You probably walk past it every week on the Rozengracht, but chances are you have no idea what Hollywood history unfolded here. When a few young American comedians opened Boom Chicago in 1993, they were immediately told by down-to-earth Amsterdammers: “This will never work here.”
English improvisational comedy in the Netherlands was seen as a doomed experiment. But against all odds, the concept exploded, and this club became the ultimate breeding ground for the world’s absolute best comedians.
The “impossible” beginning in 1993
“What are you getting yourself into? This is guaranteed to flop.” That’s what Amsterdammers said in 1993 when American comedians Andrew Moskos, Pep Rosenfeld, and Ken Schaefle opened an English-language comedy club. A wild, American experiment in the capital sounded like financial suicide at the time. No one believed that down-to-earth Dutch people were waiting for that fast-paced, hyperactive style of improv.
The founders stubbornly started out in a tiny venue with just 85 seats. What happened next exceeded all expectations. The show was a smash hit. Amsterdammers loved the daring humor, and in no time at all, there were long lines out the door.
The legendary “Comedy Swap”
The absolute turning point came in 2002 during a unique collaboration with The Second City from Chicago, the holy grail of American comedy. The top acts from both clubs temporarily swapped stages. It was the only time a foreign group took over the main stage there.
However, real pop culture history was written on the Rozengracht. During this legendary swap, Jordan Peele met his future partner Keegan-Michael Key. The chemistry was immediately palpable on the Amsterdam stage. The foundation for their world-famous show Key & Peele was laid right here in the capital.
Boom Chicago: the Hollywood talent factory in Amsterdam
Jordan Peele is by no means the only big name. The absolute cream of the American entertainment industry was here sweating it out every week. Talk show host Seth Meyers, for example, began his career at the club, where he was immediately spotted by talent scouts from Saturday Night Live.
Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt also spent years here, improvising night after night. The foundation for their later global hit *Ted Lasso* was literally laid on this Amsterdam stage. Add comedy star Amber Ruffin to the mix, and you’ll understand why whoever is on stage here tonight could very well be the next global star.
