By Sandi Masori
BELLFLOWER, California — There’s a new comedy place in town- well in Bellflower actually, so if you’re in San Diego, The Stand Up Comedy Club is actually about an hour and a half from town. Owner John Giries has some great comedy friends. They only just opened in November and already are hosting some huge names.
In fact, my friend Amy Angel and I went up there to see Jewish comedian Brad Garrett and friends (Garrett is best known for his roles on Everybody Loves Raymond and Single Parents). I found out about the show from another friend of mine who was also performing, Paul Ogata. Paul and I met in an improv class that I somehow wandered into a few years back, and even though many of the others were professional comedians, they let me play with them, and didn’t shame me for being a novice. I’ve been following him on social media since then. He often performs in Las Vegas at Brad Garrett’s comedy club at the MGM Grand. I’ve wanted to go and see him forever, but the timing never worked out. So when I saw his post on Facebook announcing this show, in Southern California and with Brad Garrett, I didn’t even think for a second before purchasing the tickets. Only after I had the non-refundable tickets in hand did I check the date to make sure I could go. Luck was with me and I was able to make the trip.
The venue is really nice – very intimate, seating about 150 people, no bad seat in the house, though if you’re concerned about COVID, you are very up close and personal with 150 new best friends. The decor is reminiscent of the Hard Rock Cafe on a much smaller scale, but for comics with really nice posters and memorabilia adorning the walls.
The food was actually pretty good for a comedy club. The waiters did a good job of being attentive but not hovering or distracting. And with the small room, you feel like you could really get up and touch the performers, in fact, if you’re sitting at the tables at the stage, you literally could. Beware though, you are also in the heckle zone.
Back to the show, Garrett did a small set and was the MC. He mostly riffed on the audience, and after “bageling” himself as a tall Jew did a fair amount of ethnic humor. Ethnic humor generally makes me a little nervous because I don’t know how people will take it. Until I see if they’re ok with it, I’m not sure how to react. He handled it well though, equally picking on everyone so no one group was singled out for offense. The audience responded well and by their laughter seemed to enjoy it.
Next up was my friend Paul Ogata, a Japanese-American comic. His set had everyone laughing (as you would expect). He made a few jokes at his wife’s expense, but they were in good taste. Then he did a pretty racy set about going to an adult bookstore. Hilarious but not at all PG. Comedy clubs tend to be 21-and-up though so no biggie.
Female comic Debi Gutierrez had a funny set about the difference between moms and dads and the secret to managing your husband. Impressionist David Burleigh’s multiple impressions were both hilarious and spot-on.
After the show, Paul came out to say hi, and we also got a chance to take a picture with Brad Garrett. Full disclosure he’s one of my celebrity crushes so I was pretty excited to get the pic (thanks Amy for making that happen). He was very gracious and I had a chance to ask him why we Jews always feel the need to bagel ourselves (out ourselves as a Jew)- every Jewish comedian I have ever seen mentions being Jewish in the first few minutes of his or her set. Is it because they want the other Jews in the room to know they’re one of us? Is it to explain away their “otherness”? Is it to avoid being seen as “white”? Well, according to Garrett it’s none of those things, it’s a way to share a little bit of personal information about yourself, and to set up the jokes to make fun of yourself. I still think it may also be some of the former reasons I listed as well. I know that whenever I meet someone I bagel myself within the first conversation, but for me, it’s to quickly find out if I’m talking to a friend or foe.
Anyway, I digress. Back to the show and the theatre. Check out the offerings for The Stand Up Comedy Club- they have some great lineups, attract top talent, and even do private events. Want to do a roast for your friend, spouse or relative? No problem, they can set that up.
And if you’re in Vegas, check out Brad Garrett’s comedy club where you can often find him and his friends performing.
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Sandi Masori is a self-publishing strategist, mom, and serial dieter. In her free time she enjoys travel, theatre, and searching for the best sushi in town.