Laughing in the face of recession

Despite economy, Comedy Shrine expands offerings

Give people good value for their money, and chances are, they'll buy whatever you're selling -- even in this economy.

Naperville's Comedy Shrine, at 22 E. Chicago Ave., appears to have found a winning formula that thumbs its nose at skeptics who question whether folks will spend a little money for a lot of fun.

The theater has just announced the launching of its Musical Dinner Theater, a Sunday option that features an improvised musical inspired by suggestions from the audience. The Shrine promises the ensemble of performers will include veteran improvisational actors and the shows themselves will offer both tragic and comedic elements, all presented against a spontaneous musical background.

Stacy Jones, owner of the Naperville-based Internet marketing and design firm Design and Promote, believes the growth of the Comedy Shrine despite the economy mirrors the same phenomena that took place during the Depression.

"A number of people are seeking entertainment these days in order to forget about their problems, much like people did years ago when the economy collapsed," Jones said. "There's that need to escape reality."

Jones describes owner David Sinker as a bit of a local celebrity, whose resume includes winning an Emmy Award for a sitcom science show. Sinker also worked in Los Angeles as a writer on four national television shows and helped to develop 10 others.

Sinker said the level of talent working at his theater surpasses anything in the area and that "folks would have to go to Chicago to find something comparable."

Examples include Nate Herman, who teaches comedy writing classes at the Shrine and worked for five years as a writer for "Saturday Night Live."

The Comedy Shrine opened Jan. 19, 2006, and has constantly been expanding its programs and entertainment options. Sinker believes the new $32 deal, which includes dinner and the show, is an entertainment value that many will find hard to beat.

"We hope the dinner theater will be a special night out for couples in the Naperville area," he said. "In light of this economy, we have lowered many of our prices, and our goal here was to provide Naperville with a great evening of entertainment at a price that's affordable. To have dinner and see a play featuring professional actors for $32 is a great deal."

Sinker said the plethora of fine restaurants in the downtown area made the dinner-theater option a natural fit. A partnership with Lou Malnati's has been finalized where guests can enjoy a dinner package that includes pizza, pasta, salad and dessert.

Dinner begins at 6 p.m., with the doors opening at 5:45 p.m. and the show beginning at 7 p.m.

"We have two theaters in the building and we set up a buffet table in the smaller venue and then people can bring their food and sit in the regular theater where the seating is cabaret-style," Sinker said. "We think for an all-you-can eat dinner and a show of this quality, it's a great value that doesn't cost people much more than getting fast food and going to a movie."

Tickets for the dinner and show must be reserved before Saturday at 1 p.m. After 1 p.m. Saturday, show tickets can be reserved for $21. Call 630-355-2844 or visit www.comedyshrine.com .