Boom!

Or to be more correct Boom Chicago, but that is not a catchy header, is it? And NO, I don’t suddenly dislike Chicago or feel the urge to blow up the windy city. I went to see Boom Chicago yesterday and I had a blast (so to speak!) For those of you who have never heard of them, here is a short introduction (shamelessly stolen from their site).

Boom Chicago is an Amsterdam institution. For twelve years, they have mixed good writing, quick thinking and high production values to create sharp, funny shows. They tour the Netherlands -- and the world -- performing at theaters, festivals and corporate events. Most people see Boom Chicago in Amsterdam at the 300-seat Leidseplein Theater, where they perform almost every night. The audience is seated around tables, and people eat and drink as well. Our menu changes with the seasons, and we serve great drinks and cocktails.

I went to see the new comedy show yesterday which takes a look at the world today. It's easy to get pessimistic. The economy is weak. Bombs are exploding. Integration and Islam are at the center of an exhausting debate. In the post-Theo (van Gogh) world, Dutch traditions of tolerance and freedom of speech are changing. The facts aren’t pretty, but there are answers. You just have to take the bull by the horns and get ready to laugh.

Boom Chicago is not exactly stand-up comedy it is a combination of improvisation, sketch comedy, music and video. I liked the improvisations best. But I liked it even more when I noticed that the people of Boom Chicago had so much fun themselves.

Well, if you ever go to Amsterdam (or if you see announcement in your area) go and see them, I can highly recommend it!

For more information about Boom Chicago or the Real Amsterdam (or if you feel a desperate need to laugh, see the new video section!) check their site. Oh and most members of Boom Chicago are American so the site is totally in English.