Hey! Have you heard about the new show from Black Dress Productions and Free Agents Comedy?
It’s called “Shhh … A Comedy Speakeasy” and it’s kind of an underground deal.
Sounds interesting? Here are four things to know about this week’s production:
The Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center has renovated its underground space into an events space called “The Tunnel,” named after the tunnel under Lafayette Street that once connected the Hilton to what’s now the Hotel Indigo. The tunnel has a speakeasy vibe, and the hotel began hosting live music at the space’s bar on Thursday.
Staff photo: Robin Miller
The basics: The show begins at 8 p.m. Friday at The Tunnel at the Hilton Capitol Center, 201 Lafayette St. in Baton Rouge. Humor is rated R. Tickets are $50 at bontempstix.com. Seating is limited.
The venue: The Tunnel is a Great Gatsby-inspired event space located beneath the historic hotel. It’s named after the passageway under Lafayette Street that once connected the hotel to the old King Hotel (now Hotel Indigo). Huey P. Long, governor of Louisiana and future US Senator, often used the tunnel to escape the media. Due to the small venue, only 40 tickets will be available for sale.
Gloria McConnell
Photo provided
A note from McConnell: “Shhh… Comedy Speakeasy” was inspired by a series they did elsewhere called “Don’t Tell Comedy,” where the audience doesn’t know the lineup or location until the day of, they just show up to a venue. In Baton Rouge, The Tunnel seemed like the right place to do it, and the speakeasy elements took shape.
“It’s like dinner theater, but not as formal,” McConnell said of the show’s plans. “We’ll have a limited bar menu and a specialty cocktail menu.”
To achieve the speakeasy atmosphere, the comedians take on little personas.
“We all have personas that we maintain and interact with each other and the audience in a positive way,” McConnell explained. “Not to attack anyone, but to make them a part of the night and make them feel like we’re all in a speakeasy. It’s the ’20s and what we’re doing is probably illegal, you know? … So it’s a different experience.”