How can you be sure a comedy club really knows how to run a comedy show? Have a comedian run it, of course.
Local comedian Paul Olen decided it was time to go from owning the stage to literally owning the stage: His Antics Comedy hosts its inaugural show on Nov. 22.
For now, Olen is picking and choosing when to have shows before filling the calendar; the next show will be dependent on turnout for the first one. But that first lineup is strong, and a veritable who's who in local comedy.
Mike Rivera and Steve Arik, two longtime comedy staples who each have more than 25 years in the business, will anchor opening night along with other local performers such as Catherine Maloney, Sloan, Chris Gorges and Murv Seymour. Every one of those comedians has closed a comedy show on their own.
It's always good to support local talent, but this is an opportunity to support local talent at a new, locally-owned comedy club at its very first show. Tickets are $12 (less if you reserve them in advance on their website), and with a stable of headliners on the bill there will should be plenty of laughs on opening night.
Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Inside the Holiday Inn at 3535 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater. Info: AntComedy.com or 727-278-5697.
