NYC Comedy Picks for Week of July 20, 2009

NYC Comedy Picks for Monday 7/20/09

Ted Alexandro (Tell Your Friends), Melanie Hamlett (Told: The Rough Guide), and Aasif Mandvi (Tell Your Friends)

Tonight's recommendations for the best in New York City comedy

(in chronological order, with top picks noted and shows over $10 marked with $) include:

the perfect show for short attention spans, open mic stand-up with 4½ minutes per set

and 25 comics crammed into 2½ hours—tonight including Emily Epstein, Jared Logan, Rob Lathan, RG Daniels, Mark Normand, Luke Cunningham, Matt Ruby, Lisa Kaplan, Raquel D'Apice, Francoise Gordon, Dan Upham, Blaine Perry, and John Morrison—at John Morrison's Ochi's Motel (6:30 pm & 9:00 pm),

[TOP PICK] [FREE] top comedic storytellers telling tales of being on the road, with tonight's participants Melanie Hamlett (Moth StorySlam Champion who's on a cross-country tour while living in her truck and will be performing via Webcam), Kevin Allison (MTV's The State, HBO's Flight of the Conchords, VH1's Best Week Ever, Comedy Central's Reno 911), Daisy Rosario (Moth Grandslam Champion), Chris Kipiniak (comic book writer and actor), and Jeff Simmerson (who tells about being a hired killer) at host Seth Lind's Told: The Rough Guide (7:00 pm),

fresh sketch comedy from UCBT house groups Slow Burn and High Treason at Maude Night (8:00 pm),

[TOP PICK] Ted Alexandro (David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, two Comedy Central Presents half-hour specials), Leo Allen (former writer for Saturday Night Live; Comedy Central Presents, upcoming HBO series Funny or Die, host of Whiplash), Aasif Mandvi (correspondent for The Daily Show), Hari Kondadbolu (Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel), and more at Liam McEneaney's Tell Your Friends (8:00ish pm),

[FREE] stand-up comedy in Brooklyn, tonight featuring sharp comedic storyteller Rob Gorden, plus stand-ups Jen Grant, Dan Boulger, Jay Welch, Ruhbin Mehta, Jacquline Kabat, Joe Fury, and Erik Bergstrom, at Pat O'Shea's free weekly show Ed Sullivan on Acid (9:00 pm),

a comedic play about what goes in an adolescent female mind, and what appears to be an oddball sketch comedy show, in Fantasies of a 12-Year-Old Girl and O'Hooligan and the Holligans (9:30 pm),

[TOP PICK] [FREE] and a free weekly show featuring some of the best stand-up comics in the country—who tonight include Eugene Mirman (Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central Presents, HBO's Flight of the Conchords, Adult Swim's Delocated, VH1, book The Will to Whatevs: A Guide to Modern Life, host of Tearing the Veil of Maya) and Chris Gethard (brilliant improvisor and comedic storyteller; Magic Box of Stories, The Stepfathers, The Nights of Our Lives, author of book Weird New York)—hosted by the wonderful Leo Allen (Saturday Night Live, HBO, Comedy Central) at Whiplash (11:00 pm).

Ochi's Motel

Lottery-style open mic for stand-up comics trying out material,

with 4½ minutes per performer...in return for a $5 contribution to the weekly prize kitty.

In addition, Ochi's 1-item food or drink minimum applies to everyone.)

A breathtaking 25 comics perform in this 2½ hour show; producer

John Morrison (above) has described it as "comedy on crack."

If you're seeking consistent laughs, this might not be the best way to spend

your evening. But if you're patient and adventurous, it's a potentially wild ride.

And if you're a performer looking for some stage time, it's a nice opportunity.

Plus if you stick around till the show's end to support your fellow comics,

 you have a chance at winning the cash from the kitty, along with smaller prizes.

There are two shows, at 6:30 and 9:00 pm, with entirely different groups of stand-ups.

Tonight's 6:30 lineup includes Emily Epstein, Raquel D'Apice, Marsha Clarke, Alice Wetterlund, Jared Logan, Rob Lathan, RG Daniels, Mark Normand, Luke Cunningham, Matt Ruby, Dan Upham, Joe Pera, Don Stahl, Dave Rosinsky, Blaine Perry, and John Morrison.

And the 9:00 pm lineup includes Lisa Kaplan, Francoise Gordon, Andrea Grimes, Jon Bander, Mike Trainor, Arthur Carlson, J-L Cauvin, Bill Dienstag, George Gordon, Brendan Gray, Patrick Waldo, and Blaine Perry.

Ochi's Motel is hosted at 6:30 by Sean Donnelly and Blaine Perry:

...and at 9:00 pm by Aalap Patel and Matteson Perry:

To be entered into the weekly random drawing for performers,

please send email to ochismotel@gmail.com.

