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Jersey City comedienne Melissa Surach launched her comedy/open mic/live music series BabyHole back in September 2007 at the now-defunct Toy Eaters Studio on Columbus Drive. Since then, the series has seen three venues and plenty of comics, bands and performers, and Surach has been formally recognized by the City Council, as evidenced by the picture at right. But it will all come to an end Tuesday, when Surach says farewell with a final show at the Lamp Post. We recently caught up with her via email to find out more about the decision. (Disclosure time: Surach also writes for JCI.)

Why stop the BabyHole series now? What led you to make that decision?

In addition to the series, I’m working three jobs and don’t have enough time to devote to it. Also, I feel that considering the lack of quality Jersey City venues, it got as big as it could and couldn’t grow any bigger. Besides, it’s not the only comedy show in town anymore. Stockinette, Michael Anthony’s, etc. can keep the comedy torch burning. I’d like to develop a new show, more about me, instead of showcasing other performers.

Is the series going to continue with new folks running it, or is it completely going away?

I’m not sure. Some people have expressed interest in taking it over, but as far as I know they haven’t started looking for a new venue or booking it. I think it might just be better to start up a new show somewhere else in Jersey City, a clean slate. One of the problems with the Lamp Post, besides having an awkward layout with no seats, stage, or multimedia capacity, is that they now want us to start at 10:30 pm, which for most people is just too late to go out on Tuesday nights.

What’s been the hardest thing about doing this kind of show in Jersey City?

Finding a good venue has definitely been the most draining. Still, despite the limitations, there’s been a lot of great people who work in the venues. Joe, the bartender at the Lamp Post, is amazing. He tries really hard to keep the music and performance alive in this town. If it weren’t for him, BabyHole probably would’ve died two years ago, because there’d be nowhere for it to go.

It’s also difficult keeping up with booking and promoting while working several jobs. It doesn’t help that most publications like the Reporter and The Onion won’t print it in their event listings because of the “controversial” name or the Jersey stigma.

What’s the most memorable BabyHole memory you’ll take away from the experience?

Well, in light of the hate mail, and random girls trying to fight me at parties because they think the name is offensive, I’d say it is my newfound persecution complex. But as far as positive experiences go, probably this year’s Stop Raping People, our annual Women’s Day Benefit. Proceeds went to The Global Fund for Women and WomenRising, Inc. It was a packed show. Thomas Francis Takes His Chances performed, along with some really great female comedians like Leibya Rogers, Raquel D’Apice and Rosie Rebel. It was a really good show, and the best Stop Raping People yet. I was very proud of it.

Other than writing for JCI, what’s next for you?

I’m applying to grad school for creative writing, working on my manuscript and entering writing contests. I’m also applying for grants in writing and performance, and talking to Thomas John Carlson about starting a Writer’s Workshop at the Jersey City Art School, or possibly at another venue. I’m going to develop a new live show — starring me, of course. I haven’t got the script together yet, but it’ll probably involve me wearing a prosthetic hump, taking off my clothes and stealing babies. Of course, I’d like to finish my public access show as soon as I get a fancy new computer.