A walk through Times Square, New York, is soon set to look a little different as it says goodbye to one of its most iconic landmarks. Carolines on Broadway comedy club announced on Tuesday, December 6, that it would be shutting down its Times Square venue in a matter of weeks! The forty-year-old comedy hotspot, located on Broadway and West 50th Street, will take its final bow on December 31. An official statement on the club's Twitter page told us everything we needed to know about this heartbreaking decision...
"People thought we were crazy to invest in Times Square, only later to say that we were ahead of the curve when global brands like Disney, Nasdaq, and national retailers and businesses came to the neighborhood," they reflected. "We are very proud to have played an integral role in its resurgence and brought much-needed laughter to the neighborhood and the city. We've had an incredible run these past 40 years, elevating comedy from the very beginning, and we are so proud of the comedians that have graced our stages throughout the years with their considerable talents."
In 1981, Caroline Hirsch opened Carolines, which was then a cabaret located in Chelsea. Soon after, they initiated a rebranding campaign, establishing themselves as a comedy club with Jay Leno as its first comedic performer. In 1987, as the club became increasingly popular, Carolines moved over to South Street Seaport. In 1992, it found its final resting spot in Times Square. This was deemed a questionable move at the time as the area was infamous for its high crime and neglect.
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Over the years, Carolines on Broadway has hosted many of the all-time greatest comedians, including Jerry Seinfeld, Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, and Patrice O'Neal. But it's not the end of the Carolines comedy brand entirely. The statement teased their next moves, explaining it will be "larger and bring the best comedy to more people in more places." They will also continue to back the New York Comedy Festival, which spreads laughter throughout the country. We recommend booking a show while you can and checking out the venue before it's gone for good!
