FANTASTIC (Boom Chicago)

Member Name: Corneilious

Product:	Boom Chicago
Date:	20/09/00 (154 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great atmosphere, cheap to get in to, incredible performances, table service....need I go on?

Disadvantages: You have to get your tickets early as it fills up very quickly

Having spent two weeks inter-railing around France, my girlfriend and I arrived in Amsterdam ready to relax, chill-out, and soak in some of that famous Dutch atmosphere. We had been recommended Boom Chicago by a friend-of-a-friend at the beginning of our trip, but by the time we hit Amsterdam, we were tired and pretty much out of cash. In an inspired last burst of energy, however, we made the decision to give it a go: and what a piece of luck that we did.

Boom Chicago is sensational. It is in every way what you desire in order to have a great evening; it is exactly what you need if you feel tired or jaded in any way. I would go as far to say that it is an essential part of a visit to Amsterdam, with performances so vibrant, so engaging, that they stay with me even now: weeks after my return to rain-sodden Scotland. If you are anywhere near Holland, go to Boom Chicago.

Walking around the square on which it's situated, Boom Chicago's building looks like any other bar or cafe in the city. Through from the bar, you are taken to be seated in a dark, smoky, drama-studio-like space in front of a stage, with waitresses circulating before and during the show. There is a real sense of excitement in the air, and people are talking about what they've heard about the performance to come - Boom Chicago's reputation in the city preceeds it. The room suddenly fills, and every seat is taken. Then the performers appear.

The performance consists of some pre-rehearsed sketches, with themes dependent on the night you are there. More impressively, however, is that the majority of the night consists of improvisation and audience interaction, a la 'Who's Line Is it Anyway?' The six performers are all American (so the show is in English) and are also extremely talented and funny. The quick-wit is truly amazing in some instances, and their energy knows no bounds. They play, very successfully, on national stereotypes: strange Dutch cust
oms (eg trying to kill foreigners with whatever means available: trams, barges, bicycles...endless bicycles), the repression of the British, and how all Americans are stupid and loud-mouthed. They are extremely self-abasing. Refreshingly so.

The thing that makes this place special, however, is not only the cameraderie between the audience and the performers, but, crucially, the cameraderie between the performers themselves. There is a spark which gives it an edge over any other live comedy experience I've ever had. They are that good. Moreover, they enjoy themselves incredibly. This enjoyment filters through to the audience, and it was not unusual to find the actors and audience in tears of laughter simultaneously.

At the end of the performance, the performers invite the audience to meet with them at the bar - to listen to the audience's views, and to calm themselves down with a beer. This not only demonstrates an unpretentiousness which is admirable in people so talented, but also, I would imagine, keeps the show fresh night after night.

It is simple, then: if you are anywhere near Amsterdam, go to Boom Chicago. I implore you.

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