Bob Newhart, Cicely Strong, Betty White, Kathy Griffin, and Thomas Lennon are all famous comedians and former Oak Park residents who have made their mark in comedy history. Now locals Christopher Bell, Marz Timms, Sherman Edwards, and Dr. Paul Russell Car are making more comedy history with the opening of Comedy Plex Comedy Club. Their new club is the first-ever comedy establishment in the history of our downtown Oak Park.
Co-owner Sherman Edwards said they selected their hometown because of our vibrant downtown and opportunities to partner with other local businesses. “The downtown Oak Park area has great shopping, great restaurants, and we’ve already worked with Tre Sorelle and Kribi Coffee on a couple of events, and we’re looking forward to partnering with other local businesses in the community.”
Comedians from around the globe, including Los Angeles, New York, and Japan, will take the stage at their 150-seat club with a state-of-the-art sound system and a separate lounge—the owners designed with the performers and the audience in mind.
“Acouple of great things about our club is its proximity to Chicago and the atmosphere we have created. It’s perfect for big-name comedians to just drop in for a set,” explained Co-owner Marz Timms. “Comedy Plex’s main showroom was designed to have an intimate feel which comedians and audience members love.”
Comedy Complex Comedy Club will host an Open Mic every Wednesday at 8 p.m., where new and veteran comics can come and test their new material. It is located in the lower level of 1128 Lake Street. Parking is available at a paid garage behind the club and accessible by public transportation via the Green Line at the Harlem stop. For a complete list of upcoming shows and events, visit their website at www.comedyplex.com.