September 2001. America is reeling from terrorist attacks, seeking traction from economic recession. In Milwaukee comedy, a bunch of up-and-coming comics decides to break away from the G-rated family-friendly confines of short-form improv at ComedySportz. Together, they experiment with bawdy, uncensored, late-night long-form and call themselves The Midnight Show.
Ten years later, America is still at war, still staggering economically, and The Midnight Show is presenting not one but two anniversary performances. From the news release:
“Milwaukee’s own The Midnight Show will be having a special 2 night event, reuniting every Midnight Show cast member from the show’s decade-long run: Brian Allman, Bill Bartel, Dylan Bolin, Joe Cortese, Matt Garnaas, Alan Guszkowski, Tim Higgins, Eric Price (Reno-911, Mad TV), and Dave Theune (The Stanley Steemer Guy) for the first time ever!”
This “edgier than your average improv show” (also known as Cock ‘n Toast and The Midnite Show) has launched talents who have contributed to TV, film, theater and radio “but still have a solid place in Milwaukee’s always-expanding comedy scene.” (See our video interview with Tim Higgins.)
Those must-see shows start at midnight (Duh!) on Friday, Sept. 23 and Saturday, Sept. 24, at 420 S. 1st St. The Wisconsin voter ID law isn’t in effect yet, but you still have to be 18 or older to get in. Tickets are $10 reserved and $15 at the door – cash only. And if you don’t claim your reserved ticket by 11:40 p.m., it will be resold to the throngs of Midnight fans who want to get in but didn’t think ahead. To order, call (414) 272-8888.