6:30 pm & 9:00 pm, Ochi's Lounge at Comix, 353 West 14th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues)

no cover, 1 drink or food item minimum (e.g., draft beer for $4-$5)

Melanie Hamlett, Kevin Allison, and supernatural creatures

Told: The Rough Guide

Told is a free monthly comedic storytelling show hosted by Seth Lind.

Tonight's theme is tales of being on the road.

And the headlining storyteller actually is on the road, and will be relating her tales via Webcam.

Her name is Melanie Hamlett, and she's a Moth StorySlam Champion. She's also a stellar & unique storyteller who does cross-country tours while living in her truck and posting hilarious photo-caption reports on her adventures at blog Melanie Hamlett: Wandering Narcoleptic. (For illustrated tales of shucking corn and conversations with mermaids, please click here and here.)

In addition, performing in the flesh will be

Kevin Allison (former cast member of legendary MTV sketch comedy show The State, HBO's Flight of the Conchords, VH1's Best Week Ever,  Comedy Central's Reno 911),

Daisy Rosario (Moth Grandslam Champion),

Chris Kipiniak (comic book writer and actor, "who will show us that a trip to Egypt can have more in common with the plot of 'The Hangover' than you might think"), and

Jeff Simmerson ("who just had a story on TAL last week, tells about heading Down Under...to be a hired killer. For real.").

7:00 pm at UNDER St. Marks, 94 St. Marks Place (bet. 1st Avenue & Avenue A); free

Ted Alexandro and Leo Allen...

..and Aasif Mandvi and Hari Kondadbolu

Tell Your Friends

This long-running weekly comedy show is produced by Liam McEneaney

(VH1's Best Week Ever, Comedy Central's Premium Blend,

former writer for Standup Nation with Greg Giraldo).

Tonight's host is Mike Amato.

And tonight's thoroughly wonderful guests are

Ted Alexandro (one of the best stand-ups around; Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The View, and two Comedy Central Presents half-hour specials; described by Uproar as having "an appeal similar to Ray Romano and Jerry Seinfeld"),

Leo Allen (one of the most sharp, honest, and likeable stand-ups working in NYC; writer for Saturday Night Live from 2002 through 2005; performed two Comedy Central Presents half-hour specials; done stand-up on Late Night with Conan O'Brien; acted on Ed and Sex and the City; host of upcoming HBO series; host of top stand-up comedy showcase Whiplash),

Aasif Mandvi (correspondent for The Daily Show; acted on CBS' Jericho, NBC's ER), and

Hari Kondadbolu (Comedy Central's Live at Gotham, Jimmy Kimmel Live; for a stand-up video about being Indian, please click here).

8:00ish pm at Lolita Bar, 226 Broome Street (between Allen and Orchard Streets); tickets are $5

Nearest subway stops are Delancey Street via the F or Delancey-Essex via the J/M/Z

Maude Night

UCBT's house sketch comedy groups try out their latest material at this monthly extravaganza. Tonight features the two troupes Slow Burn and High Treason. (For cast bios, please click here and then click the photo of whoever interests you.)

Not every routine will hit the mark; but these are talented young comics and, if you're patient, worth catching for the bits that score, and for their charismatic comedy performances.

8:00 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5

Rob Gorden and Pat O'Shea

Ed Sullivan on Acid

This long-running free weekly Brooklyn comedy show is hosted by Pat O'Shea (contributor to book The Complete Idiot's Guide to Joke Writing; for stand-up video about naming a restaurant Statutory Crêpe, please click here).

Tonight's guests include

Rob Gorden (sharp comedic storyteller; former co-host of Spike TV's Geek-Ray Vision and NYC's The Rob and Mark Show; for flat-rate phone sex service ad, please click here),

and stand-up comics Jen Grant, Dan Boulger, Jay Welch, Ruhbin Mehta, Jacquline Kabat, Joe Fury, and Erik Bergstrom.

9:00 pm at Freddy's Backroom, 485 Dean Street in Brooklyn (corner 6th Avenue); free

Take the 2/3 subway to Bergen Street Station, walk to 6th Avenue, and walk one block to Dean Street

Fantasies of a 12-Year-Old Girl and People's Sketch Association

Two comedy shows for a mere five bucks.

First up is Fantasies of a 12-Year-Old Girl, which cautions to would-be audience perverts that it brings to life the guessed-at fantasies of a young girl, and is not fantasies about a young girl. (In other words, expect unicorns...) The show is written by Allison Bennett; performed by Ari Scott, D’Arcy Erogan, and Nate Shelkey; and directed by Caitlin Tegart.

