Stand up comedy pulling in big crowds
SYRACUSE -- Stand up comic Louis Ramey doesn't seem to mind the recession. He might even be rooting against better economic times.
"Comedy absolutely does ten times better in a bad economy," said Ramey on Friday afternoon as he prepared for a headlining set at Wiseguys in Syracuse.
Comedy shows are taking off all around Central New York. Since Wiseguys opened in downtown last year, they've had a crowd every weekend for shows with nationally known comics. The Landmark Theater is hosting more comedy acts and there are regular shows from Baldwinsville to Turning Stone Resort and Casino.
"The economy is funny," said comic Nick Marra. "As the economy gets worse people need to laugh more so it's making a comeback."
On Friday night at Wiseguys, comedian Tom Anzalone had a near capacity crowd in stitches as he talked about problems with collection agencies and money troubles. Before the show he said jokes about the economy helped him connect with the audience.
"People want to vent or they want to say game some justice. We need some place to let loose and it's better to laugh than cry," said Anzalone.
Wiseguys owner Dave Wheeler hopes there isn't too much stand up available. He says free "happy hour" type comedy shows and constant stand up acts on cable TV led to the closing of many comedy clubs in the 90's. Wheeler only books well known national acts for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night shows and he says with many free comics - the audience gets what they pay for.
"The overexposure - to some degree there's no such thing as bad press - however in some regard it could pollute and muddy the waters," said Wheeler.
All three comics at Wiseguys had the audience laughing from beginning to end. Dr. Sam Rameas from Camillus said he was just glad to be able to come out for a night and take in the comedy. "It just gives Syracuse something else to do on a Friday or Saturday night and it's just great to hear."
Comic Louis Ramey said the current environment reminds him of performing in Flint, Michigan during the late 1980's. Factories were closing down and unemployment was sky high but stressed auto workers were filling the comedy clubs every night.
