New comedy club at Blue Room space coming next month

One comedy club is taking the place of another in downtown Springfield.

Adam Norwest, co-owner of BARK Entertainment, said the company is targeting a Dec. 12 launch for Springfield Comedy Club at 420 W. College St. The company's name is an acronym for its four owners: Bree Norwest, Adam Norwest, Renee Fandt and Kevin Fandt.

Adam Norwest, who is based in the Tacoma, Washington, area, said the Springfield venue would be BARK Entertainment's 10th comedy club.

"The audiences have an amazing reputation," he said of Springfield. "It just seemed like a perfect fit."

The space housed Blue Room Comedy Club LLC as recently as October. It's unclear when Blue Room closed, and owner Christopher Richele did not respond to a request for comment late last week. 

Blue Room in October faced backlash from comedians and fans amid reports of cancellations and ticket refund issues, according to past reporting. 

BARK Entertainment is not buying Blue Room, nor is it taking over its lease in College Station, said Norwest. Instead, he said he the company signed a new seven-year lease, with options, for undisclosed terms with building owner Tillman Redevelopment LLC.

"We are invested for the long haul," Norwest said, declining to disclose startup costs. "I think we have a good product to bring. Comedy's good. Comedy's needed."

Springfield Comedy Club would employ 25-30 people, Norwest said, noting interviews are being conducted for a general manager to lead the local operation.

Norwest said Springfield Comedy Club's first shows would be held Dec. 12-13 and feature comedian Matt McCusker. BARK Entertainment has launched a website for the venture, at ComedySpringfield.com, and it lists upcoming shows including Ahren Belisle on Dec. 14, Mario Adrion on Dec. 19, Josh Firestine on Dec. 20 and Chris Kattan Jan. 2-3. 

BARK Entertainment intends to run a $25,000 refund recovery program promotion, through which customers who did not receive refunds through Blue Room can register for free tickets at Springfield Comedy Club, Norwest said.