The double-bill then continues with O'Hooligan and the Holligans, about which I know nothing...but it sounds fun.

9:30 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5 per show

Eugene Mirman and Leo Allen...

..and brilliant comedic storyteller Chris Gethard

Whiplash with Leo Allen: The Finest in Stand-Up Comedy, Free

Leo Allen is one of the most sharp, honest, and likeable stand-ups working in NYC. Leo was a writer for Saturday Night Live from 2002 through 2005. He's also performed two Comedy Central Presents half-hour specials; done stand-up on Late Night with Conan O'Brien; acted on Ed and Sex and the City; and hosts an upcoming HBO comedy series. Plus Leo's the host of this show—for which he crafts inventive, hilarious material week after week, and always generously demonstrates his warm appreciation of his fellow comedians. For all these reasons and more, Whiplash is one of the finest showcases of top comedy talent in the country...and it's entirely free.

Tonight's thoroughly wonderful guests include

Eugene Mirman (Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central Presents half-hour special,

Comedy Central's Premium Blend and Jump Cuts, HBO's Flight of the Conchords, VH1, and Adult Swim;

two comedy albums, The Absurd Nightclub Comedy of Eugene Mirman and

En Garde, Society!; award-winning co-host of hit weekly Brooklyn comedy show Tearing the Veil of Maya; humor book The Will to Whatevs: A Guide to Modern Life) and

Chris Gethard (one of the most talented and brilliant storytellers and improvisors in New York; Magic Box of Stories, The Stepfathers, The Nights of Our Lives, Happy Hour, author of book Weird New York).

11:00 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); free

NYC Comedy Picks for Tuesday 7/21/09

Morgan Murphy (Punch Up Your Life), The Incredible Hulk (Comic Book Club), and Eric Slovin (Sweet)

Tonight's recommendations for the best in New York City comedy

(in chronological order, with top picks noted and shows over $10 marked with $) include:

[TOP PICK] four world-class storytellers—Ophira Eisenberg (sharp stand-up and brilliant storyteller; Comedy Central, VH1, Showtime), Leslie Goshko (Manhattan Monologue Slam Champ, host of Sideshow Goshko), Jim O'Grady (The New York Times, Moth GrandSlam Champion), and Mr. Z (Moth GrandSlam Champion)—joining host Andy Christie (The New York Times, Moth GrandSlam Champion) in trying to mislead the audience at The Liar Show (6:00 pm),

the perfect show for short attention spans—open mic stand-up with 4½ minutes per set

and 25 comics crammed into 2½ hours—at John Morrison's Broadway Motel (6:00 pm),

[TOP PICK] Marvel Comics writers Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente (The Incredible Hulk, Hercules, The Mighty Thor) joining in on a lively & hilarious discussion about four-color pop culture at Comic Book Club (8:00 pm),

four full hours of improv for only five bucks—tonight featuring UCBT house troupes Robber Baron, Penthouse Riot, Scootch, The Law Firm, and The Bishop—followed by UCBT students at all levels performing with improv veterans, all at Harold Night (8:00 pm),

[TOP PICK] [FREE] Baron Vaughn (red-hot rising star; Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Shoot the Messenger, Awkward Kings of Comedy), Morgan Murphy (staff writer for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, former staff writer for Jimmy Kimmel and Crank Yankers), and Patrick Borelli (Conan O'Brien, SuperDeluxe, author of book Holy Headshot!) performing at this free show hosted by brilliant stand-ups Jessi Klein (Comedy Central, VH1, NBC, CNN, Adult Swim) and Pete Holmes (Comedy Central, VH1's Best Week Ever, The New Yorker): Punch Up Your Life (8:30 pm),

[TOP PICK] Eric Slovin (writer for Saturday Night Live 2002-2005 and Important Things with Demetri Martin; Comedy Central Presents), Joe Mande (winner of the 2008 ECNY Award winner for Best Emerging Comic; co-host of live comedy show Totally J/K; author of upcoming book about hipsters from St. Martin's Press), Jon Friedman (Jimmy Fallon, The Rejection Show), Craig Baldo (Conan O'Brien, Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central, VH1, The Onion), and Ann Carr (Comedy Central, VH1) performing at the wonderful Seth Herzog's Sweet (9:00 pm).

The Liar Show

Four funny people tell amazing stories. Three of the tales are absolutely true...but one of them is a pack of lies. The audience then asks questions to try and identify the fibbers. Hosted by Andy Christie (The New York Times, 2007 Moth GrandSlam Champion, author of book I Wasn't Kidding).

