At Mark Ridley's, the audience is as eclectic as the entertainment. There is a mix of blue collar and urban professionals in the house most nights. The show is the classic three-tiered mix, with up-and-coming comedians, local stars and national acts all in one evening. The Comedy Castle has been open since 1979, and comics such as Tim Allen and Dave Coulier got their start on this stage on open mic night.
Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle
269 E. Fourth St.
Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 542-9900
comedycastle.com/index.html
The Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase opened in 1984 and has specialized in the rising stars of the comedy business. They have showcased such stars as Ellen DeGeneres, Paula Poundstone and Drew Carey as they were on their way up the ladder to stardom. The club is relatively small, but every table has a great view. There is a full bar, with specialty drinks as well as the usual cocktails, beer and wine. Small snacks are also available, such as nachos, popcorn and pretzels.
Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
314 East Liberty
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 996-9080
aacomedy.com/index.cfm
Joey's Comedy Club features rising stars as well as big names from all over the country. Monday is open mic night, where anyone is free to try their hand at creating comedy for an audience. They have dinner and show specials, with the full kitchen serving such entrees as chicken Bianco and grilled North Atlantic salmon, as well as free tickets for birthday party groups. During the show, snacks such as nachos and pizza are available, as well as a full-service bar. Joey's holds up to 180 people, and weekends are known to have sellout crowds.
Joey's Comedy Club
36071 Plymouth Rd.
Livonia, MI 48150
(734) 261-0555
kickerscomplex.com/joeys_comedy_club.html