In a good way, club owner has funny feeling about the Valley

By Elise Franco

A local comedy club owner said he wants patrons to keep coming back for more laughs.

BOARDMAN — A local entrepreneur says he wants his new comedy club to shake up the monotony of life.

Sam Whittaker, owner of Wildcat’s Comedy Club in Boardman, is working to promote comedy in the Youngstown area.

“We need something positive in the area, and it’s a good thing to do,” he said. “I’m trying to bring some strong acts in.”

Wildcat’s opens its doors today and Saturday, for two shows at 7 and 9:30 each night.

The first comedian to take the stage of the new club, located inside the Holiday Inn-Boardman on South Avenue, is Jay London.

London appeared on seasons two and three of the NBC reality show “Last Comic Standing.”

“I think there’s definitely a place for his style of comedy in the market,” said Whittaker, of Cortland. “I’m trying to bring in newer people who haven’t been here before.”

He said London’s form of stand-up is different from most comedians’ onstage style.

“It’s a very interesting form of one-liner type comedy,” Whittaker said. “He’s unique, and he’s a very nice guy. He is who he is.”

He said booking comedians such as London, Auggie Smith, Jimmy Shubert and Dan St. Paul will leave patrons wanting more.

“I want it to be a place where ... they know whenever they come it’s always going to be a quality show,” Whittaker said.

He said it’s important to him that audience members connect with the act onstage.

“I want them to have an experience they really enjoy so they want to come back and see who’s going to be there next,” Whittaker said. “It’s going to be on a more personal level.”

He said he eventually wants to move his club from the hotel’s large banquet room to a permanent venue somewhere in the township.

“Boardman has a little bit more of a market,” Whittaker said. “It’s nice area and a good environment, and I think it can do very well here.”

Tickets range between $12.50 and $15 and can be purchased by calling Whittaker at (330) 883-7063. Dates and times for upcoming shows can be found on www.wildcatcomedy.com.

He said the price will ultimately be based on the caliber of comedian brought to Wildcat’s stage.

“For the most part, they’re probably going to be about $15.” Whittaker said. “For the first show wanted to go with a lower price to get everyone’s attention.”

efranco@vindy.com