One of the earliest and most exciting New York memories happened to a member of the Sideways team, Molly, at Upright Citizen’s Brigade in 2007. As she recalled to me, she was visiting her sister, who decided to take her to a comedy club. On a Sunday night, they lined up outside on the street, waited for half an hour, paid a few dollars each, and went into the tiny theater for their nightly show. The improv ensemble was made up of several comedians including Amy Poehler (one of the founders of Upright Citizens Brigade) and her (then) husband, Will Arnett. Although Amy was on Saturday Night Live at that point, and Will had already begun Arrested Development, neither were anywhere near as well known as they are now. Apparently Will’s parent’s were also in the intimately small audience, and for the next hour Molly watched as the pair and their friends ran around a few feet in front of us spouting hilarity like water from a fountain.
We certainly cannot promise that this happens all the time, but Upright Citizens Brigade remains one of the best places in Manhattan to see impeccable comedy for a small amount. UCB has always been intimately connected with Saturday Night Live and has hosted shows with Tiny Fey, Alec Baldwin, Will Ferrell and many more, and never for more than eight dollars.
Aside from affordable comedy shows, UCB also works to provide affordable comedy training. Comedians flock to UCB for lessons with the best of the best. They have set the standard for fun, relaxed comedy in Manhattan and many people affiliated with the club have gone on to spread the sentiment throughout the city. Ali Farahnakian is a perfect example as he is the founder of the People’s Improv Theater, another outstanding find for us on East 24th Street.