Standup comics Lee Hardin and Kari Jones step to the mic Friday at Mansfield Playhouse

Family-friendly standup comedy is coming to the Mansfield Playhouse.

Comedians Lee Hardin and Kari Jones will perform Friday starting at 7 p.m., giving the playhouse a chance to offer a show to complement the regular stage productions.

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"This is something new we wanted to add to our venue. We have further plans to highlight a comedy series in the future, and when Lee and Kari reached out it seemed like a good opportunity for the playhouse," said Doug Wertz, artistic director. "Lee has quite a reputable background and we are excited to have him. The playhouse is communicating with other comedians to see if we can build a series and become more of a destination for Mansfield and draw from outside the community as well."

Based out of Nashville, Tennessee, Hardin has been touring the country, telling relatable jokes and stories. He has shared the stage with comedians including Henry Cho, Ryan Hamilton and Nate Bargatze.

In 2019, his comedy special, “Not Quite A Grown-Up” was released on DryBar Comedy. Hardin also made his TV debut on "The Mike Huckabee Show," where he performs regularly as the warm-up act.

"Lee will talk about growing up as an only child, his love of Taco Bell, and he talks about his family," Jones said.

Jones is a relative newcomer to the standup scene. She has been at it for two years and frequently tours the Midwest.

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Hardin, Jones perform 'clean' comedy

"Lee and I are both committed to clean comedy. You can bring anyone to enjoy it," Jones said. "We want comedy to be accessible again."

Jones said most of her comedy is observational. Topics include family and the pitfalls of dating.

She is from Chicago but now lives in small-town Mattoon, Illinois. It provided something of a culture shock for her.

Jones, who still works for an agricultural and retail store, said she did a lot of theater work in Chicago.

"My opportunities to do that were much more limited in a smaller area," she said. "I thought this (standup) might be an outlet."

She and Hardin often perform together.

"We call small theaters nationwide to see if they have room in their schedule to book us," Jones said. "Each year, it's a new set of theaters."

Jones said she and Hardin have done many shows in Ohio and Indiana, places that have welcomed their brand of comedy.

Jones has been talking to Wertz since late this past summer to book this show.

"He's just been super to work with," Jones said.

She is looking forward to meeting both Wertz and Richland County.

"Just come out for a night of fun, clean laughter," Jones said. "It will be a great group night out."

Tickets are $20 and are available at mansfieldplayhouse.com or by calling 419-522-2883. The box office is open from 1-6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and an hour before shows.

mcaudill@gannett.com

419-521-7219

X: @MarkCau32059251

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Mansfield Playhouse hosts clean comedians Lee Hardin, Kari Jones