DEVELOPING! In case you missed it, the "world famous" Laugh Factory no longer lists New York City among the club locations on its home page. A fellow comedian told me the other night that he had done a gig at Funny Biz. When I replied, "Funny Biz?" he informed me that it was the club that used to be the Laugh Factory. So I headed down to take a look for myself.
The colorful Laugh Factory marquee remains lit up across from the Port Authority, but several smaller signs say either Funny Biz or the Times Square Arts Center. They’re still doing comedy. The lineup posted at the box office the other night had Todd Lynn, Laurie Kilmartin and Ryan Reiss performing two shows. Hmmm. Curious. While still living in Boston, I came down here two years ago to participate in a "funny reporter" contest at this multi-room venue and afterward talked shop with Jamie Masada himself, who flew in to oversee the gig. Things have certainly changed. A press release from Jan. 29, 2008, lists a different name and owner, with intentions to book the five different theater spaces with more types of shows.
In related news, the MySpace for the Laugh Factory Times Square displays a last login date of 4/13/2007.
Updated: The club has a new online presence and name: Times Square Comedy Club.