{"id":2834,"date":"2024-12-12T12:36:34","date_gmt":"2024-12-12T20:36:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/?p=2834"},"modified":"2024-12-12T12:36:37","modified_gmt":"2024-12-12T20:36:37","slug":"the-comedy-store-a-historic-stand-up-venue-the-story-of-a-well-known-american-comedy-club","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2834-the-comedy-store-a-historic-stand-up-venue-the-story-of-a-well-known-american-comedy-club","title":{"rendered":"The Comedy Store, a historic stand-up venue: the story of a well-known American comedy club"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The number of comedy shows happening in Los Angeles is remarkable. One can presume that the city is a hub of the comedy world. The only thing to consider is which show to visit. For insights into the history of this iconic stand-up room, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\">los-angeles-trend<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0da0ca5c898\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0da0ca5c898\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2834-the-comedy-store-a-historic-stand-up-venue-the-story-of-a-well-known-american-comedy-club\/#What_came_before_The_Comedy_Store\" >What came before The Comedy Store?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2834-the-comedy-store-a-historic-stand-up-venue-the-story-of-a-well-known-american-comedy-club\/#The_Comedy_Stores_history\" >The Comedy Store&#8217;s history<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2834-the-comedy-store-a-historic-stand-up-venue-the-story-of-a-well-known-american-comedy-club\/#The_Comedy_Store\" >The Comedy Store<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2834-the-comedy-store-a-historic-stand-up-venue-the-story-of-a-well-known-american-comedy-club\/#Los_Angeles_comedians_strike\" >Los Angeles comedians&#8217; strike<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2834-the-comedy-store-a-historic-stand-up-venue-the-story-of-a-well-known-american-comedy-club\/#Outcomes_of_the_strike\" >Outcomes of the strike<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_came_before_The_Comedy_Store\"><\/span>What came before The Comedy Store?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The building was previously home to Club Seville, which opened on New Year&#8217;s Eve 1935. The founders were Marcel Lamaze (who came from Miami by way of New York) and Alfred B. Freitas, who had previously been involved with Sunset Strip clubs. Freitas had run a previous club that had been raided during Prohibition. The founders made the Crystal Marine Room the real highlight of the club. The room had a crystal dance floor with subsurface fish, had fountains and was illuminated by colored lights. Subsequently, Lamaze opened the first restaurant in the building on December 29, 1938, which was short-lived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The next stage of development featured the renowned Hollywood nightclub Ciro&#8217;s. This period spanned from 1940 to 1957. Opening its doors on January 30, 1940, this club aimed to outshine all others in the area. By 1942, it was managed by Herman Hover and Marcel Lamaze. Following a fire that occurred on June 27, 1943, it was necessary to replace the two exterior walls. Albert Griffith became the subsequent owner, but his sudden death from a heart attack prevented him from assuming control. Notably, before a permanent marquee was put in place, the current performances were advertised using interchangeable banners. The club maintained its popularity throughout and after the war. In 1957, however, it ran into financial difficulties and had to be sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The structure eventually became home to Ciro&#8217;s Le Disc, a rock and roll venue where The Byrds, an American rock band, played back in 1964. Over the years, the venue has experienced many changes in ownership and name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Comedy_Stores_history\"><\/span>The Comedy Store&#8217;s history<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>April 1972 saw the opening of an American comedy <a href=\"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/eternal-1614-the-best-theatre-companies-in-los-angeles\">club<\/a>. The establishment is located on Sunset Boulevard in the Sunset Strip area of West Hollywood, California. It was a theater with a seating capacity of 99.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The club was founded by comedian Sammy Shore, who lived from 1927 to 2019, alongside screenwriter and actor Rudy De Luca. Following a divorce, Sammy&#8217;s ex-wife, Mitzi Shore, took over the club&#8217;s operations in 1973 and eventually purchased the building in 1976. She had ambitious plans for the venue, aiming to renovate and expand it, which ultimately allowed the theater to grow from 99 seats to a capacity of 450 guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mitzi Shore acquired the club from her ex-husband as part of their divorce agreement. She also owned a 5,000-square-foot residence located near the club, which she purchased alongside it in 1976. Three years later, she started allowing comedians to stay overnight. The first official residents of the house were Argus Hamilton and Mike Binder. However, due to years of wild behavior, Mitzi eventually evicted everyone. She then transformed the house into a recovery facility. In the early 1990s, her son Pauly moved in and by the late 1990s, the property was sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1974, the venue organized an exclusive gathering. The wedding celebration of American actress, singer and dancer Liza May Minnelli and director, producer and screenwriter Jack Haley Jr. was a notable event. It drew several dozen celebrities, enhancing the establishment&#8217;s prestige and reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.los-angeles-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2024\/12\/ad_4nxdac6dbsllkqfwqd34m3ie2paag98r6bxah4yozpgpqpe3lwiifkgg23uyjmucyk01e7hcbr3hgrfqhk0xkwc1ibwe1fgixt-g8jv2f034erpzpu7wl-ovln0x6p4uwb8heyxzakey8rjtzbfeeiyxb0k3drechx4c.