Stacia Bayer

Native New Yorkers Chris Mazzilli and Michael Reisman opened Gotham Comedy Club in May 1996. Mazzilli, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, was roundly praised at that time for his top to bottom design of the original 3,300 square foot space. "It's been ten years since a club of this magnitude opened in Manhattan," said Mazzilli at the time. We felt that it was time for changes in the way comedy clubs have been perceived: all comedy and no ambiance.

Over the past decade, Mazzilli has proven himself to be a leader in the industry, bringing comics such as Dave Chapelle, Lewis Black and Colin Quinn (to name a few) to his stage. Gotham Comedy Club has become the backdrop for many TV shows and films such as Jerry Seinfeld's 2002 Miramax film "Comedian" and Larry David's pilot of "Curb Your Enthusiasm".