When people think about stand-up comedy, they typically think of places like Los Angeles, New York, and . . . Minneapolis? While casual fans may know about Minnesota's homegrown stand-ups like Mitch Hedberg, Maria Bamford, and Nick Swardson, the birth of the Twin Cities's vibrant stand-up scene traces back to five names: Scott Hansen, Louie Anderson, Bill Bauer, Alex Cole, and Jeff Gerbino. Before the comedy explosion of the 1980s, these "original five" comedians led the charge in establishing a comedy hotbed by opening up clubs all across the Twin Cities and bringing the nation's best comics to town. But just as things were booming, egos and money conspired to foster competition and infighting within the local scene. Then, in the early '90s, out of the ashes, a man named Louis Lee came along and changed local stand-up comedy forever.
In Funny Thing About Minnesota..., writer Patrick Strait explores the roots of the Twin Cities scene and the characters, clubs, and wisecracks that made it a comedy breeding ground. He describes how the Twin Cities rose to national prominence and, ultimately, gave birth to one of the most respected comedy clubs, Acme Comedy Company. Bringing together quotes and recollections from comedians, club owners, and fans, Funny Thing About Minnesota... is an in-depth, honest, and hilarious look at a remarkable place for comedy.
