By Patrick Crowley
The Cincinnati Enquirer

NEWPORT - Did you hear the one about the comedy club that didn't pay its rent?

It's no laughing matter at the $215 million Newport on the Levee entertainment complex, which is attempting to evict a comedy club that has never opened its doors.

The levee wants to evict The Improv, a New Orleans-based chain of comedy clubs that signed a lease but has not kept up on the payments or opened for business.

Lawyers representing the Levee will be in Campbell County District Court on Thursday morning for a hearing on the eviction notice.

Al Copeland, the head of Al Copeland Investments, which operates The Improv as well as restaurant chains, was not available Tuesday and did not return phone calls seeking comment.

Michelle Todd Ralston, the Levee's marketing director, said Tuesday another comedy club would open at the Levee, but she did not name it or say when it could open.

"We're just following proper procedures with a tenant who is not paying their bills," Todd Ralston said. "We're exploring other options and working with other (potential tenants). There will be a comedy club at Newport on the Levee."

She would not say how much The Improv owes the Levee.

E-mail pcrowley@enquirer.com