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Comedy_Store\"><\/span>The Comedy Store<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This comedy club stands out as one of the finest, being the sole venue among all historic stand-up places that has successfully maintained a lively and humorous lineup. That said, The Comedy Store is recognized for its dark origins, which trace back to the notorious Ciro&#8217;s Club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The venue features three distinct stages where stand-up performances take place nightly. The Comedy Store frequently hosts performances by comedians like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Neal Brennan. He is a well-known American comedian celebrated for his quick wit and improvisational skills. Neal&#8217;s shows stand out for their originality and unique perspective on everyday life. His performances feel genuine, as he often draws from his own experiences and observations to craft his humor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Iliza Shlesinger. Her performances are a brilliant blend of female stand-up and incisive satire. She isn&#8217;t hesitant to address delicate social issues (relationships, gender roles and modern culture). She is among the most well-known female comedians and audiences enjoy her shows for their vibrant energy and originality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ron Funchess. The comedian is celebrated for his erratic wit and quirky style of delivery.&nbsp; Ron\u2019s shows frequently feature unique humor and intense feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jeff Ross, the &#8220;Roastmaster General,&#8221; is a prominent figure in roasting, known for his work on Comedy Central roasts humorously targeting a variety of well-known personalities. He also addresses social and political issues in his comedy specials, such as Jeff Ross Roasts Criminals, Jeff Ross Roasts the Border and Jeff Ross Roasts Cops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Los_Angeles_comedians_strike\"><\/span>Los Angeles comedians&#8217; strike<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 1979, it is recognized that The Comedy Store has hosted yearly specials from HBO Young Comedians. However, during this time, tensions arose between the club&#8217;s owners. The main issue was the 1979 Los Angeles comedians&#8217; strike, which protested the no-pay policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mitzi Shore, the ex-wife of Sammy Shore, and Budd Friedman refused to pay the comedians. The owners believed that the comedians should feel thankful for the opportunity to perform, making payment out of the question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the initial comedians&#8217; strike started, the primary target was Mitzi Shore, as Friedman&#8217;s venue, The Improv, was undergoing renovations following a fire.&nbsp; Mitzi contended that the club served as a platform for emerging comedians rather than a profit-making venture. She maintained that comedians were provided free time to develop their material, which could lead to future job opportunities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To address their concerns, a labor union named Comedians for Compensation was established, though it was short-lived. The protests lasted for six weeks, with notable figures like Jay Leno and David Letterman joining the picket line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;It&#8217;s important to highlight that this strike was not legal, as the comedians were classified as independent contractors and lacked a formal contract with the club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Outcomes_of_the_strike\"><\/span>Outcomes of the strike<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After the club underwent multiple expansions, comedians began to realize the substantial earnings that Mitzi Shore was generating. The owner ensured that staff members, such as waiters and bartenders, were compensated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following a strike at the club, some comedians found themselves banned. Steve Lubetkin struggled to cope with this situation and tragically took his own life. He jumped from the roof of a nearby hotel, leaving behind a note that simply stated his name and mentioned that he had once worked at The Comedy Store. The man hoped that his drastic action would bring attention to the ongoing labor issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1980, the union disbanded. After that, comedians in Los Angeles started receiving payment for their performances. The Comedy Store and The Improv clubs also began compensating comedians for their work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mitzi Shore took it upon herself to choose performers she found to be charismatic and possessing star potential.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Comedy Store has continually drawn numerous well-known comedians to its venue.&nbsp; It&#8217;s a historic venue steeped in history and humor, which enhances its appeal to guests.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The number of comedy shows happening in Los Angeles is remarkable. One can presume that the city is a hub of the comedy world. The only thing to consider is which show to visit. For insights into the history of this iconic stand-up room, check out los-angeles-trend. What came before The Comedy Store? The building [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":296,"featured_media":2556,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[156],"tags":[2494,2495,2498,2492,2496,2497,2504,2502,2491,2501,2493,2503,2499,2500,2490],"motype":[160],"moformat":[24],"moimportance":[31,189,32,35],"class_list":{"0":"post-2834","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-teatrs","8":"tag-american-comedy-clubs","9":"tag-birthplace-of-comedy-stars","10":"tag-comedy-store-comedians","11":"tag-comedy-store-history","12":"tag-comedy-store-origins","13":"tag-famous-comedy-venues","14":"tag-famous-la-clubs","15":"tag-historic-comedy-venue","16":"tag-iconic-stand-up-club","17":"tag-legendary-comedy-club","18":"tag-los-angeles-comedy-scene","19":"tag-mitzi-shore-legacy","20":"tag-stand-up-comedy-evolution","21":"tag-stand-up-history","22":"tag-the-comedy-store-3","23":"motype-eternal","24":"moformat-longrid-korotka","25":"moimportance-aktualna-bilshe-roku","26":"moimportance-189","27":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","28":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2834","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/296"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2834"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2834\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2838,"href":"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2834\/revisions\/2838"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2556"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2834"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2834"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2834"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=2834"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=2834"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/los-angeles-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=2834"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}