Tommy Morris out at The Comedy Store; Adam Eget in as talent booker

Last week saw fundamental changes at comedy clubs in both New York City and Los Angeles.

In the Big Apple, Al Martin sold off his longstanding stake in New York Comedy Club (it now redirects to EmpireTonight.com for the time being for schedule/tickets), and several longtime regular comedians and friends wished him farewell last Tuesday night. But Martin isn’t going anywhere, really. He still owns both Broadway Comedy Club and the Greenwich Village Comedy Club, offering showcase spots for the many NYC-based stand-ups who cannot break into the rotation at the A-level clubs or need extra spots.

The news out of West Hollywood, however, came seemingly out of nowhere, as one of the most prestigious stand-up booking gigs in the country suddenly changed hands.

After some 13 years as the eccentric long-haired talent coordinator of The Comedy Store, Tommy Morris was out. And Adam Eget, already a manager at The Store, was in.

Just about every documentary film about comedy made in the past generation has included a choice quote or two from Morris. Tommy’s “talent” page was still up today on The Store’s website. It read, in part:

“The Store” is about the craft of stand up comedy – it is described by Mitzi as an “Artists’ Colony.” Many comics perform here in our three show rooms for all kinds of different shows. Comedic development thrives in all our rooms.What I do…what I am…is the guardian of the Paid Regular system. Being passed at The Store is an artistic validation that includes being scheduled in the Original Room with top comics…some famous, some breaking…all elevated. Mitzi taught me to use my feelings and use my instincts. Another quote from the queen…”The question is…do you bring heat on the stage..well..do you?” There is and energy and a flow when a comic hits the beats…and rises from mediocrity to the qualities that make us interested in making a comic a Paid Regular. I am the director of these desicions…but the vibe of The Store and artistic input from Mitzi’s son Pauly Shore help me feel things out.

So what now?

Amy Hawthorne (@comedygroupie) shared her insight on The Interrobang and tried to describe Morris’s impact on The Store and the L.A. scene.

Eget, known perhaps better already as the co-host of Norm Macdonald’s video podcast, told The Comic’s Comic that not much will change immediately. “Lots of comics to give few spots to,” Eget said. “I’m keeping the status quo for awhile. Don’t want to cause too many waves and plan on a fairly smooth transition.”

One relatively new thing to emerge: The Comedy Store’s Roast Battles, which happen Tuesdays at midnight in The Belly Room.

“I’m incredibly proud of those,” Eget said.

Stay tuned on what happens next at The Comedy Store later this year.

Until then, here’s a “Get To Know Adam Eget” video from Norm Macdonald!

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

View all posts by Sean L. McCarthy →

One thought on “Tommy Morris out at The Comedy Store; Adam Eget in as talent booker

  1. I can tell u all that Adam has done the best job that anyone could do. I have been going to the stow for over 30 years. I can remember some nigbts when there was only 30 people in the o r. Tbe comics thought the club wasn’t going to make it. I know personally that Adam came in at the right time. He got. Comics that hadn’t been to tbe stor in years to come back. And stronger comics to start working out there. The success of tbe stor is primarily Adams work. Give him a pat on the back when u r at tbe stir. J ohnny ZZZAAPP.

Comments are closed.