Dr. Steven Fischman, an orthodontist from West Hartford, has been chosen to participate in Season 7 of Mohegan Sun’s ‘Last COMIX Standing’ competition.

By Ronni Newton

To most of his patients and their families, Dr. Steven Fischman is a trusted orthodontist – who for more than 20 years has been making beautiful smiles – but what not everyone knows is that he’s making smiles another way, too.

“Some patients know, however, we have not broadcast it,” Fischman said. Those who don’t know are rather surprised when they find out.

For the past six years, Fischman has been doing improv comedy, and two years ago he started doing stand-up. On Wednesday, July 12, beginning at 8 p.m., Fischman will enter a new realm of stand-up as he competes in the first round of “Last COMIX Standing” at Mohegan Sun.

“Being a comedian is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Fischman said. He’s a long time admirer of Buddy Hackett, Brian Regan, Jim Gaffigan, and Adam Sandler, as well as Bob Nelson, who he was excited to open for last summer.

Fischman has performed in Connecticut at COMIX and the Hartford Funny Bone, as well as in several New York venues like Dangerfields, Broadway Comedy Club, Comic Strip Live, and the Greenwich Village Comedy Club.

When asked about his style of comedy, Fischman said he’s “a bit of a punster and use wordplay,” which is something that comes naturally to him. “I make a great first impression” is his favorite dentist joke.

Fischman and his wife just returned from Dublin, where they had a chance to visit several comedy clubs including the famed Laughter Lounge, but they also found plenty to make them smile outside of the clubs. “We went to see Irish comedians, but the truth is, Irish people are just plain funny. It doesn’t matter if you’re at the comedy club, in the pub or on the trail, they keep you smiling wherever you go,” Fischman said.

After performing a 5-minute set on Wednesday night, four of the 13 comedians will advance to the next round of Last COMIX Standing. Stage presence, crowd reaction, and originality are the criteria, and COMIX managers, special celebrity guests, a representative from Bud Light (the contest sponsor), and all audience members who purchase VIP tickets will act as judges.

Previous contest winners will headline and host the show.

Regardless of what happens Wednesday night, Fischman is having fun. “It’s really exciting to add this creative venture to my resume. It’s so much fun to make people laugh.”

For more information or to purchase tickets to Last COMIX Standing, click here.

For more information about Fischman Orthodontics, which is located at 9 Dale Rd. in West Hartford Center, click here.

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