Live Comedy Finds a Home in Malibu

For decades, most options for nightlife in Malibu has consisted of sporadic live music at a handful of local venues, dining out, choosing one of two movies at the cinema and the occasional play. Last month, live comedy was added to that list with the start of Comedy Night at the .

The comedy performances began quietly on July 13 with little publicity. Last week, there was nearly a full house in attendance.

Pam Thomas, a Malibu resident and television producer, said she approached the Malibu Inn with the idea for a comedy night because "there's not that much to do out here at night, and I thought it would be fun." She now produces the weekly event.

Carla Collins, also a Malibu resident, serves as host comic. Collins is a stand-up comic and writer who starred in her own reality show in Canada and wanted a local place to test new material.

Thomas is well-connected in the world of comedy. Among her credits, she worked on Saturday Night Live, where she got an audition with Lorne Michaels for Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Maya Rudolph and others. She was also a co-producer on the hit sketch comedy show The Kids in the Hall.

"The comics have really responded to [Comedy Night at the Malibu Inn]," Thomas said. "It's kind of fun to get the comics out [to Malibu] and they enjoy it."

Four comedians appear on stage each week.

"The comics change all the time," Thomas said. "They've all had a lot of experience."  

Most of the comedians have had specials on TV, been on late night shows, Comedy Central, YouTube or sitcoms.

Paul C. Morrissey, one of the comedians who performed last week, is one of those veterans. He has been on The Late Show with Craig Ferguson four times, as well as Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.  

"Going to the Malibu Inn feels like the shows I did when I was first starting out," Morrissey said. "I've been out [in the Los Angeles area] for eight years, and I've never done a show in Malibu. It's an untapped thing out here."

Another person who performed last week was Matt Fazio, who graduated from in 2007. Although he got his first stage exposure in high school, Fazio developed his act over the past three years while attending UC Santa Barbara. In addition to the university, he has performed at the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club, Laughology and various conventions.

"It was really fun, a great crowd, the comedians were fantastic—all big-name guys," said Fazio about performing at the Malibu Inn.  

Fazio recently earned a degree in film and dreams of writing and directing some day. But he is also a realist.

"I'm trying to get any kind of gigs I can right now," he said. "[Comedy is] a great way to get out there and express myself.” 

He described his brand of humor as "definitely weird."  

"I like to try jokes people haven't tried before and stay away from the easy jokes," Fazio said. "I think humor comes from punch lines that are unexpected."

Marcus Sumner, Malibu Inn's general manager, said, "The ownership wanted to give their guests a special experience each and every night. With how many L.A.-based comedians live in Malibu, it seemed like a no brainer to have one night designated for comedy."

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the first comedian takes the stage at 8 p.m., with the final comic performing at about 10 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. Admission is $10. For the latest information, go here.