By Bill Parry
Last week’s Republican debate on the Fox News Channel delivered eye-popping ratings, with 24 million viewers, by far the largest audience ever for a network or cable news event. It was also the most-watched television event of the summer, eclipsing the last game of the NBA Finals and the women’s World Cup soccer finals, according to the Nielsen company.
The debates also turned out to be a big hit at Q.E.D. in Astoria, which held a debate watch party complete with a running commentary from two stand-up comedians. It was the busiest night so far for the hybrid performance art and teaching venue since it opened its doors last November.
“Oh, it was crazy, we even had a line stretching around the corner,” Owner Kambri Crews said. “It was one of those situations where you really wished you had a bigger space.”
The comedy was supplied by Frank Conniff, the host of Cartoon Dump, a monthly comedy show at Q.E.D., and John Fugelsang, the host of “Tell Me Everything,” a show on SiriusXM.
“They were hilarious and electric and we’re already planning to do it for the next two debates on Sept. 16 and Oct. 28,” Crews said. “We’ll keep doing it throughout the course of the campaign process if the crowds keep coming.”
Crews opened the Q.E.D. as an “after-school space for adults,” with a learning annex, comedy club, community center and performance space all rolled into one. The name is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase “quod erat demonstrandom” which translates to “that which was demonstrated.”
“It’s a cafe, rehearsal and co-working space by day, after-work hangout for classes, events and shows by night,” Crews said. “Our affordable classes and shows are as diverse as Queens itself. You’ll find arts and crafts, stand-up comedy, tastings, poetry slams, storytelling, gardening, improv and everything in between.”
The venue, at 27-16 23rd Ave., used to be home to an old Greek soccer club.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
