About:
The Improv regularly hosts Russell Peters, Gabriel Iglesias, Mike Epps, Carlos Mencia, John Pinette and other big names. Whether you're joining us for dinner or just drinks, the best in comedy comes to the World Famous Improv in Maimi so make your reservations now for a great night out.
History:
For almost half a century, the Improv Comedy Clubs have remained the premiere stages for live comedy in the United States with The Who’s Who of American Comedy gracing its stages, including Richard Pryor, Billy Crystal, Lily Tomlin, Freddie Prinz, Andy Kaufman, Eddie Murphy, Jerry Seinfeld, Tim Allen, Jay Leno, Chris Rock, Dane Cook, Ellen DeGeneres, Jamie Foxx, Adam Sandler, Jeff Dunham, Dave Chappelle and others. Today, the Improv continues that tradition and features the hottest stand up comics in over 20 clubs all across the country. But, its start in 1963 was anything but legendary.
In the mid 60’s, the Improvisation was founded in New York City by Broadway producer Budd Friedman as a venue where up-and-coming performers could hone their craft. Budd wanted a place where Broadway performers could meet after their shows in an intimate setting...a place where performers could simply eat, drink (only coffee as they didn’t have a liquor license at the time) and most importantly, sing. Soon, Budd's vision became a reality as the Improvisation quickly gained attention as the gathering spot where young Broadway artists would hold sing-alongs into the wee hours (Budd has a very vivid memory of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli singing, accompanied on the piano by Peter Allen).
One year after the club opened, the Improvisation’s first comedian, Dave Astor, appeared on stage to try out new material. And it worked! Others quickly followed and comedians began to dominate the rotation with singers being phased out of the nightly line-up. Soon, the Improvisation became the place for live comedy. A remarkable list of talent was building...the debut of 16 year-old Freddie Prinz one night and the legendary Milton Berle the next. In one month, audiences could catch the greats and soon-to-be-greats (George Burns, Robert Klein, George Carlin, Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Richard Lewis, and Rodney Dangerfield - the Improv’s part-time emcee for four years). Next to Johnny Carson, The Improv stage was arguably the most important stage in all of show business. For a young comedian, success at the Improv meant everything.
