Explore the evolving landscape of stand-up comedy with discussions on the New York Comedy Festival, demand for live events post-pandemic, closures of iconic comedy clubs, changing business dynamics, challenges faced by comedians, and the success of renowned comedians. Don't miss anecdotes about working with Pee Wee Herman and David Letterman's impact on comedy clubs.
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Quick takeaways
The New York Comedy Festival has grown in popularity over the years, featuring famous comedians at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall.
Caroline Hirsch, founder of Caroline's on Broadway, will explore new opportunities for the Caroline's brand after deciding not to renew the lease for her Times Square comedy club.
Deep dives
The New York Comedy Festival: A Celebration of Live Comedy
The podcast episode focuses on the upcoming 19th annual New York Comedy Festival. Caroline Hirsch, the founder of Caroline's on Broadway, discusses the festival, its growth over the years, and the high demand for comedy shows. She mentions famous comedians who will be performing at iconic venues, such as Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall, including Bill Burr, Shane Gillis, Matteo Lane, Anthony Jeselnik, and Brett Goldstein from Ted Lasso. Hirsch highlights the importance of live comedy experiences and how comedians can build their following through online platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Caroline Hirsch's Decision Not to Renew Caroline's Lease
The podcast also delves into Caroline Hirsch's decision not to renew the lease for Caroline's on Broadway, her iconic comedy club in Times Square. Hirsch explains that she felt the changing landscape of Times Square and the city itself after the COVID-19 pandemic led her to step back and explore new opportunities for the Caroline's brand. She mentions receiving interest from real estate developers and expresses excitement about the potential for future endeavors.
The Evolution of Comedy and Self-Censorship
The episode touches on the evolution of comedy and self-censorship in the current cultural climate. Hirsch discusses how comedy has changed over the years and how some jokes may now come close to crossing the line of political correctness. She mentions comedians like Dave Chappelle and Ali Wong who can push boundaries while still being mindful of potential offensiveness. Hirsch also reflects on her experiences with legendary comedians from the early days, including Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, and Pee-wee Herman.