Tonight's amazing all-star yarn-spinners are

Ophira Eisenberg (sharp stand-up and brilliant storyteller; Comedy Central's Premium Blend, VH1's Best Week Ever, Showtime's Queer as Folk; The Guardian),

Leslie Goshko (delightful comedic performer/writer; 2008 Manhattan Monologue Slam Champion; host of terrific monthly NYC storytelling event Sideshow Goshko; for Leslie's award-winning comedy bit about Internet dating, please click here; for her bit on "the End Times Awareness Carnival," please click here), and

Jim O'Grady (former writer for The New York Times; Moth GrandSlam Champion; for storytelling video about respect, please click here), and

Mr. Z (Moth GrandSlam Champion).

The Liar Show was a smash hit at last August's Edinburgh Festival, and is recommended.

Please note this show often sells out. To reserve tickets, please call (212) 989-9319.

6:00 pm at Cornelia Street Cafe, 29 Cornelia Street (between West 4th Street and Bleecker);

$10 ticket plus $7 one-drink minimum

Broadway Motel

Lottery-style open mic for stand-up comics trying out material,

with 4½ minutes per performer...in return for a $5 contribution to the weekly prize kitty.

(In addition, Broadway's one-item food or drink minimum applies to everyone.)

A breathtaking 25 comics perform in this 2½ hour show; producer

John Morrison (above) has described it as "comedy on crack."

If you're seeking consistent laughs, this might not be the best way to spend

your evening. But if you're patient and adventurous, it's a potentially wild ride.

And if you're a performer looking for some stage time, it's a nice opportunity.

Plus if you stick around till the show's end to support your fellow comics,

 you have a chance at winning the cash from the kitty, along with smaller prizes.

Broadway Motel is hosted by Cory Jarvis and Doug Adler.

To be entered into the weekly random drawing for performers,

please send email to motelme@gmail.com.

6:00 pm at Broadway Comedy Club, 318 West 53rd Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues);

$5 cover plus one-item food or drink minimum

Comic Book Club

Hosted by Alex Zalben, Justin Tyler and Pete LePage,

who enjoy discussing comic books while getting laughs.

Tonight's industry guests are Marvel Comics writers Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente (The Incredible Hulk, Hercules, The Mighty Thor).

To get a feel for the smart, playful vibe of Comic Book Club, please check out its podcasts—

that is, audio recordings of previous shows in their entirety—by clicking here.

(And for my two current faves, a delightful visit from Kevin "Batman" Conroy and a hilarious evening with Daily Show writer Eliot Kalan, please click here and here.) Please also check out the YouTube version of the show by clicking here.

Also be sure to watch a tale about Wolverine's powers from sketch duo Greg & Lou by clicking here; a Penguin vs. Batman debate that uncannily predicted John McCain's campaign strategy by clicking here; and a Green Lantern sneak peak by clicking here.

8:00 pm at The Peoples Improv Theater, 154 West 29th Street (off 7th Avenue); tickets are $5

Harold Night

The Harold is longform improv, pioneered by Del Close.

Tonight, five improv troupes—

Robber Baron, Penthouse Riot, Scootch, The Law Firm, and The Bishop—

each give it a go for 30 minutes, with

short breaks in between, for a total of 3 hours.

And at 11:00 pm there'll be The Lottery, in which UCBT students
at all improv levels get a chance to perform on stage with improv veterans.

Some of these groups are great; some are less so. And this show

is designed more for students of improv than the general public.

But if you're interested, and patient, a mere $5 will buy you

a full evening's education...and periodic solid laughs.

This show is perennially sold out of seats; but if you're okay with standing,
come and laugh with a boisterous packed house.

8:00-midnight pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5

Morgan Murphy, Baron Vaughn, and Patrick Borelli...

...and brilliantly funny hosts Pete Holmes and Jessi Klein

Punch Up Your Life

This free weekly stand-up show is a spectacular addition to NYC Tuesday night comedy. Its hosts are two of the finest comics in the country:

Jessi Klein (deliciously honest, brilliant, hilarious stand-up star—and now also proving to be, along with Pete, among the finest comedy hosts in NYC; Rolling Stones' comedy "Hot List;" Comedy Central's Premium Blend and Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn; VH1's Best Week Ever; NBC's The Today Show; CNN; The Showbiz Show with David Spade; voice of Lucy on Adult Swim's Lucy the Daughter of the Devil; for a video stand-up sample about which celebrity would save the most Jews, and on email etiquette, please click here and here) and

Pete Holmes (one of the quickest & sharpest minds in comedy; VH1's Best Week Ever, Comedy Central's Premium Blend and Motherload; writer for CollegeHumor.com;

cartoonist for mags ranging from The New Yorker to Cosmo Girl;

host of UCBT's monthly open mic stand-up show Gutbucket;

for a hilarious range of videos, please click here).

