For the past year, each visit to New York City includes a stop at Gotham Comedy Club.
I have met some wonderful comedians — recently during my birthday weekend visit, David Koechner performing as a headliner. And was he a pleasure to meet.
You may recognize comedian and actor David Koechner. He plays Champ Kind in the “Anchorman” movies and Todd Packer in the TV show “The Office.”
Before I tell you all about Gotham Comedy Club and make a recommendation for the venue as an NYC destination, I’ll tell you a fun story about how I got the photos with him.
When I saw THE Champ Kind would be performing, I decided being a TV reporter demanded meeting a fictional character on Anchorman’s News Channel 4. I also decided I would find a way to get a photo with him.
From the photos above, spoiler alert: Mission Accomplished.
David Koechner has a very funny set. He changes up the routine, so the servers told me his 10 p.m. performance wasn’t exactly like his earlier 8 p.m. show.
But it’s hilarious.
He uses a lot of funny storytelling and of course, the audience demands he gets into character for both Champ Kind and Todd Packer. I bet that gets old, but he appeases us because it’s a crowd pleaser, a hit, and a riot.
I laugh when he says a line in both the movie and the TV show, and the entire audience seems to know it by heart.
This lends itself to a joke, as he tells us, we really need to understand he’s “been in the movie once” and he’s maybe “seen it twice.” So he pokes fun of die-hard fans in the audience who have watched his movie dozens of times. It’s all good-natured.
Anyways, when most of the routine is done, David Koechner starts a little bit of audience interaction. I like it when comedians can make jokes on the fly and involve the audience. It always feels more personal and intimate. And when they can connect to any group of people, it shows real talent.
Maybe this will surprise you, but when I’m not working as a TV reporter, I can get somewhat shy. An intern once called me a “secret introvert,” which sometimes I am.
So when David Koechner begins walking around the audience, I lower my head and avoid eye-contact.
Except, a young lady sweating must be the bait for a comedian. So here we are: Champ Kind standing right in front of me with his microphone, even though I’m sitting in the back at a comfortable table, solo.
It goes something like this —
Him: What are you here for?
Me: It’s my birthday
Audience: HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
Him (playfully to the audience): Don’t cheer. Everyone has a birthday.
Him: Why are you sitting alone?
Me: Some of my friends work here.
Him: Would anyone like to invite her to your table?
Then he proceeds to ask a group of guys (who seems to be having a lovely night with a constant flow of drinks) if I can sit with them. I’m too mortified to pay attention to what those guys say. Then, unsatisfied, he goes up to a group of ladies, who then invite me to join them.
The audience is laughing and applauding and I am inconsolable, but a good sport. I have not been this bright red in a long time, but luckily the lights are dim.
Towards the end of his set, I decide to run to the restroom to beat the crowd, and I wanted to get back in time for photo goals.
I make a speedy trip from the bathroom and as I swing open the bathroom door. There he is standing right by the door, heading back into the Green Room.
I yell “HEY!”
David Koechner turns around.
I say, “You embarrassed me. Can I get a photo?”
He laughs and says, “Don’t worry, it wasn’t a big deal. No one really noticed.”
Lies! But we actually chat for a bit.
I tell him I am a real-life TV news reporter who enjoyed the ridiculous “Anchorman” movie, and he laughs. Yes, I made David Koechner laugh. Claim to fame.
I also tell him I will promptly share this photo with all of my coworkers at the station. That gets a shake of the head.
He somehow isn’t tired of fans, which I admire.
After I get my photo, I head back upstairs to grab my things inside the room.
What’s great about Gotham Comedy Club is, while it may be the luck-of-the-draw, many comedians will hang out in the lobby to shake hands, take photos.
David Koechner actually walks back into the room as people are heading out, and meets the audience. Very cool and very humble.
Shameless, I get back on stage for ANOTHER photo — because, I mean, great stage background!
When I come back up on stage for a photo he yells, “Crystal! It’s Crystal, right? Birthday Crystal! Happy Birthday, Crystal.”
I said something to the tune of, “Stop, you’re embarrassing me again.”
It’s round two of embarrassment, though comical. I laugh and we get a photo.
He decides my name should be Chrissy, so there’s a few more “Happy Birthday Chrissy” thrown in for good measure.
What an unforgettable night.
So, why am I such a loyal fan of Gotham Comedy Club? If it isn’t obvious yet, there are a few things to highlight on this Destination recommendation of mine.
It really is about the details making a comedy club unique, since there are a lot of well-known options in New York City.
I look at who performs at various clubs. I’ve gone to other famous and infamous comedy clubs and seen some incredible and not-so-incredible comedians perform.
One of the great things about Gotham Comedy Club: they generally have very reliable comedians. And the comedians usually have new material.
There might be one or two comedians during a set of five performers who aren’t my cup of tea. But, I always leave with some good belly laughs no matter who performs.
Sometimes the club even tapes the shows for a live-feed broadcast, and you know when it’s Live, they are picking comedians that will hit a home run.
Well-known and well-received comedians, Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, Lewis Black have roots at Gotham Comedy Club. They also do surprise drop-ins.
The rumor is Tuesday is the night to see special guest appearances, so there’s some history there. That’s also a tip for you.
Gotham was featured on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and is home to the Comedy Central’s TV Series “Live at Gotham.”
Beyond the club’s draw, I also recommend this spot because of the service.
The seating is spacious, there’s a “regal” feel to it where it matches the type of comedy club you see in the movies or the type you imagine going to in New York City.
I go alone sometimes, and I usually either get a table to myself or share one with some friendly people.
The servers are also extremely nice — I say this because I know some personally. And the food is also great. My orders are often some red sangrias and chicken fingers to keep me company during the show.
And there’s nothing better like a good meal, a good drink, and a good laugh as company.
More soon,
