Get Some Laughs at an NYC Comedy Club!
I grabbed my best friend and headed to Greenwich Village to check out a live, stand-up comedy show at the world-famous Village Underground.
Greenwich Village
Just like the East Village, Greenwich Village is teeming with artistic history, serving as the haunt for artists like Marcel Duchamp, Andy Warhol, and Eugene O’Neill. Now known for a different kind of artistry, this neighborhood is absolutely popping when it comes to stand up comedy.
The Comedy Cellar and their new second location, The Village Underground, located just around the corner, serve as true cornerstones of the New York City comedy scene today.
Countless big-time comedians often frequent the humble but mighty stages of the Village, like Ray Romano, Dave Chappelle, Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman and Louis C.K., according to the New York Times. I decided it was time that I visited the stand-up comedy hall of fame, and check out a show at The Village Underground myself!
Washington Square Park at Night
I love walking through Washington Square Park at night, and I take the opportunity to do so whenever possible. The Washington Square Arch that looks down from the north end of the park is absolutely stunning when it’s all lit up in the dark, framing the outline of the Empire State Building in the distance.
It is a real treat to sit there and take in the magic of a New York City Park at night, especially when the huge fountain in the center of the park is running. It’s only a few blocks from West 3rd and MacDougal street and definitely worth a stop on your way to the Cellar.
Ben’s Pizzeria
The perfect dinner prelude to a night of comedy on MacDougal Street? One answer: Ben’s Pizzeria. After, Louis C.K., coincidentally one of my favorite comics, featured this famous ‘za joint during the intro to his show, “Louie”, Ben’s has become a must-see tourist destination for comedy fans from both far and wide.
If you want to know how the comics fuel up for a late night show, grab a plain slice for $2.75, take a seat at a booth that overlooks the busiest corner in the Village, and prepare your taste buds for a tasty experience.
Making Reservations
I would definitely suggest to make reservations for a show as far ahead of time as you possibly can. These shows always sell out, and they sell out quick! You can either go on the The Comedy Cellar website to make a reservation, or give them a ring on the telephone to reserve your seats. Tickets for the show are usually around $14 each and there is a two drink minimum per person, so no need to visit a bar beforehand.
The audience is seated on a first come, first serve basis. The comedians normally pick on those in the front row, so arrive and plan accordingly. If you want the true comedy experience complete with some playful sparring, it’s worth getting there as early as you can.
My best friend and I arrived about a half hour ahead of our 10:00pm reservation, and were the first two people in line, so we got front row seats! The usher at the door asked us for our reservation and sat us at a small table smack dab in front of the stage to wait for what would be the show of a lifetime.
Louis C.K. and Judd Apatow in the House!
We had heard through word of mouth that famous comedians sometimes drop into these kinds of shows to do a set and practice some new material that they want to use on a smaller audience, but I never thought it would happen to us.
But after the first three comedians, the host, Ardie Fuqua announced, “Please put your hands together for the one, the only… Judd Apatow!” I just about cried of happiness. He produced one of my all-time favorite movies, Bridesmaids, and there he was about a foot away from our faces! I was completely star-struck.
As if that wasn’t enough of a surprise, Louis C.K. himself took the stage right afterwards! He exceeded all my expectations as he brought down the house in a fit of laughter, making jokes about his kids, his elderly mom, and his infamous ex-wife. My heart was racing at how awesome this night had turned out to be.
What’s better than hysterically laughing with my best friend all night long and being graced by the presence of comic stars? We couldn’t believe how the night had turned out as we were leaving the club and it’s still hard to believe now. We had just unsuspectingly seen two of the biggest names in American comedy today. This venue is one that you have to check out.
