Gary Abdo, who runs Atlanta Comedy Theater in Norcross, is opening a second location in Kenny’s Alley at Underground Atlanta.
“It’s the most massive club we’ve ever had with four VIP sections with white leather couches and coffee tables,” he said. ”The light and sound package is good enough for any theater.”
UPDATE: The comedy club only lasted 14 months and closed in January, 2024. There was not enough business or support from the landlord, Abdo said. He was able to sell the property to the Masquerade.
He is planning an outdoor cigar lounge: “This is more than just a comedy club but it will be an experience.”
The first show will take place Thursday, Nov. 3, for local comics only before it opens to the public on Friday, Nov. 4. The first headliner that weekend is Atlanta-based comic Katherine Blanford. Corey Holcomb is scheduled for the weekend of Dec. 16.
Credit: Alyx Libby
Credit: Alyx Libby
He plans to attract a broader audience than the Norcross club, which targets a primarily African American audience.
The new club’s house emcee Kiana Dancie said Underground Atlanta is starting to emerge from years of dormancy.
“This is getting ahead of the curve,” she said. (She is holding a special female empowerment event at the club Dec. 17 from noon to 4 p.m. for $99. Tickets available here.)
“Underground is going through a massive renovation,” Abdo said.
He said he is also comforted by the security and police presence.
The new comedy club will be in Kenny’s Alley, where music club Masquerade relocated in 2016 and nightclub Future is packed on weekends.
Abdo has opened multiple comedy clubs in Atlanta over the past three decades including the first two incarnations of Uptown Comedy Corner. He has operated Atlanta Comedy Theater in Norcross for the past seven years and that location will remain.
Comics like Dave Chappelle, Miss Pat, Louis C.K. and Chris Tucker over the years have shown up at Abdo’s clubs to test out material.
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