Comedian Don Friesen with Mark Christopher Lawrence

A Night of Laughs at The Bornemann – Hosted by Mark Christopher Lawrence, Headlined by Don Friesen

Get ready for a powerhouse night of comedy at The Bornemann! Your host, Mark Christopher Lawrence (NBC’s Chuck), kicks off the laughter with an all-star lineup featuring headliner Don Friesen, featured act Lisa Gilbert, and opening act Josh Lawson.

Award-winning comedian Don Friesen makes his Bornemann debut with Break a Leg—a hilarious new special inspired by the freak pre-show injury that almost stopped the show. Known for his high-energy delivery, clever clean humor, and stories about life, marriage, and parenting, Friesen’s relatable comedy has made him a favorite on Showtime, Netflix, Dry Bar Comedy, and SiriusXM.

From start to finish, this show delivers nonstop laughs, quick wit, and feel-good fun for comedy fans of all ages. Don’t miss this one-night-only event!

Mark Christopher Lawrence (Host)

Mark Christopher Lawrence (MCL) is an Emmy-nominated actor, comedian, producer, and motivational speaker best known for his role as Big Mike on NBC’s Chuck. A recipient of the San Diego Critics Circle’s Craig Noel Award, he’s performed with legends like Sinbad and Jerry Seinfeld and headlined across the U.S. and Canada. MCL stars in Bringing Back Christmas (Amazon), All The Queen’s Men (BET+), and the PureFlix series Fragment: Oblivion. He’s also co-executive producer of Pure Laughter on KPBS and the star of Dry Bar Comedy’s Clean Outta Compton.

Don Friesen (Headliner)

Award-winning comedian Don Friesen returns with Break a Leg, his hilarious new special inspired by a real-life pre-show mishap. Known for his high-energy delivery, clever clean humor, and relatable stories about marriage, parenting, and life, Friesen is the only two-time winner of the San Francisco Comedy Competition and has been featured on Showtime, Netflix, Dry Bar Comedy, and SiriusXM. His sharp, self-deprecating wit and physical comedy make Break a Leg a must-see!

Lisa Gilbert (Featured)

Real Life. Real Laughs. Really Relatable.

Lisa Gilbert’s stand-up draws from real-life experiences like marriage, parenting triplets, and personal identity, blending sharp observational humor with relatable storytelling. Her inclusive style appeals to many, especially adults who appreciate honest takes on everyday life. Lisa is a “Best Of” performer at the Comedy Store, has a Dry Bar Comedy Special on Amazon, and recently appeared on the Tamron Hall Show, solidifying her status as a rising comedy voice.

Josh Lawson (Opener)

Josh was born and raised in San Diego. He realized in grade school that he was able to control just about any situation with humor and for the next 10 years his teachers had their hands full. In 2010 he found the stage and has been sharing stories ever since! Josh will share his mishaps from international trips, getting married and moving from the city to the country.

Doors open at 6:00 pm.

Limited ADA seating:
Please email Luke at lukeh@campusoflife.org to request the code for ADA seating.
Admission Info:
All ages are welcome. Please note that children who do not sit on a lap will require their own ticket.

Enjoy pre-show dining at TERI Common Grounds Café from 4pm - 8pm. View menu here. Concessions are also available at the theatre before and during the show.

Learn why your ticket purchase matters!
The Bornemann Theatre & TERI Campus of Life - Supporting the Special Needs Community and Greater San Diego

Join us at the TERI Campus of Life. Nestled between the rolling hills of San Marcos and situated on 20 acres of ancient oaks and pristine farmland lies our unique location. Open to the public and serving greater San Diego, the TERI Campus of Life is dedicated to transforming lives through the performing arts, fine arts, health and wellness, organic agriculture, social gatherings, and much more.

Brought to you by our sponsors Los Cuernos and State Farm Sund Insurance & Financial Services Inc.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your ticket purchase, please email thebornemann@campusoflife.org