Loony Bin Comedy Club still providing laughs for Oklahomans
By Van Mitchell
Contributing Writer
The COVID-19 pandemic has been no laughing matter for many businesses across the country including for comedy clubs, which were shut down for months as a result.
The Loony Bin Comedy Club, located at 8503 N. Rockwell Avenue in Oklahoma City, was one of those comedy clubs that was impacted.
“We were closed from March 14 through the first of June,” said Larry Marks, co-owner of the Loony Bin. “We reopened the 3rd of June. It was tough on us.”
Marks said the Loony Bin is following Oklahoma State Health Department, and Oklahoma City guidelines for reopening.
“We are doing all the things you are supposed to do with COVID, with limited seating, staff in masks, and we are taking the temperatures of customers at the door,” he said.
Marks said they have dropped one weeknight show from its lineup due to COVID-19. Patrons have to 21 and older to enter.
“We are back and operating Wednesday through Saturday,” he said. “Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, we are doing one show at 8 p.m., and Saturday night we are doing two shows at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. The shows are still great.”
Marks said his customers are glad they have reopened, but adds some are hesitant to return.
“The reaction has been great,” he said. “It is just some of them still seem to be hesitant to go out.”
The Loony Bin Comedy Club has been Oklahoma City’s home of national touring comics since 2002, and the club just completed its 18th year in business.
Marks said the Loony Bin brings in national touring comedians each year. He said many of the comics are still being impacted because not all comedy clubs across the country have reopened.
“It was tough on them, there is no doubt about it,” he said.
For more information call (405) 239-4242 or visit www.loonybincomedy.com
