By Scott Etkin and Lisa Kava
FUNY Standup, a new comedy school based out of West Side Comedy Club (WSCC) at 201 West 75th Street, is gearing up for a hard launch in September with a full class schedule. There was a soft launch of the program back in January with a limited schedule. FUNY Standup (short for Funny University of New York) is for anyone looking to learn how to break into the world of comedy or for experienced comedians who want to improve their craft (there are three different class levels offered from beginner to advanced). Classes are taught by a faculty of accomplished comedians, actors, and writers who have extensive performing experience. “I wanted to open a school because I love helping young comics,” Felicia Madison, managing partner and talent booker of WSCC told West Side Rag. “I wanted to create a multi-tiered program that could help both new and experienced comedians develop their brand, business, and more as they succeed. FUNY Standup is not just a school, it’s a community,” Madison said. FUNY Standup will also offer corporate private seminars as well as classes specifically for teens.
Two Riverside Park Dog Runs will be temporarily closed for maintenance this month. Dog Run 87 (near West 87th Street) will be closed on Wednesday, July 17th and Thursday, July 18th. Dog Run 105 (near West 105th Street) will be closed on Wednesday, July 24th and Thursday, July 25th. Staff will be servicing and regrading the two runs over the next two weeks, weather permitting, according to a press release from the Riverside Park Conservancy.
Soothr, a Thai noodle bar, is expected to open in the summer of 2025 at 35 West 64th Street (between Central Park West and Broadway). Picholine, the French restaurant that closed in 2015, was formerly in the space. Soothr has a location in the East Village on 13th Street, which has been included in the Michelin Guide. “As for the menu, it’s a sizeable one so bring a crew to make the most of many excellent regional specialties,” according to the Guide. “Roasted eggplant salad is a refreshing start, while the grilled pork salad comes turbocharged in a spicy lime and chili dressing.” Soothr (pronounced “sood”) is the Thai word for recipe. We will update as more information becomes available.
Le Labo, a fragrance shop selling perfume, candles, and soap and skin care products, has opened at 205 Columbus (between West 69th and 70th streets), about five months after its signage appeared on the storefront. Le Labo is known for using high-quality ingredients, such as rose blooms harvested from Grasse, France. The brand’s first location opened in Nolita in 2006 and it now has stores across the country, including several in NYC. Marine Layer, the clothing brand that moved a few blocks north to 420 Columbus (between West 80th and 81st streets), used to be in the space.
Maxx & Fluffy’s, a pet grooming salon, has signage up at 2661 Broadway between West 101st and 102nd streets. There isn’t much information available at this point – one clue is that Maxx and Fluffy were a pair of Golden Retrievers on the Upper West Side – but we’ll provide an update when more is known. The space used to be a Dunkin Donuts. (Thanks to Tracy for the tip.)
Subscribe to West Side Rag’s FREE email newsletter here.
As a SUNY alum I see what they’re aiming for, but “FUNY” is maybe not the best name for a business in New York.
The opening act at F.U.N.Y. should be representatives from the Global Citizens Festival. Now THAT would be funny.
And now you get it.
I wish I had known that Le Labo was opening this week! I just bought product from them this past weekend at their UES location. Anyway, I am excited to have the local shop when I need refills. They have some really unique scents & great grooming products. Glad to have them in the hood.
So while the dog runs are closed, are parks staff going to enforce the 9AM-9PM NO OFF LEASH policy in Riverside Park? It’s already being flaunted, and I gotta say, the most annoying thing to happen while riding or going for a run in the park is to be chased by some random pooch off leash. Let alone dogs wandering around in the sand for the volleyball courts down below the Ellington
This is a problem. Most dog owners abide by the rules but some people seem to think they exist apart from society.
This is THE problem. “Most dog owners abide by the rules but some people seem to think they exist apart from society.” The same problem occurs to me every time I see the same random poop spoiling a walkway in a park or a block in the city streets. I have yet to think or hear of how this real problem can be resolved.
Fines. NY Park Rangers are nonexistent. They should be papering violators with tickets.
Hi, Maxx and Fluffy’s is actually 1/2 of the old Dunkin’ Donuts; the other 1/2 is Zelma’s Cafe, which just added some nice exterior art and a garden around the street tree in front of their location.
Soothr is my favorite Thai spot in the city. Huge win for the neighborhood!!
Any updates on the Carvel/Auntie Anne store opening on West 96 & Broadway? I could really go for a marshmallow sundae ! ( w/rainbow sprinkles)