Tonight's superb guests are

Baron Vaughn (smoking-hot rising star comic, with lightning-fast mind and enormous charisma; NBC's Teachers, Comedy Central's Live at Gotham, MTV's The Gamekillers, VH1's Awesomely Oversexed and Best Week Ever, co-star of NYC live political comedy show Shoot the Messenger; feature film Cloverfield, concert film The Awkward Kings of Comedy to air on Comedy Central; for a radio interview, please click here; for stand-up videos about the KKK and cell phones, please click here and here),

Morgan Murphy (acclaimed LA comic now moved to NYC to be staff writer for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon; Comedians of Comedy; Variety's 2007 "Top 10 Comics to Watch;" Comedy Central's Premium Blend; Last Call with Carson Daly; former long-time writer for Jimmy Kimmel Live, and for Crank Yankers; for sample stand-up videos, please click here and here and here), and

Patrick Borelli (Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central's Premium Blend, ESPN's Cheap Seats, writer for Adult Swim's Assy McGee, SuperDeluxe's Thunderpoint, Video Power Hour, co-author of book Holy Headshot!).

8:30 pm at Housing Works’ Bookstore Café, 126 Crosby Street (bet. Prince & Houston); free

Nearest subway stops are Bleecker Street on the #6 and Broadway-Lafayette on the B/D/F/V

Ann Carr and Joe Mande...

...and Seth Herzog and Jon Friedman

Sweet

Hosted by the razor-sharp, dynamic, and hilarious Seth Herzog (Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, VH1's Best Week Ever and The Great Debate).

Seth is one of the finest hosts around—and this is one of the best comedy shows in NYC.

Tonight's fine guests are

Eric Slovin (writer for Saturday Night Live 2002-2005 and Important Things with Demetri Martin; performed on Comedy Central Presents, Premium Blend, Spin City, ESPN's Cheap Seats; half of comedy duo Slovin & Allen with partner Leo Allen, with whom he recently taped a pilot they wrote for HBO),

Joe Mande (winner of the 2008 ECNY Award winner for Best Emerging Comic; co-host of superb NYC live comedy show Totally J/K; comedic play Workdays with Maury; just signed book deal with St. Martin's Press based on his blog Look at This Fucking Hipster; for some video samples, please click here and here and here),

Jon Friedman (Emmy-nominated staff blogger for Late Night with Jimmy Kimmel; host of the superb NYC live comedy extravaganza The Rejection Show; author of the book Rejected: Tales of the Failed, Dumped, and Canceled),

Craig Baldo (Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central's Premium Blend and Comic Remix; VH1, Bravo, E!, The Onion;

for Craig's 2008 stand-up set on Conan O'Brien, please click here), and

Ann Carr (VH1's The Winners Circle, Comedy Central Motherload's Honesty Wedding, High School Talent Show and one-woman show Use It at UCBT; member of all-gal comedy rock band Liquid Gold).

9:00 pm at The Slipper Room, 167 Orchard Street  (corner of Stanton Street); tickets are $5

NYC Comedy Picks for Wednesday 7/22/09

Margot Leitman (The Liar Show), Bishop & Douch (Big Terrific), and John Oliver (Totally J/K)

Tonight's recommendations for the best in New York City comedy

(in chronological order, with top picks noted and shows over $10 marked with $) include:

[TOP PICK] four superb storytellers—Margot Leitman (Conan O'Brien, VH1, Spike TV, co-host of sexy & funny Stripped Stories), Giulia Rozzi (VH1, Playgirl Magazine, other co-host of Stripped Stories), Mark Baltazar (The Moth; razor-sharp writer), and Peter Aguero (Conan O'Brien, The BTK Band)—joining host Andy Christie (The New York Times, Moth GrandSlam Champion) in trying to mislead the audience at The Liar Show (6:00 pm),

[FREE] six free hours of improvisation in The PIT's Super Free Wednesday (6:00 pm-midnight),

[TOP PICK] John Oliver (star correspondent of The Daily Show and genius stand-up comic), Hannibal Buress (Comedy Central, Craig Ferguson, concert film The Awkward Kings of Comedy), and Ross Hyzer joining hilarious hosts Joe Mande & Noah Garfinkel at Totally J/K (8:00 pm),

[TOP PICK] [FREE] Bishop & Douch (UK comedy stars visiting NYC this week), Jessi Klein (Comedy Central, VH1, NBC, CNN, Adult Swim, co-host of Punch Up Your Life), Charlie Sanders (genius storytelling one-man show Minnesota Muslim; Conan O'Brien, star improv troupes Reuben Williams and C, C + C Improv Factory), and DC Benny (Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central) at a free weekly Brooklyn extravaganza hosted by Jenny Slate, Gabe Liedman, and Max Silvestri: Big Terrific (8:00ish pm),

