A South Kingstown Star Returns Home

Poppy Champlin was already a local star in her own right before heading out from South Kingstown for the brighter lights.

During her high school years, she starred in the drama productions - most notably in Tom Sawyer, which I won't post photos from since I was Joe - and was a star basketball player who held the girl's team record by scoring 33 points in a single game for many years.

She went on to play college basketball at the University of Rhode Island while earning a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Theater. Because there was no Women's professional basketball at that time, Poppy needed to find another avenue.

“I thought I was going to college to play basketball,” Poppy said. She ended up as part of a cabaret put on by the Oceanography department in which all of the performers were fish. She remembers the fish schtick standup and finding the laughs she got exhilarating, but there wasn't much comedy opportunity in RI at that time so Poppy created it by booking shows herself and serving as the MC to get more stage time and exposure.

One day she was reading about 2^nd City in Chicago and decided to call for more information. The woman who answered encouraged her to come out and audition. Poppy jumped at the chance and was chosen for a slot after auditions.

It was great timing during the late 80's, as comic clubs grew like mushrooms everywhere throughout the nation. Poppy spent eight years honing her skills in clubs like Catch a Rising Star, Zany's and the Comedy Store. In 1993, she was named America's Funniest Woman by a contest on the Joan Rivers Show.

Soon after she moved out to Los Angeles and has traveled the world, opening for Rosie O'Donnell, Ray Romano, Denis Leary and Bill Maher. She even had a Showtime special in June of 2010.

Recently, Poppy made the decision to replant herself in Rhode Island. Several reasons factored into her choice to be closer to home, but the truth is she can base herself anywhere and travel to shows. She has already appeared at the Comedy Connection in East Providence and at Foxwoods Casino before she heads off to NYC and international dates.

Her next show is Wednesday, Feb. 16 at Foxwoods with Rhody Rebel Comix. Even though she will be gone for long stretches, South Kingstown is lucky and happy to have our prodigal star home amongst us.

For more information or to book a show visit www.poppycockprod.com or email pophaha1@gmail.com