Clarklake Resident Returns for Comedy Show

Phoenix comedian Sally Principale tells a joke during a Relay for Life comedy show on Monday night at the Michigan Theatre in Jackson.  Photo by Jeff Steers, JTV News.

By Jeff Steers
JTV News

(July 5, 2021 10:02 PM) Phoenix comedian Sally Principale said she could finally “breathe” following her performance at the Michigan Theatre Monday night.

Principale – a 1980 Columbia Central High School graduate – was performing in front of several relatives, former classmates, and former neighbors.

The 90-minute comedy show was a fundraiser for the Relay For Life in Jackson County and featured Principale – known to her classmates as Sally Hill – Dan Thomson, and master of ceremonies Scott Clow (another CCHS graduate).

Principale said there was a lot of pressure performing her act in front of so many people that she knew.

“My parents have heard me before – doing all the family jokes – and they are fine with it,” Principale said. “They know it is just humor.”

Principale was in the Clarklake area for her mother’s birthday on Sunday. She is on a five-week tour in a recreational vehicle with her husband, doing shows with her soon-to-be son-in-law Thomson. 

Principale works out of the Phoenix, Ariz., but the area is flooded with out-of-town comedians due to COVID-19.

“The problem is California is still shut down, so Arizona is flooded with California comedians,” Principale said. “I decided there are other states out there.”

She picked up the phone and talked her way into venues.

“You send them a bio, your resume, and links to my YouTube page,” Principale said. “Sometimes you can get on stage for five minutes and other times up to 30 minutes.”

Former classmate Tami Reed helped set up the venue for Principale, Thomson, and Clow. The event was a fundraiser for the upcoming Relay For Life event.

This year’s event will be held at Northwest High School due to anticipated construction at Sparks Foundation Park near the Cascades. 

“Everyone has lost people to cancer,” Principale said. “We need to find a cure.”