Neighbor News
Comedy At Madame ZuZu's In Highland Park Delivers Smashing Punchlines
Funnier By The Lake Stand Up Comedy Showcase returns to Madame Zuzu's Teahouse in the Ravinia Business District of Highland Park Illinois.
Every 2 months, Highland Park based Funnier By The Lake Comedy commandeers Madame ZuZu's Teahouse in the Ravinia Business District and delivers up a fantastic comedy showcase featuring a select group of professional comedians that regularly perform in the Chicago area and throughout the country.
The venue, which is intimate-okay, small-and is filled with the aromas of exotic teas and baked treats, as well as patchouli, is a comfortable fitting space for performing-and watching-live, stand-up comedy.
"We don't use any amplification. No mic. But, the low, tin ceiling of the room really lends itself to acoustic and spoken word performances," says Funnier By The Lake Comedy (FBTL) producer, Larry Bloom.
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A Highland Park resident and north shore native, Bloom has been producing, hosting and performing in the FBTL showcases at Madame ZuZu's since the summer of 2015. He invites comedians, both men and women, that he knows that are not just funny, but those that play to the suburban crowd in an all-ages venue.
"I've never heard a departing audience member complain that there wasn't enough profanity."
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"The shows are always 'PG-13-ish,'" Bloom explains. "We keep the language and the content in check. But, all of the comedians are pros, and that restriction does not take away from the quality of the show or the enjoyment by the audience," he adds. "After our ZuZu's shows, I've never heard a departing audience member complain that there wasn't enough profanity."
The FBTL shows at ZuZu's are free to attend. So, you'll have some extra cash for the vast selection of teas, coffee, sandwiches and baked goods. Bloom recruits local businesses to underwrite each show, which helps pay the comedians and market the events.
The May 20th show is sponsored by ATI Graphics, Inc. of Highland Park (www.atigraphics.com), and Libertyville based Improv Playhouse (www.improvplayhouse.com), which has a second location within the Highland Park Community House. Local businesses interested in supporting these shows as sponsors can contact Larry Bloom at 847.748.7490 or larry@funnierbythelake.com.
The May 20 lineup of comedians is:
- Mike Hover
- Sarah Albritton
- Larry Bloom
- Elaine Phillips
- Peter Lipsey
- Catye Palomino
The venue is small and these comedy showcases have become increasingly popular. Arrive early to be sure to get a good seat. Tables cannot be reserved ahead of time.
Show Details:
Date and Time: Friday, May 20th, 8pm
Location: Madame ZuZu's Teahouse, 582 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park
Cost: FREE
Parking: Plenty of on-street and lot spots along Roger Williams Avenue
More info and follow FBTL on Facebook at:
www.facebook.com/funnierbythelake/
or the event page on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/events/951731648229286/
Get on the FBTL email list at:
www.funnierbythelake.com