Lake County's Clean Comedy Stage - The Energee Center Comedy Club

    Writing the words "clean comedy" was a little bit difficult for me this morning.  It reminds me of the scarcity of clean comedians in the Midwest and that can be a real problem when a headliner cancels.  Last night, the Energee Center's headliner for Saturday night canceled his appearance because he had the opportunity to open for a John Pinette in Milwaukee at the Pabst Theater.  Being a comedian myself, I know that performing at a large venue is something difficult to resist.  It makes your spirit and soul really come alive.  However, now that I also "book" fellow comedians for a venue it also is a heart stopper with only 24 hours to find a clean comedian to fill the headliner's shoes.

My husband, Bert, who books Zanies is a real treasure in a situation like this.  Thank goodness I am married to someone "in the business" who offers moral support along with a good dose of humor whenever stress feels overwhelming.  Although Bert was at TV taping at the Zanies' downtown club, he took the time to reach deep in his little black book to begin firing out suggestions.  Of course, as a wife, I also had to swallow my pride every time he said, "Now you see, my job isn't easy."  The correct response is "Oh yes dear.  I know, and you work so hard."  (I did resist the comedic impulse to say the words in a robot voice.)

They say when God closes a door, he opens a window and I'm a big believer in that.  In this case, he opened a large picture window.  With Bert's suggestion, I reached Bill Gorgo, who can be described as a white Bill Cosby.  His delivery is conversational and in moments you will be laughing to tears and yet not be quite sure how you got there.  The best part is I haven't seen Bill Gorgo in at least 10 years and yet because of my long history in comedy I know he is a perfect fit for the relaxed and very friendly atmosphere of the Energee Center Comedy Club.

I'm proud to be on the roster tonight with Michael Issac (who just got a national Walmart commercial!) and Bill Gorgo.  Onward and upward with clean comedy.  It is always just within reach - with the help of family and friends.

Comedy LaughIn Comes to Lake County!

     We've lived in Wauconda for over a year now and it is quite an adjustment from downtown Arlington Heights (and prior to that the City of Chicago).  Thankfully, it is a welcome adjustment that I cherish every day as I walk with my five dogs in Wauconda's serene and pastoral dog park.

     What do I miss most?  The nearby comedy scene, of course.  With the closing of Zanies Comedy Club in Vernon Hills, it is a solid 45 minute drive to another similar establishment.  However, with the arrival of ComedyLaughIn (ComedyLaughIn.com), a new comedy stage is coming to Wauconda that is the brainstorm of Monica Jablonski, Vickie (the "Vickie" of Vickies' Personal Salon and Spa), and myself.  We're thrilled there will be another entertainment venue nearby that will give audiences a place to laugh and relieve stress and allow their spirits to soar!

  Right now ComedyLaughIn is a once a month venture until January 1, 2012.  After that, the future is wide open to us as the present tenant leaves the premises.

     Opening week, I will perform clean stand up comedy from my one person show "Family Lunacy!"  My son, Steven Haas  will open for me.  He is one of Zanies' fastest rising stars with his clean material written brilliantly (Yes, that's the word on the comedy circuit.)

     Admission is $20.  It is a flat fee because it is a BYOB venue.  (No hidden costs or tips.)

     Best of all, the young people of Wauconda will now have a entertainment destination that includes laughter, fun and friendships.

     I love Wauconda for so many reasons.  And now I love it even more!  Visit ComedyLaughIn at 349 South Barrington Road in Wauconda.