Boom Chicago’s Impact on American Comedy
American Comedy in a New Era
American comedy faces challenges today. TV sitcoms grow outdated, and late-night comedians encounter political obstacles. Yet, comedy endures and finds footing internationally. The early ’90s saw two comics opening an English improv club in Amsterdam by surprise. Named Boom Chicago, this club imported American talent and exported them back as stars. Notable alumni include Seth Meyers, Jordan Peele, Amber Ruffin, and Jason Sudeikis.
Improv in Amsterdam
Improv comedy differs from stand-up. Performers create unscripted routines using audience cues. These artists thrive on collaboration. Boom Chicago shines even though Dutch audiences aren’t known for overt laughter. Seth Meyers experiences the Dutch way of feedback — blunt honesty without malice.
Seth Meyers: “Dutch people laugh like this. Ha-ha. And they get quiet.”
Meyers and Peter Grosz honed skills in Amsterdam. Meyers recalls an audience member offering honesty and even a drink despite not enjoying the performance.
Founding Boom Chicago
Pep Rosenfeld and Andrew Moskos found comedy challenging in Chicago. They ventured to Amsterdam, seeking adventure and opportunity. Opening Boom Chicago seemed risky, receiving skepticism from locals.
Andrew Moskos: “Let’s quit our jobs and move to Amsterdam and start a business.”
They persisted despite doubts. Saskia Maas joined them, bringing business acumen amid the humor.
The Journey and Success
Starting was tough. Selling tickets fell to Rosenfeld, who collected funds in cowboy boots. Moskos promoted shows passionately in Amsterdam’s squares, building an audience.
Pep Rosenfeld: “I wore cowboy boots then. Andrew was eccentric.”
Recruiting talent included Seth Meyers and Peter Grosz, who initially knew little about the Netherlands.
The club became a year-round business with Moskos and Rosenfeld convincing newcomers like Ike Barinholtz and Josh Meyers to join them.
Practical Lessons and Legacy
Performers learned valuable lessons about universality in comedy. Jokes needed tweaking for international audiences, avoiding narrow cultural references.
Ike Barinholtz: “You have to learn how to be bigger and own a room for universal appeal.”
Boom Chicago shaped careers, including Seth Meyers’ path to “Saturday Night Live.” Brendan Hunt found inspiration for “Ted Lasso,” attributing Boom Chicago’s influence on creativity.
Enduring Presence and Financial Growth
Boom Chicago thrives financially, diversifying into global corporate events. A reunion last June celebrated alumni returning to perform and reminisce.
Jon Wertheim: “Does Ted Lasso happen but for Boom Chicago?” Brendan Hunt: “No, I don’t think Ted Lasso does happen without Boom Chicago.”
The club’s role in launching careers became evident, blending comedy with business success.