[FREE] world-class stand-up Christian Finnegan (three Comedy Central specials, commentator on MNBC's Countdown with Keith Oberman and VH1's Best Week Ever; Chappelle's Show, The Today Show) and other sharp stand-ups at a free weekly stand-up comedy show tonight hosted by Matt Maragno and the luminous & hilarious Margie Kment: Now We're Talking (8:00 pm),

[FREE] Dave Hill (one of the most original and hilariously sharp alternative comics in the country; The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Salon, HBO, VH1, MOJO TV's King of Miami, The Dave Hill Explosion), Jamie Lee (VH1, producer of Diamonds in the Fluff), Rob Gorden (sharp comedic storyteller), and more at a free weekly show hosted by Sharon "Mama" Spell: Shrink (8:00 pm),

world-class improvisor and utterly unique comic Eugene Cordero performing his special brand of silliness in a solo show, and a spoof of an old-style comedian advising newbies how to break into the biz from hilarious improvisor & sketch comic Gil Ozeri, in the double-bill Weird Birds and Buzzy Shore's Master Class in Comedy (9:30 pm),

[TOP PICK] [FREE] and a free, laid-back, and occasionally magical variety show where virtually anything can happen on a School Night (11:00).

The Liar Show

Four funny people tell amazing stories. Three of the tales are absolutely true...but one of them is a pack of lies. The audience then asks questions to try and identify the fibbers. Hosted by Andy Christie (The New York Times, 2007 Moth GrandSlam Champion, author of book I Wasn't Kidding).

Tonight's four superb yarn-spinners are

Margot Leitman (stellar storyteller, especially about sexual escapades; Late Night With Conan O'Brien, VH1, Spike TV; co-host of red-hot comedy show Stripped Stories; for Margot's fun reel, please click here),

Giulia Rozzi (VH1's Best Night Ever podcasts; monthly video series The Message Board, which makes fun of brides, on ComedyNet.com; the other co-host of red-hot comedy show Stripped Stories; written for Glamour Magazine, Bust, Playgirl Magazine; for a video sample, please click here),

Mark Baltazar (The Moth; razor-sharp writer), and

Peter Aguero (Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The BTK Band; for memorable appearance on Conan, please click here).

The Liar Show was a smash hit at last August's Edinburgh Festival, and is recommended.

Please note this show often sells out. To reserve tickets, please call (212) 989-9319.

6:00 pm at Cornelia Street Cafe, 29 Cornelia Street (between West 4th Street and Bleecker);

$10 ticket plus $7 one-drink minimum

Kurt Braunohler and Pat Shay

The PIT's Super Free Wednesday

For five hours every Wednesday, The PIT provides free shows featuring its improv house troupes. Party Lights and Ali Farahnakian kick things off at 6:00 pm; The Wilhelm and Tomahawk perform at 7:00 pm; Big Black Car and Mrs. Esterhouse go on at 8:00 pm; The Baldwins and Punch show their stuff at 9:00; and Halfbear and The Faculty (consisting of The PIT's superb improv instructors, including such talents as Ali Farahnakian, Kurt Braunohler, Ptolemy Slocum, Pat Shay, Kevin Scott, Chris Grace, and Rebekka Johnson) round out the evening at 10:00.

If you then feel sufficiently inspired, you can participate in the free show Improdome at 11:00 pm, which allows audience members to get on stage and improvise with each other in trios for 5-7 minute sets.

6:00 pm-midnight at The Peoples Improv Theater, 154 West 29th Street (off 7th Avenue); free

Totally J/K

Hosted by quick-witted best buds Noah Garfinkel and

Joe Mande, the 2008 ECNY Award winner for Best Emerging Comic.

(For dueling birthday videos, please click here and here; for their

recent appearance on The McLaughlin Group, please click here;

and for other videos, please click here and here.)

Tonight's thoroughly wonderful guests are

John Oliver (genius who's one of the very finest—and nicest—stand-up comics in the biz;

delightful & hilarious star news correspondent for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart;

superb hour-long Comedy Central special Terrifying Times; co-writer/star

of The Department for BBC Radio 4, and host/star of BBC stand-up radio show Political Animal),

Hannibal Buress (Comedy Central's Live at Gotham, Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson; concert film The Awkward Kings of Comedy), and

Ross Hyzer (23/6.com, host of NYC live extravaganza County Fair Comedy Show;

for stand-up videos, please click here and here).

8:00 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5

Visiting UK comedy stars Bishop & Douch...

...and Charlie Sanders and Jessi Klein...

