News and Press

2005-03-01

Fort Lauderdale Welcomes Laffing Matterz

There’s an indescribable energy in the air when creating a new restaurant: the plans, the permits, construction, plateware, glassware, the chef, menu, etc. Likewise, there is a wild excitement that surrounds the development of a new theatre: the stage, the lights, the designs, the cast, costumes, the director, musical director, etc. The lists are intense and ongoing. When combining the two concepts, the anticipation grows exponentially. This is the feeling surrounding the creation of Ft. Lauderdale's premier entertainment venue, Laffing Matterz. Laffing Matterz offers locals, their guests, leisure visitors and convention goers an opportunity to enjoy an evening of fine dining and top quality entertainment under one roof.

The experience, talent and passion driving Laffing Matterz are setting out to re-define “dinner theatre." This driving force comes from the marriage of LTP Management with the team of Mark and Rita Wells. LTP Management is a leading hospitality management corporation that successfully manages over 32 restaurant concepts in South Florida and Las Vegas. The Wellses bring to the table over 38 combined years of experience in all aspects of the theatre. LTP has created a new division for the Laffing Matterz concept in anticipation of its growth and expansion. Heading up the new division as its vice-president is Harry Bajusz. Bajusz has been with LTP Management for 11 years, most recently as a managing partner in the Dan Marino’s Fine Food & Spirits Division.

“It’s funny how life comes full circle,” says Bajusz, “I ran a comedy club in Ft. Myers and emceed the show for 3 years in my early 20’s. I was working like a dog, but never felt like I was working. My job involved making people laugh and I loved that. I’m looking forward to Laffing Matterz bringing that old feeling back.”

Mark and Rita Wells joined up with LTP Management after two years of talks with CEO, Dave “Lags” Lageschulte. Lags frequented the Crystal Palace Theatre Restaurant in Aspen, Colorado where both Mark and Rita performed and wrote show material for years. “We wanted to be a part of something bigger,” says Mark. “Our situation in Aspen was great, but we only had two seasons a year at the Crystal Palace with a lot of down-time in between. We had done a lot of research and written a business plan for going out on our own. When we heard Lags was thinking about creating a concept similar to the Crystal Palace in South Florida we saw the potential for a great partnership. That was in 2000. Here we are 5 years later, making a dream become reality. It’s pretty amazing.”

So what is Laffing Matterz? “We’re definitely NOT a comedy club,” says Mark Wells. “Laffing Matterz is an intimate and luxurious 175-seat cabaret theater featuring a musical comedy revue. Our show is 90% original material that spoofs current events…. politics, sports, celebrities and social mores.” Rita Wells, who was pregnant with the couple’s son during the 9/11 tragedy realizes that we all have to deal with life in whatever way we can. “Our world today is so absolutely nuts. Some people think they can change it, and maybe they can, but in the meantime, here we are, living in the middle of it all. We need levity. I learned how to laugh at life from my brother John. Nobody can break a serious moment like he can. Laughing really does matter.” Mark Wells added about the show, “We’re not necessarily politically correct, in fact, we hardly ever are, but at least we don’t take sides. All sides are equally skewered. We don’t take sides, we just expose them.”

Why Fort Lauderdale? “Downtown Ft. Lauderdale, especially the area surrounding the Arts and Entertainment District has seen tremendous growth and improvement over the last two or three years,” says Bajusz, who has seen the rejuvenation and growth firsthand. “I was working as the General Manager of Dan Marino’s at the Las Olas Riverfront and watched it change in what seems like overnight.” Visitors and locals alike can see the improvements. Newness is everywhere. High rises are redefining the skyline, and will soon be filled with young professionals and empty nesters looking for the place to be.

Laffing Matterz is housed in the historic 1936 McCrory Building at 219 South Andrews Avenue. It’s located right in the heart of it all, where Las Olas Blvd. meets Andrews Avenue – across from The Museum of Art.

Skylights was able to spend some time with the Laffing Matterz team and asked some more specific questions.

Q: When do you anticipate being open?
A: We’re expecting to be open by the end of April. Ideally we’d like to open on tax day when “laffing” really matters.

Q: Can you describe the Laffing Matterz experience?
A: Firstly, it’s a self-contained evening. It’s upscale and nobody has to worry about what to do after dinner. It’s all right here. We have a really comfortable lounge and a great bar. When the theatre opens, guests will be escorted to their tables. Orders are taken, dinner is served, dessert is offered and the show begins. You laugh so hard that your wine comes out of your nose. You go back to the lounge and talk with your friends about all the fun you just had. You buy a tee shirt or three, make a reservation to come back again, and then leave. What? It’s true.

Q: Tell us a little about your menu.
A: Everyone gets warm sourdough bread and a house salad that rocks. Some of our menu selections are Tenderloin of Beef, Teriyaki Salmon, Crab-stuffed Shrimp, Sea Bass with Fruit Salsa, and a Pork Porterhouse. Our sauces are delicious. We have out of this world appetizers and desserts available too. The Asian Summer Rolls will be a big hit and so will the Chocolate Bread Pudding. We also have a great wine list.

Q: Can you tell us anything about the show?
A: Well, we won’t tell all because we don’t want to spoil it. But, it’s an original, fast-paced, slick, musical revue. The cast is really talented, our writers are very clever and like we said earlier, the show will skewer anyone who’s asking for it.

Q: Do you have a website where someone can find out more about Laffing Matterz?
A: Absolutely. Visit us at www.laffingmatterz.com

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