This club is in the basement of Playa Betty’s, a California surf-themed restaurant founded by former employees of Caroline’s Comedy Club. An unusual (if not comic) theme, no? Caroline’s “… is one of the most established, famous, and recognized stand-up comedy clubs in the United States”, and happens to be in Times Square.
There are two comedy clubs in my neighbourhood. Judging by the ‘connectedness’ to the comedy show business world, this one seems like a good bet. I attribute that to their calendar which shows a lineup populated with ‘known’ upcoming names.
The jazz club world is similar. Good clubs attract knowledgeable, respectful patrons in turn attracting knowledgeable talented musicians. Word spreads and a successful model is created and sustained.
There is so much competition for comedy club dollars, and so many clubs, I think the risk of disappointment is high unless top dollar is paid for headliners or for tickets to big name clubs in the Times Square area.
But this one seems to have found a niche — it’s popular, busy, and has survived — all potent indicators. It’s a busy corner location with a restaurant to support it, another good sign.
Word is out: during the same week, Jerry Seinfeld did a drop-in set at WCC, and Roseanne Barr did a set at Standup NY (78th and Broadway). Seinfeld tweeted about his show half an hour before showtime. Another recent drop-in to WCC was John Oliver.
