News and Press

2005-08-05

LATELY, ENSEMBLE CASTS PROVIDING THE LAFFING MATTERZ

A comedy scene given to fits and starts is in the midst of several starts. The fresh energy is coming almost entirely from shows that require an ensemble cast.

Chief among them, and certainly the best bankrolled, is the cabaret-style dinner theater Laffing Matterz. It opens on Aug. 18 in the historic McCrory's building in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

The long-abandoned McCrory's space was built in 1921. It comes with an authentic brick wall instead of the faux finish you get in most comedy rooms. While the brick suggests the backdrop of a traditional stand-up club, the 175-seat Laffing Matterz is anything but.

Instead of solo acts, Laffing Matterz will present a Capitol Steps-style musical parody show. The 13 performers all have a theater background. And the cast will not only entertain the audience, it also will serve them dinner.

"The servers are the performers," said Harry Bajusz, the divisional vice president of LTP Management. His company owns and operates 32 nightlife properties, including 17 Hooters restaurants. "The show is comprised of about 24 songs that are satirical and topical. The words to the songs change depending on what's going on at a given time."

Bajusz said 10 of the 13 performers have experience as servers. The fixed-price dinner menu features six entrees, with herb-crusted Chilean sea bass and beef tenderloin among the selections. The 8,600- square-foot space has a piano bar for pre- and post-show cocktails. The showroom has downstairs and upstairs seating.

Tickets for a 7 p.m. dinner and show are $45 per person on Thursdays and Sundays, and $49.50 Fridays and Saturdays. Laffing Matterz is at 219 S. Andrews Ave., across from the Museum of Art. Parking is available at Las Olas Riverfront, and at two public garages a block east of Andrews Avenue. For more information, call 954-763-5236 or visit laffingmatterz.com.

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