It never fails. When I tell people I’m a comic, I get asked a number of questions which I have now come to expect.
1. Can you tell me a joke? Which I don’t do, so don’t ask.
2. Do you write your own material? This one always baffles me - what kind of comedian doesn’t write his or her own stuff? Apparently some have others write their material for them. Websters dictionary defines this as “laziness”.
Further on down the ladder of questions is, where do you like to hang out?
Now don’t judge me just yet. I consider myself a decently cultured guy. I go to different museums, concerts, theaters, and galleries. Let’s face it, living in LA there’s a lot to do. However, one of my favorite places to relax is a comedy club. Specifically, the Hollywood Improv.
The Improv lends itself as more of a “come on in, sit down have dinner and some drinks with friends” venue. Instead of the, “hurry up come in here, buy 2 drinks and laugh” place. Which a lot of the clubs around town do. I’m not naming any names, but you know who you are.
The layout is very simple. You walk in and to the left is the bar, to the right is the dining area. Straight ahead is the showcase room. I could leave you hanging there but then I wouldn’t be any good at this whole journalistic thing.
The bar is very well stocked with an ample amount of different liquors and beers on tap. With about 10 stools and two televisions you can keep yourself preoccupied with until your friends show up. The dining area is nice and simple with a selection of either tables or booths for you to enjoy your meal at. You won’t get Maine lobster, but they have very good sandwiches, burgers, and chicken dishes that will fill your tummy and get you ready for the show. There’s even a decent sized wine list.
On the way to the showcase room there are pictures of comics who have performed there, such as Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, and Drew Carrey. If you are part of the crowd going in, these are people that you will undoubtedly recognize. As for the comics, it’s a hallway of honor that we pass and look upon if for nothing else, to get some good vibes before our performance.
The main room has plenty of tables and chairs and even high two person tables for you and that special someone to cozy up in and watch the show from the back. There is also a curtain that can be draped across the middle of the room if not enough people show up for the show. I’ve only seen that happen once. There is no backstage, so the comics make their entrance from the side of the room. Most of us prefer to hang back until just before we go on, so as not to be seen by the audience. The stage itself is reasonable size and there’s a piano if you want to fool around.
My favorite part of this whole experience is the celebrity comic pop in, which happens more than you might think. One night Chris Rock came in unannounced and just killed the crowd.
All things considered, The Improv is a relaxing place to enjoy food, friends and laughs.
To check out location, tickets, and show-times, go to www.improv2.com
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