The audience wasn’t large, but the laughter was non stop at the Laugh Out Loud Theatre as four amateur comedians took center stage for the weekly Saturday improv show.
The comedians: Jin Kim, Guy Wicke, Kate Cohen and Mary Lorenz had the audience laughing from the moment they came out onto the stage at 9:30 p.m. with the introductory “Star Wars” skit, that got men and women alike to show (and yell) their knowledge about the movie.
The comedians included as much audience interaction as possible, especially during the “Panel of Experts” skit, where the comedians would take on the role of a random person such as a fashionista, a stereotypical blonde or a nerdy boy. The audience was able to ask the “panel” questions that were serious or just flat out comedic.
“I’ve never been to an improv show, but it’s really sweet how they have so much input from the audience,” said John Najjar, 24, of Glendale Heights.
The Laugh Out Loud Theatre opened its doors in Schaumburg in 2008, according to its website. Located under Brides By Demetrio Bridal Shop, the comedy club has become a favorite place to go among suburbanites bringing all kinds of people out.
“It’s a fun place to go when there’s nothing to do on a Saturday night,” said Jennie LaBarbera, 22, of Schaumburg.”My friends and I go here just for laughs and we always come out practically in tears from how funny these guys are.”
The actors are mainly amateurs, who do this as a side job.
“I used to watch an improv troupe out in New Orleans,”said actor Mary Lorenz, 30.”One day I decided to give it a try,”
The Laugh Out Loud Theatre has shows every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights starting at 7:30 p.m., for the family friendly shows, and 9:30 p.m., for the adult friendly shows. The shows last about two hours every night. The ticket prices to view the shows start at $12 for children and $19 for adults.
The Laugh Out Loud Theatre also hosts open mic nights as well as improv classes for any one who is interested.
“It’s just fun and it’s a super challenging thing that takes me out of my comfort zone,” said who has been doing improv for five years. “I’m not trying to be the next Tina Fey or anything.”
