This article is in partnership with Milwaukee Improv.
Milwaukee Improv is celebrating a milestone this weekend that is indeed a laughing matter, ringing in 365 days of funny at its new home at 20110 Lower Union St. in The Corners of Brookfield. With an impressive slate of comedians coming on and off the stage during its inaugural year, every weekend's been an event for Improv – but this weekend is particularly noteworthy thanks to the location's special landmark, and all the laughs that will come with.
Here are five reasons why you shouldn't think twice about celebrating with Milwaukee Improv this weekend.
1. Come see Comroe
Throughout its first year, Milwaukee Improv has brought a number of big names, seasoned comedians and notable personalities to its stage – and as you would expect, it's no different for the venue's big anniversary weekend. This special weekend gets a special guest in the form of Samuel J. Comroe, who will perform a whole weekend of anniversary shows – 7 p.m. on both Friday and Sunday, 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. An L.A. native, Comroe's a growing comedic name with appearances on "Conan" and "Real Husbands of Hollywood" before hitting "America's Got Talent" in 2018, eventually named a grand-finalist – aka a top-five act – on the popular show. And now Milwaukee will get to see him – three times, if they so choose!
2. The stage is yours
Why should all the professional stand-up comedians get to have all the fun? But instead of trying out your jokes by heckling a comedian at a show, getting kicked out and making everyone mad and embarrassed for you, do an open mic night instead!
Indeed, for its anniversary, Milwaukee Improv will host a special round of its open mic night hitting the stage at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18. Hosted in the main showroom by comedian Drew Flagge, this free night of fresh-faced comedy will allow funny folks to try out their "tight four" set. Maybe you'll see a rising star soon to hit more stages in the future, maybe you'll see someone bomb out in spectacular style and maybe you'll be the one people are seeing on stage. But no matter the case, it's sure to be a memorable night of unpredictable performances. Sign-up starts at 6:30 p.m. – so bring your best friends and your best material, all at the best price: free!
3. A trusted name in chuckles
Milwaukee Improv may just be one-year old – but the nationwide Improv brand has been around for quite a while, with the lineups and legacy to prove it. The original Improv, opened in the '60s in New York City, brought in names like Richard Pryor, Gilbert Gottfried, Robin Williams and many others – and even fifty years later and spread across the country, Improv's stages bring in big names like Anthony Jeselnik, Damon Wayans, Taylor Tomlinson, D.L. Hughley, Margaret Cho and many more. And even in just its single year in action, the Milwaukee Improv has quickly established itself as a must-stop for comedy fans with visits from "Impractical Jokers" star Joe Gatto, D.L. Hughley, Frank Caliendo, Lavell Crawford and Michael Che – just to name a few. So if they're hitting the stage at the Improv, you know you're probably getting somebody who merits the spotlight.
4. Feast on more than just funny
Jokes aren't the only thing Milwaukee Improv serves up fresh every week. The comedy venue also offers a tasty menu of classic and elevated pub grub, including nachos, burgers, sandwiches, salads, pizza and tacos that are no joke, making the hotspot quite the all-in-one night of entertainment. And to sate your sweet tooth just as much as your funny bone, Improv's menu also has several delectible desserts – including a trio of mason jar treats ranging from salter caramel brownie, key lime pie and strawberry shortcake. In honor of "Clifford," I have named them I Wanna Say Mason jar desserts – but no matter what you call them, or what you order overall, you'll have a full belly to go along with the belly laughs.
5. We could all use a laugh
Listen, (*gestures at the world*) not great! If you're like me, you're on Twitter – and 98 percent of the time you're on Twitter, you regret being on Twitter. (The other two percent is puppy videos.) So why not let go, keep the doomscroll in your pocket, disconnect from the stress of everything big and small, and enjoy a break with a weekend of just laughing at it all. You've earned it – and after a year in business in Brew City, Improv has earned a smile-filled weekend too.
As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.
When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.