Crackers, a fixture in Indianapolis stand-up comedy since 1982, closes

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15 thoughts on “Crackers, a fixture in Indianapolis stand-up comedy since 1982, closes

  1. Bummer and both valid concerns, but guessing it’s simply the business model that is the problem. Stand up is not the draw it used to be and how much revenue can you take in in the very limited weekly hours, vs overhead? Wasn’t this already a rescue project awhile back?

    1. Standup is bigger now than it ever has been. They just weren’t getting the big names that Helium, the Murat, Gainbridge and Clowes have been getting.

    2. Corey, there used to be at least 4-5 comedy clubs in Indy and they didn’t go out of business because they got tired of money. You do make a great point, however, comparing Crackers to 3000-15,000 seat venues. You should mail Crackers a letter and suggest they get Shane Gillis to perform.

    1. Not being snarky. How is comedy “hot”? Yes, the big names do well, as they always have, but I feel like the small clubs are dinosaurs. Please show me data and sources to at say differently

    2. Given that many comedians fear getting canceled if they offend the people with institutional power, it’s hard to believe stand-up comedy “couldn’t be hotter right now”. Many venues are equally timid about booking edgy comedians–especially the bigger ones, which (even in times when men were stronger) had to go pretty mainstream and “safe” to fill enough seats and turn a profit. Yet, ironically, the few who remain willing to tell edgy jokes are the most likely to generate crowds…but also face the foundation-financed protestors standing out front.

      The most culturally restrictive times are ironically the best times for comedy, yet also the toughest. My guess is the top-quality button-pushing stand-up is more likely to perform in a speakeasy-type venue rather than something as big as Clowes or Murat, or even Helium.

  2. Everything has a lifespan, 43 years aint’ bad. Have seen many shows there, I think at all three locations — but admittedly, it’s been a long, long while.

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