised. “You want to get on stage and get relaxed.”
Millwood gave Donovan valuable insight before offering a sneak peek at the club, even letting him stand on stage to imagine the experience.
“If we don’t teach them, nobody is going to teach them,” Millwood said. “My plan is to change the face of comedy.”
An Affordable Night of Laughter
Millwood’s vision includes making comedy accessible to everyone.
“The average Joe will have some place to come,” Millwood said.
He has partnered with Celebrity Chef Wenford Patrick Simpson’s new restaurant and sports bar at ACX1 Studios to provide food for patrons.
Mark Tyler
However, there will be a dress code and full security to ensure a top-tier experience.
Before entering the club, guests will pass through The Laff House Lounge, a waiting area filled with nostalgic pictures from the club’s history. A merchandise shop will allow visitors to take home Laff House souvenirs.
“I try to do something that the average Joe can afford,” Millwood said.
Tentative Pre-Summer Comedy Schedule
Millwood has a full lineup planned for The Laff House Atlantic City:
- Wednesday – Open Mic Night
- Thursday – Laugh Therapy
- Friday & Saturday – Comics from Def Jam, Comic View, and Comedy Central
- Sunday – Christian Comedy Show
“My job is to make sure that the people of Atlantic City have a place to call their own, where they can come and enjoy themselves,” Millwood said. “My idea is to build a venue that people can come to every weekend.”
Please enjoy this gallery of The Laff House Atlantic City, which is in its construction phase, and is scheduled to open on April 1, 2025.
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