...and hosts Gabe Liedman, Jenny Slate, and Max Silvestri

Big Terrific, hosted by Gabe Liedman, Jenny Slate, and Max Silvestri

Gabe Liedman & Jenny Slate (adorable and foul-mouthed comedy duo Gabe & Jenny; for Jenny's dating tips, please click here and here) and Max Silvestri (VH1's Best Week Ever, weekly podcast Best Night Ever, videos for 236.com) host this free weekly Brooklyn show.

Tonight's thoroughly wonderful guests are

Bishop & Douch (surreal & silly UK comedy duo visiting NYC this week; for video co-starring David Cross, please click here),

Jessi Klein (deliciously honest, brilliant, hilarious stand-up star—and with her smash hit Tuesday comedy show with Pete Holmes called Punch Up Your Life, also proving to be among the finest comedy hosts in NYC; Rolling Stones' comedy "Hot List;" Comedy Central's Premium Blend and Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn; VH1's Best Week Ever; NBC's The Today Show; CNN; The Showbiz Show with David Spade; voice of Lucy on Adult Swim's Lucy the Daughter of the Devil; for a video stand-up sample about which celebrity would save the most Jews, and on email etiquette, please click here and here),

Charlie Sanders (stellar storyteller with breathtakingly fresh, dynamic one-man show Minnesota Muslim; extraordinarily committed and hilarious comic who's performed over 40 sketch comedy routines on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and is a star member of world-class improv troupes Reuben Williams, Buffoons, and C, C + C Improv Factory—which won the 2008 Cage Match Improv Championship),

8:00ish pm at Cameo, 93 North 6th Street (behind Lovin' Cup) in Williamsburg Brooklyn; free

Take the L subway to Bedford Avenue and walk two blocks; between Berry & Wythe

Margie Kment and Christian Finnegan

Now We're Talking

This fun new weekly stand-up comedy show is hosted by luminous, enormously likeable, and razor-sharp Margie Kment (also host of the monthly comedy/theatre networking extravaganza Hold for the Laughs), and character-based comic Matt Maragno.

Tonight's terrific stand-up guests are

Christian Finnegan (two Comedy Central Presents half-hour specials and recent hour-long Comedy Central special Au Contraire; commentator on MNBC's Countdown with Keith Oberman and VH1's Best Week Ever; Chappelle's Show, The Today Show, host of TVLand's Game Time, former staff writer for Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn; comedy CD Two For Flinching;  for stand-up videos on how to get rid of a boring  guy and what your movie choices say about you, please click here and here),

and Molly Knefel, Sean Crespo, Christian Polanco, Johnny Deluxe, and Ben Kissel.

8:00 pm at Rodeo Bar, 375 Third Avenue (corner of 27th Street); free

Dave Hill and Jamie Lee...

Sharon Spell

Shrink

This free weekly show features a mix of comedic storytelling, stand-up, and sketch.

Tonight's superb comedy guests are

Dave Hill (one of the most original and hilariously sharp alternative comics in the country; written for The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Salon, HBO, and the eerie Web site Black Metal Dialogues; written & starred in MOJO TV's King of Miami; written and performed for VH1, Spike TV, The Learning Channel, and Smoking Gun TV; interviewed on This American Life; hosts monthly UCBT live comedy extravaganza The Dave Hill Explosion—for sample videos, please click here),

Jamie Lee (VH1.com's Best Night Ever; producer of monthly NYC live comedy show for shelter animals Diamonds in the Fluff; Archers of Ha, Collegehumor.com; writer for Life & Style Magazine's "Fashion Slip-ups"),

Rob Gorden (sharp comedic storyteller; former co-host of Spike TV's Geek-Ray Vision and NYC's The Rob and Mark Show; for flat-rate phone sex service ad, please click here),

and Jennifer Glick, Sagar Bhatt, and Andy Hendrickson.

Hosted by Sharon "Mama" Spell.

8:00 pm at Otto's Shrunken Head, 538 East 14th Street (between Avenues A and B); free

Eugene Cordero

Eugene Cordero: Weird Birds  and Gil Ozeri: Buzzy Shore's Master Class in Comedy

Two one-man shows from brilliant comedic talents for a mere five bucks.

Eugene Cordero is a world-class improvisor who performs in troupes Reuben Williams, The Buffoons, and the Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company. Tonight, however, Eugene goes scripted & solo, pretending to be a variety of oddballs performing at a shabby open mic show. There are bumps and lags, and the pacing is unusual for a comedy show; but if you're patient, and willing to enter into Eugene's special world, expect fun. Directed by genius UCBT-NY Artistic Director Anthony King.

