Like “The Muppet Show” — Without Muppets

This month marks the first anniversary of the Variety Hour Happy Hour. That’s remarkable, given that when the show was created, it was nothing more than an idea pitched by Milwaukee actor and comedian, Nick Firer.

“I approached Matt Kemple, who runs this space [The Underground Collaborative], and he was actually looking for something for Friday nights,” Firer recalls.

Firer, who has been a part of the Milwaukee comedy world for the past ten years, often as a member of improv comedy troupes, had an idea for something bigger. “I had been working on this idea for a live, old-school variety show that’s close to “The Dean Martin Variety Hour” or “The Muppet Show” … kind of.”

And over the past year, while finding its groove and exploring its space, the Variety Hour Happy Hour has turned into something with an established yet still loose format.

“It’s really a playground for actors, and that’s who I usually tap for sketch comedy – actors and writers,” Firer says.

While Firer may be the founder, he’s quick to admit it’s no one-man show. Working with him is a cast of creative minds who do everything from acting to writing – and even playing piano. Along with Firer, there are three main writers: Brian Bayer, Jake Woelful and Scott Heaton. The three are also often seen on stage during a performance.

Hosted by Firer, it consists of a mix of video, written sketches, musical entertainment and other improvisational chaos that makes up the recurring theme of a “show within a show.”

“I’ve always been fascinated with the ‘show within a show’ concept,” Firer says, citing “The Muppet Show” and even “30 Rock” as inspiration. “We get to see what the show is, but we get to see behind the stage as well.”

While the main event is happening on stage – be it sketch, music, an interview or what have you – there is movement “behind the scenes.” The show transitions between its features with interstitial sketches, “problems,” and interruptions of different sorts. It’s an interesting mix of written and improvised material.

Writing the show takes the foursome about a month and Firer and the entire cast puts together each show in about three weeks. Each show features a different theme, with this show featuring the broke cast trying to raise money with a telethon – until they realize they can’t afford a telethon.

Though each show is new, there are certain continuous jokes or themes that can be found. “We remember every show, so we just kind of build and create our characters,” Firer says.

The cast of the show, save Firer, is revolving, giving each show a unique feel. Firer creates a flexible environment where performers are able to come and go as their schedule dictates.

One of Firer’s goals is to encompass the entire entertainment community and reward the people who come out to see local comedy and performing arts.

“Milwaukee does have a really awesome audience, and a really savvy audience. The trouble is they go and see their friend’s things. So if I can get everybody’s friends to do a thing together, we can help build a community and get people to see what else is out there they may enjoy.”

The Variety Hour Happy Hour takes place about once every two months. This week’s is the first to have two performances, one having taken place on Monday, April 28, and the second show to take place Friday, May 2 at 8 PM.

The Monday performance will become a staple going forward — a “Pay What You Can Night” aimed at service industry workers who may not be able to make a Friday night show.

Friday, May 2, The Variety Hour Happy Hour, at the Underground Collaborative, in the Grand Avenue Mall, 161 W. Wisconsin Ave. Tickets can be purchased online for $10, or at the door for $15.