Advertisement
We're handing the mic over to some of our favorite senior comics: Phyllis Dodd, Jim Payne and Ann Stengel. Phyllis Dodd is a motivational humorist, who has found purpose in the aftermath of an unbearably tragic event. In 2017, Phyllis lost a leg in a violent car accident and found her world turned upside-down. The physically active and engaged lifestyle she embraced was gone in an instant.
After much physical and emotional therapy, Phyllis set out on a new path. She’s dedicating her life to making the best of her situation, looking for inspiration, insights and a touch of humor along the way, that she can share with others.
Jim Payne might be 88 years old, but don’t let that fool you—he’s just getting started. After flunking third grade twice and graduating high school unable to read, Jim went on to earn a Ph.D. with honors, write bestselling textbooks and become a Fulbright scholar. (So yeah, take that, third grade.)
On stage, Jim talks about everything from being married twice to surviving truck stops, fast food and dyslexia. His stories about living in a fire station, teaching kids and running for public office prove that life experience really is the best material.
He also teaches workshops helping kids and adults (ages 7–75) master the Rubik’s Cube, because if you can’t solve life’s problems, at least you can solve the cube.
Smart, sharp and unapologetically old-school, Jim Payne proves you’re never too old—or too dyslexic—to K*ll on stage.
Born and raised in New York, Ann Stengel has performed stand-up comedy since 1985 in clubs up and down the East Coast. Now Raleigh-based, she is a highly sought-after comic, primarily performing in the Triangle area, but willing to travel if the bourbon is good.
Ann shares her unique perspective on navigating life in retirement (ugh, aging), her love of crime shows and being married to a hypochondriac.
Her hilarious, relatable observations have earned her numerous accolades, including finalist in both the Ladies of Laughter and Gilda’s Club Laugh-Off comedy competitions. Most recently, she was a semi-finalist in the 2023 and 2024 North Carolina’s Funniest Person competition. She regularly opens for National Comedy Legend, Cathy Ladman, and she recently performed with the Bad Momz of Comedy.
Ann produced two off-off-Broadway sketch Comedy Shows, which caught the attention of 20th Century Fox and were published in the book Out, Loud & Laughing.
Seating is limited. Get your tickets at https://www.peakofthevine.com/event-details/winen-wit-a-stand-up-comedy-show-2025-12-18-19-30
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Peak of the Vine, 119 N Salem St, Apex, NC 27502-1427, United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
