[Denver]-
On a frigid quiet evening in the heart of downtown on 15th and Larimer the only sounds were of cars threading carefully as they make their way through the frozen streets. The walk up into the front door of comedy works provided an ominous scene. Upon entering Comedy Works, the sounds of laughter and drinks hitting tables provided contrast to the scene outside the club.
There were 150-200 excited patrons bursting at the seams with enthusiasm and waiting to be entertained. I showed up at the front and they confiscated my phone and put it in a locked slip. I was ushered in and put in the back with the other people that came alone. I took my seat and began to angst over the comedians.
Owen Floberg a 4th year student at Metro and a member of the audience gave this take on attending a comedy show
“I mean I live down the street and I don’t know of a more entertaining event you can experience in todays day and age. This event is 12 bucks with a two drink minimum for 2 hours of serious entertainment. I come here with friends and you feel like you are apart of the event because of intimacy of the show.”
Tonight, in particular has a different vibe because seasoned comedians will be teamed up with beginners in a fast paced show that will provide over 20 entertainers performing 5 min sets. The host began to set the tone. “We will hear amazing sets and some people will suck and in turn we will boo them off the stage.” I settled in my seat and held my breath.
My angst quickly dissipated when the first comedian did his 5 min set and set the crowd on fire with his quick-witted punch lines and confidence put the uneasy crowd at ease.
The whole set up gave me a lot of respect for anyone that would choose to get up in front of that many people and let us in to their interpretation of how they see the world. There were some awkward moments when comedians maybe told a joke that wasn’t received well by the immense crowd.
Joey Baca a former 2nd grade science teacher gave some interesting anecdote about why he enjoys gracing the stage.
“There is no truer form of entertainment. You want to talk about a rush? Try walking onto a stage with just you and a mic and try making a 100 plus people laugh. I have become addicted.”
The context that Joey gave into the scene helped me understand how and why comedians do what they did. Another comedian whose set fell a little flat had this to say about her first time on a stage.
Margret working in insurance sales seems to enjoy the contrast from the daily monotony on life. “Well tonight was a little rough but I would and will do this again. I think my timing on my jokes were a little off. While I was doing the joke I knew I was rushing the punchline but I let my adrenaline get the better of me.”
Comedy works can be therapeutic and help break up the daily routine of the 9-5 for some. Comedy connects us all and can help bring to light the way in which we view the world. The scene is also helped by the lack of phone use. Forcing people to connect in a way is a rarity in today’s fast moving environment.
The MFJS Reporter -- Winter 2020 T-R 