Step into the world of Curious Comedy Theater (5225 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd) for a night filled with hilarious improv shows. It’s been a while since my last visit, but let me tell you, this place hasn’t changed a bit. From the ticket greeter to the bar staff, the whole team exudes warmth and welcoming vibes. Why is finding a venue with such fantastic energy so rare these days? You’d be surprised how many places miss the mark and start your night with bad, cold vibes.
What’s even better about Curious Comedy is they don’t force you into the two-drink minimum, but that didn’t stop me from having a few $4 PBRs. I even splurged on two small cookies for $2. My only gripe with this place is the menu is a bit limited and pricey. It’s a missed opportunity for them since there aren’t many late-night dining options in the area. Sometimes, I resort to the 7-Eleven across the street for a quick 40 oz. or some stale taquitos. This particular 7-Eleven always seems to attract customers eager to share their life stories with the employees. Tonight’s customer is going on about quitting smoking five years ago, all while eye fucking the cigarette case like it was a long-lost lover.
Comedy Showdown
But let’s get back to the main event. The night’s first show was the Comedy Showdown, a “competitive” improv showcase featuring talented performers from near and far. One performer even traveled from Miami, Florida, though I doubt it was solely for this show. The concept is pretty standard: improv games but with the audience voting for their favorites after each round. Eventually, they narrowed it down to two performers, who had to sing their way to victory as a tiebreaker. I loved everything about this showdown. The professional scoreboard graphics and the nostalgic blue and pink backdrop lighting reminiscent of “Whose Line Is It Anyway” all hit the mark. I recently took an Introduction to Improv class and noticed some familiar games, but they spiced things up here by reading the audience’s cell phone texts instead of using random lines for inspiration. Talk about trust on both sides!
If you’re not a fan of improv, this kind of show might not be your thing. But if you’re a millennial like me who grew up geeking out on “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” it’ll find a spot in your heart.
Ruby Rocket
After a lively time with the Comedy Showdown, it was on to the second show of the night: Ruby Rocket Private Investigator. Let me tell you, this show was a blast from the past with a twist. It was a Noir-inspired comedy improv, aptly named Ruby Rocket Private Investigator. The stage resembles a classic PI office straight out of a black-and-white movie. They had a video projector displaying city streets and horizontal blinds, setting the perfect mood. There was even a guy rocking the piano in true noir fashion. Well, actually, it was a keyboard, but he was dressed all old-timey, and so was the rest of the cast. The overall ambiance was perfect. Candlelit tables and a smoke machine added that mysterious allure—it was like stepping into a 40s lounge. I was also pretty smashed at that point in the night. Did I mention the PBRs and 7-Eleven 40 oz.?
The story itself might not have been mind-blowing, but hey, who needs a Pulitzer-winning plot when the jokes keep coming? Detective Ruby Rocket was on a mission to find a MacGuffin in the form of a guitar, supposedly owned by the band Creed, I think? The details might have been a bit fuzzy, but the laughs were solid. Honestly, it felt like I was there more for the ambiance than anything else. But man, did they nail the atmosphere!
The Curious Comedy Theater
Curious Comedy is truly a gem when it comes to improv. And now they have an annex around the corner with even more show offerings. Sure, the nighttime food options in the area might not be top-notch, and the venue itself could use a menu expansion, but hey, it’s a local comedy club, and we go for the laughs, not the gourmet cuisine. Plus, Curious Comedy gives back to the community with its free classes for BIPOC and free tickets for anyone on their email list. Now, that’s a comedy club with heart.
If you’re looking for a good time, I highly recommend checking out the Comedy Showdown at Curious Comedy Theater, which seems to be a regular show over there. And remember, snag those tickets in advance for a discount. You won’t regret it!
