Having only lived in Northern Virginia for about a year and a half, I'm a little behind the area's comedy scene power curve. This entry will probably fall on veteran ears, and thus seem like old news. So this entry is for all of you DC Improv newbies.
I recently attended my first DC Improv show about a month ago when I saw Erin Jackson (see previous post), and Robert Klein. For forty-eight years the Improv has been a marquee landmark for comedians and patrons alike. Having opened its first venue in New York, you can now catch a show at the Improv in twenty-two cities from coast to coast. It is a place were serious local comedians are regulars, and where comedy legends make their living. Anyone who is anybody has, at one point, taken the mic at the Improv. This, however, is my specific review of the DC Improv.
If you are tired of open mics and shows in the party room of your back ally bar, and want to hear quality comedy every time, then the Improv is your place. I'm not hating on open mics or privately produced shows. There are some great comics who work small rooms all over the place, but it's never a given. My point is, you can never go wrong with the Improv.
With ticket prices only a little more expensive than privately promoted shows, it is definitely worth it if you want to take that special someone out on a Friday night. To see top local comedians, tickets are usually ten dollars. To see special events like Robert Klein, tickets are usually about twenty-five dollars. You can reserve tickets by phone, on-line or you can stop by the box office. If you live in the area, I recommend dropping by the box office, otherwise a three dollar service fee per ticket is charged when they are purchased by phone or on-line.
The atmosphere is nostalgic, the staff is friendly, the food is affordable, but the seating is cramped. Maybe I just saw the worst of it because it was a sold out show, but it is not a comfortable venue. The room is packed with circular tables which are about two-three feet in diameter, with four chairs to a table. There are straight, wooden chairs which made my chiropractor bill go up. It didn't help that the person back to back with me kept adjusting and knocking into me. Because it was a sold out show my wife and I had to share a table with another couple. It is a very intimate setting between the comedian and the audience. It is an even more intimate setting between you and the other audience members. There really is not a bad seat in the house though. If you are not interested in being able to reach out a touch your favorite comic's shoes, save yourself the headache and just sit in the back or on the sides. If you do want to sit in the front row, get their early. All shows are first come, first serve. I showed up just prior to the doors opening and their was already about a ten minute line accrued.
As far as food goes, I have mixed feelings. The food is good, as well as being very affordable, but the service is slow. It is not necessarily the wait staff's fault. When pretty much everyone shows up right when the doors open it is going to take some time getting around to everyone. Personally, I recommend eating before you go. They have a full drink menu you can choose from to keep you busy. Plus, if you have four people at your table who are eating, it is going to get that much more cramped.
I recently attended my first DC Improv show about a month ago when I saw Erin Jackson (see previous post), and Robert Klein. For forty-eight years the Improv has been a marquee landmark for comedians and patrons alike. Having opened its first venue in New York, you can now catch a show at the Improv in twenty-two cities from coast to coast. It is a place were serious local comedians are regulars, and where comedy legends make their living. Anyone who is anybody has, at one point, taken the mic at the Improv. This, however, is my specific review of the DC Improv.
If you are tired of open mics and shows in the party room of your back ally bar, and want to hear quality comedy every time, then the Improv is your place. I'm not hating on open mics or privately produced shows. There are some great comics who work small rooms all over the place, but it's never a given. My point is, you can never go wrong with the Improv.
With ticket prices only a little more expensive than privately promoted shows, it is definitely worth it if you want to take that special someone out on a Friday night. To see top local comedians, tickets are usually ten dollars. To see special events like Robert Klein, tickets are usually about twenty-five dollars. You can reserve tickets by phone, on-line or you can stop by the box office. If you live in the area, I recommend dropping by the box office, otherwise a three dollar service fee per ticket is charged when they are purchased by phone or on-line.
The atmosphere is nostalgic, the staff is friendly, the food is affordable, but the seating is cramped. Maybe I just saw the worst of it because it was a sold out show, but it is not a comfortable venue. The room is packed with circular tables which are about two-three feet in diameter, with four chairs to a table. There are straight, wooden chairs which made my chiropractor bill go up. It didn't help that the person back to back with me kept adjusting and knocking into me. Because it was a sold out show my wife and I had to share a table with another couple. It is a very intimate setting between the comedian and the audience. It is an even more intimate setting between you and the other audience members. There really is not a bad seat in the house though. If you are not interested in being able to reach out a touch your favorite comic's shoes, save yourself the headache and just sit in the back or on the sides. If you do want to sit in the front row, get their early. All shows are first come, first serve. I showed up just prior to the doors opening and their was already about a ten minute line accrued.
As far as food goes, I have mixed feelings. The food is good, as well as being very affordable, but the service is slow. It is not necessarily the wait staff's fault. When pretty much everyone shows up right when the doors open it is going to take some time getting around to everyone. Personally, I recommend eating before you go. They have a full drink menu you can choose from to keep you busy. Plus, if you have four people at your table who are eating, it is going to get that much more cramped.
Also, If you a smoker, make sure you take your last drag at the door. Just like the rest of DC, the Improv is smoke free. Be sure to find a sitter too. Eighteen and over only on all shows. And getting there is simple. Just get off at the Farragut North metro stop and you're only a half a block away.
For every negative reason I described, you can't beat the comedy factor. The Improv brings in the best comedy in town, hands down. I will definitely be back again. I want to catch a non-special event and see how different that is. Also, they rent out their lounge to individuals who want to put on their own show. Many local comedians have already taken advantage of it. You can expect a review of those two shows in the future. Until then, laugh on!
For every negative reason I described, you can't beat the comedy factor. The Improv brings in the best comedy in town, hands down. I will definitely be back again. I want to catch a non-special event and see how different that is. Also, they rent out their lounge to individuals who want to put on their own show. Many local comedians have already taken advantage of it. You can expect a review of those two shows in the future. Until then, laugh on!
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