Denver's Comedy Scene
Denver's comedy scene is booming. The clubs regularly attract the biggest and brightest stars in standup from around the country, and there are plenty of local comics who'll leave you in stitches with their distinctly-Denver humor. And that's not even mentioning the numerous cutting edge improv troupes and indie sketch comedy groups that call the Mile High City home. Here's a quick primer on Denver's comedy world. If you're in the mood for some serious laughs, look no further.
Comedy Works Downtown
1226 15th Street, Denver, CO 80202
303-595-3637
At the Landmark in Greenwood Village
5345 Landmark Pl. #101, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
303-595-3637
www.comedyworks.com
Comedy Works should serve as the starting point to any exploration of the Denver comedy scene. Named one of the top 5 comedy clubs in the country by USA Today, and owned by Denver comedy veteran Wende Curtis (pictured right) the original downtown location is a longstanding Mile High City institution, where local comics hone their craft and where the most famous stand ups in the world go out of their way to perform at. Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Dennis Miller -- they've all brought down the house at Comedy Works. Head to the club every Tuesday night for New Talent Night, where tomorrow's stars try out their latest and greatest material -- you might even be inspired to start writing jokes yourself! In the fall of 2008, the club will open a new location in the posh Greenwood Village, doubling the fun. Check the website to see who'll have them rolling in the aisles in the near future!
Bovine Metropolis Theater
1527 Champa St., Denver, CO 80202
303-758-4722
www.bovinemetropolis.com
This sketch/improv comedy theater's name is a play on Denver's old reputation as a "cowtown." At the BMT, you have several options, all of them side-splittingly funny. "The Sketch Comedy Show" is a hilarious, often-changing scripted performance in the tradition of Monty Python, Saturday Night Live and Kids In The Hall, with sketches, videos and songs. "On The Spot" remains a local favorite, using the audience's unique suggestions to improvise scenes, games, and songs to make newcomers or regulars laugh themselves silly! "The Battle Royale" sees Denver's best improv teams go head to head in a belly-laugh inducing contest. Finally, if you want to get in on the action, the BMT offers classes in the fine art of improvising. Check the website for a full schedule.
More Places for Comedy in Denver
The Oriental Theater in the Highlands neighborhood of Denver frequently brings local comedians to its stage. Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret, located in the Daniels & Fisher Tower on the 16th Street Mall downtown hosts comedians, novelty music acts and burlesque performers. The Impulse Theater Improv Comedy Club mixes comedy, theater and audience interaction to hilarious effect.
Local Comics
While you're checking out all the comedy offerings in the Mile High City, be sure to seek out some of Denver's finest local funnymen women. Wrist Deep Productions appears at all the venues mentioned above, but also brings its skewed brand of sketch comedy to rock clubs and coffeehouses. A word of warning, however: Wrist Deep is not for the easily offended! Josh Blue is a Denver native who has made some real headway on the national comedy scene -- you might recognize him as the winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing. Gina Trammell made it to the finals of Nick At Nite's "Funniest Mom In America" contest, thanks to her bitingly humorous observations on parenthood and more.