Three years ago, five members of ComedySportz started an after-hours version of the popular show called Cock 'n' Toast. The bawdier improvisation group gears its performances toward a more mature crowd.
"We had the intent to fill a void that we felt was needed to be filled, namely the uncensored improv/sketch comedy show," says Cock 'n' Toast-er Bill Bartell.
Bartell -- along with Dylan Bolin, Tim Higgins, Eric Price and Dave Theune -- make up the Cock 'n' Toast team. Although the group performs in the ComedySportz space, the shows are very different.
Unlike ComedySportz, Cock 'n'Toast does not have a referee, but that's not the only difference.
"No rules, no boundaries, more long form, no kids," says Bartell. "Cock 'n' Toast are equal opportunity offenders."
Cock 'n' Toast performs every other Saturday night at midnight, and because the humor is raunchier, you have to be 18 to attend the show.
Milwaukee's Jill Jackson, 38, attended a recent Cock 'n' Toast show.
"I like ComedySportz a lot, but Cock 'n' Toast is more entertaining because they can get away with so much more. It's the equivalent of watching HBO instead of network TV," she says.
Collectively, the Cock 'N' Toast guys have more than 45 years of comedy improvisational experience and countless years of general performance experience and training. All are under 40.
Why the name "Cock 'n' Toast?" According to group promoter Amie Strader, it was intended as joke because it sounds similar -- but more ridiculous than -- the name "ComedySportz."
The next Cock 'n' Toast show is Feb. 11, and the cost is $5. Since they usually sell out and reservations are not accepted, Bartell suggests arriving by 11 p.m. Plus, ComedySportz has a smoke-free, full-service bar with food that's ideal for waiters.
Dick Chudnow started ComedySportz in Milwaukee 21 years ago, and it's now played in 22 cities including Chorley, England and Dublin, Ireland. All of the skits are unscripted, so it's never the same show twice. It's similar to the television show, "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"
ComedySportz and Cock 'n' Toast have their own Walker's Point building, 420 S. 1st St. There is free parking in the adjoining parking lot.
"We will make you laugh," says Bartell. "You should really experience this."
Tickets are available at (414) 272-8888..
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
