Thursday, July 08, 2004
4:28 PM
There's a new comedy sheriff in town. It's called Stand UP Comedy Television. They had open auditions yesterday, so like the desperate to get a TV credit comedian as I am, I waited in line for nearly eight hours just for three minutes on stage in front of some company execs. Eight hours for three minutes? The answer is YES I am crazy.

Standing alongside me was John Fox, a 25-year standup veteran with seven appearances on the Tonight Show. When Johnny was the host. If it wasn't for his stories from the road and working with huge celebs back when they were unknowns, that standing may have ended in my leaving prematurely. But I'll leave my premature exits for the bedroom.

Stand UP TV will be headquartered right here in Chicago, with other studios in large markets around the country. It will be a full-service, 24-hour comedy channel rivaling that of Comedy Central. In addition to being a studio, it Stand UP TV will also feature live comedy shows, complete with a full menu like you find in your favorite and most popular comedy clubs. The only difference is that unlike other comedy clubs, Stand UP TV will show live shows shot in Chicago to people all over the country.

"Sorry I couldn't make your party. I had a show last night downtown."

"No problem. You did awesome. We saw it on TV."

How cool will that be? Finally Chicago will again have something to hang its standup hat on. Sure Zanies has been great, but we've been known as an improv comedy town for many, many years. With the birth of Stand UP TV, comedy will take on a whole new look.

1:04 PM