A Sketch of New York at The Producers Club has been a mainstay in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood since 2016.
Little did I know the legendary past, both comedic and historic, attached to 358 West 44th Street.
Built during the Prohibition era in 1920 and later turned into a comedy house in the ’60s hosting stars like Judy Garland, the site serves as the original Improv theatre.
While rehearsing in the East Village for a three-week run in Fun and Games (my first-ever lead in a New York City play), I was stoked to line up a bonus sketch comedy show.
I had spent nearly two decades on stage while living in Los Angeles, but performing in the energy of the Big Apple, as expected, just hits different.
Prime example: The Producers Club is where Jerry Seinfeld filmed many of his opening improv acts for his cult hit sitcom of the same name.
As a matter of fact, the “real-life” Kramer, Kenny Kramer, who inspired the on-screen character –Seinfeld’s eccentric neighbor and best pal – will swing by the theatre from time to time on his live tour, selling T-shirts and taking pictures with diehard fans.
During rehearsals and performances, I quickly caught wind of the Seinfeld ties, but was unaware that this little place’s history would prove even more remarkable.
In 1920, this spot served as a speakeasy keeping Irish immigrants well-fueled during their off hours working on NYC’s subway system, at “the height of the Irish mafia’s operations,” which led to Hell’s Kitchen’s name.
In 1963, the 50-seat theatre was called The Improvisation, founded by actor and comedian Budd Friedman, and later shortened to The Improv.
In addition to Judy Garland, Liza Minelli, Bette Midler, Joan Rivers, Richard Pryor, Robin Williams, Andy Kaufman, Billy Crystal, George Carlin, Barry Manilow and Dustin Hoffman (and pretty much any other comedic legend you can think of) were also known frequenters and performers.
Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm creator Larry David worked his stand-up shows here in the ’70s and still pops into this special space.
According to The Improv: An Oral History of the Comedy Club that Revolutionalized Stand-Up, as The Producers Club site notes, “the club became the first venue to present live stand-up in a continuous format, and thus reinvented the art form and template for all other comedy clubs that followed.”
Friedman then opened The Hollywood Improv in 1974, the famed L.A. comedy spot still going strong on Melrose. Numerous other locations followed in the franchise, but unfortunately, the New York Improv closed in 1992.
After multiple changes in ownership, brothers and New York real estate-developers Alfred and Ernest Tollja have owned this historic landmark since 2006.
Given the success of the long-running show (and the comedy royalty vibes), I’m beyond thrilled and proud to be able to say that I performed here — and also served as the show’s host and hype woman. It was a wonderful feeling to be invited to join the cast on the spot during my audition.
As an Angeleno since 2001, born in Chicago, I never imagined I would be getting off the subway at Times Square and walking to daily rehearsals.
While considered “Off-Off Broadway” because of its size, the location is in the heart of the world’s most famous theatre district.
A Sketch of New York, co-founded by Jo DiNozzi and Darien DeMaria, typically runs year-round with nine showtimes per week. In addition to their flagship show, the duo also produces annual alumni shows A Sketch of Pride, Scary Sketches and Christmas in the City, which I hope to join in the very near future!
New York City life, for me, was never a plan, but it wound up being a three-year post-Covid pivot after I fled east to Florida to escape the pandemic lockdown while going through breast cancer, but that’s another story!
Next time you visit NYC, stop by A Sketch of New York for an outrageous night of entertainment while reveling in the building’s history. The Producers Club also has an on-site bar, so be sure to arrive early to get lubed up for some laughs.
Cheers!
Marisa
