CNN recently released their list of the world’s most spectacular theaters…and if you want to visit one, you might not have to go as far as you think. Veronica Rueckert and Rob Ferrett learn about the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts in Menomonie, which made the list alongside theaters in London, Tokyo and Paris. They also talk about the comedy scene in Wisconsin, discuss the news that the Food and Drug Administration will review data on marijuana, and in Wisconsin Life, learn about a racquetball champion who calls Wisconsin home.
Featured in this Show
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Comedy Is Alive And Well In Wisconsin, According To Regional Comics
Wisconsin’s comedy clubs might not show up on cable television specials, but the state does have a thriving scene, according to two stand-up comics.
Stacey Kulow, based in Madison, and John Egan, based in Green Bay, have been making the rounds of Wisconsin comedy clubs. They point toward a number of venues as good places to perform and to see stand-up — including the Comedy Club in Madison, the Comedy Café in Milwaukee, the Skyline Comedy Club in Appleton, and Comedy City in Green Bay.
Egan said while there are a lot of places to perform at today, he didn’t always think of Wisconsin as a place for comedy.
“When we were growing up, we had no idea that you could become a stand-up comedian and live in Wisconsin,” said Egan.
Kulow, winner of the Madison’s Funniest Comic contest, said she’s heard from national touring acts that material works on the East and West coasts doesn’t always play well in Madison — and she’s had similar experiences within the state.
“I’ve noticed that jokes that work here (in Madison) don’t work the same in Appleton,” she said. “It’s almost different audiences up there. You have to test out material in different places to see what works.”
Egan said there’s a growing number of comedians based in the Green Bay and Fox Cities, and he’s seen a growing interest from comedy fans. Nevertheless, attendance can be hit or miss.
“One week you’ll have 50 people, the other week you’ll cancel,” he said. “Even between the shows, the 7:30 you’re sold out, the 9:30 you cancel.”
Kulow encourages people who haven’t seen live stand-up to give it a shot.
“It’s a great night out,“ she said. “People always come up to me and say it was the first time, and they had a great time.”
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Comedy in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a rich history of comedic talent. Two emerging Wisconsin comics talk about why the state is currently experiencing a comedy renaissance.
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FDA Will Review Data On Safety And Effectiveness Of Marijuana
The Food and Drug Administration announced it will review medical evidence on the safety and efficacy of marijuana, which could lead to a reclassification of the drug. An expert in behavioral pharmacology explains how this review process works and what it would mean for marijuana to be reclassified.
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CNN Names Menomonie's Mabel Tainter One Of World's Most Spectacular Theaters
Menomonie’s Mabel Tainter Center For The Arts was recently recognized by CNN as being one of the most spectacular theaters in the world. The executive director of the theater talks about the history of the venue, and what makes it such an incredible place.
Episode Credits
- Rob Ferrett Host
- Veronica Rueckert Host
- John Egan Guest
- Stacey Kulow Guest
- Ryan Vandrey Guest
- Amy Reise Guest
- Karl Christenson Producer
- Amanda Magnus Producer
- Chris Malina Producer
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