The double-bill then continues with Gil Ozeri, who's performed on Saturday Night Live, is a stellar member of ace improv/sketch troupe Hot Sauce, and is an animator who created Team Gibba. Tonight Gil performs a one-man show that parodies old-fashioned coaches who teach comics how to break into the comedy business. Gil is great, but his script is rough, full of material that plays at being offensive but just doesn't hit the mark—in part because it's way over the top while the target of its satire, "Buzzy Shore," isn't exactly a major problem nowadays. (Plus where's the affection for comedy, and comedy traditions, that's made immense talents such as Gil devote their lives to it?) That said, it's always wonderful to see Gil on stage; and a sketch with Gil as a baby who doesn't want his picture taken is worth the trip all by itself. Directed by the wonderful John Flynn (Showgirls: The Best Movie Ever Made. Ever!, John Flynn Has Terrible Sex, The Nights of Our Lives).

9:30 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5

Justin Purnell

School Night

Host Justin Purnell (The Colbert Report) provides a mix of guests who perform stand-up, improv, sketch, and occasionally acts that defy categorization. The level of talent can vary wildly—but for some (like me), that's part of the laid-back fun.

Come support the experimentation, and periodic magical surprises,

that this uniquely organic rollercoaster of a show makes possible.

Please note that while it costs nothing to get in, if you have a good time (which is likely), you should drop a dollar or two into the contribution bucket on your way out. It's the only way this beloved show—which has been running for over five years—can stay alive as a vibrant showcase.

11:00 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); free

NYC Comedy Picks for Thursday 7/23/09

Kristen Schaal & Kurt Braunohler (Hot Tub Variety), The Bishop & Douch Invasion, and Neil Casey (Cage Match)

Tonight's recommendations for the best in New York City comedy

(in chronological order, with top picks noted and shows over $10 marked with $) include:

[TOP PICK] a much-beloved LES comedy show now enjoying a weekly run at UCBT, with typically stellar comedy guests, and full of fresh, inventive inventive sketch comedy from two of the sharpest & most respected comics in NYC, Kristen Schaal & Kurt Braunohler, as they host their Hot Tub Variety Show (8:00 pm),

sharp improvisors directed by James Eason "take an audience suggestion and break it into a million funny pieces" in The Deconstruction (8:00 pm),

clever wordplay, conceptual comedy, and relentless silliness—applied to a parody of the already-goofy film Con Air—from sketch troupe Elephant Larry (8:00 pm),

[TOP PICK] movie & TV comedy superstar Janeane Garofalo hosting this show featuring superb stand-up comics, with guests Jessi Klein, Tom McCaffrey, AD Miles, Nathan Fielder, and tonight's co-host Paul Dinello, all at the 92YTribeca comedy showcase Comedy Below Canal (9:30 pm),

sketch duo Leah Rudick & Katie Hartman perform a show they'll be presenting to the world next month at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival: Skinny Bitch Jesus Meeting (9:30 pm),

[TOP PICK] visiting UK comedy stars Bishop & Douch demonstrate their famed surreal & silly brand of humor, with stellar sketch comedy guests Kristen Schaal & Kurt Braunohler, plus often surreal stand-up Patrick Borelli, at this one-night-only event: The Bishop & Douch Invasion (9:30 pm),

[TOP PICK] and two vibrant improv troupes, Death by Roo Roo and Veal, in a battle to win audience laughs & votes at the raucous Cage Match (11:00 pm).

NYC comedy royalty Kristen Schaal & Kurt Braunohler

Hot Tub Variety Show

Hot Tub Variety is a beloved comedy show which ran for years to huge audiences in the Lower East Side. It's now drawing even larger crowds for its new weekly run on Thursdays at UCBT, hosted by two phenomenally talented writer/performers:

Kristen Schaal (lovely, brilliant, breathtakingly talented writer/actress/comic;

thoroughly delightful correspondent and shining star on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart;

co-star of HBO's Flight of the Conchords; writer for MTV's Human Giant;

AMC's Mad Men; upcoming feature film Cirque du Freak (with Salma Hayek);

co-star of Web & upcoming UK TV series Penelope: Princess of Pets; winner of numerous comedy awards, including the prestigious 2nd Annual Andy Kaufman Award and the 2008 ECNY Award for Best Female Stand-Up; to read about Kristen's killer set headlining at Comix, please click here) and

Kurt Braunohler (Kristen's frequent comedy partner, performing  sketches that are hilariously indescribable; Comedy Central; co-star of Web & upcoming UK TV series Penelope, Princess of Pets, for which Kurt won the 2008 ECNY Award as Best Director).

Tonight's guests haven't been announced, but they're usually include some of the finest comedic talents in the country.

And even if there were no guests, it's well worth coming to watch Kristen & Kurt try clown around with new sketch material.

Also be sure to come to the show directly after this one, in which Kristen & Kurt team up with a renowned sketch duo from the UK.

8:00 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5

James Eason

The Deconstruction

Sharp improvisors, some of whom are former members of legendary improv troupe Mother, "take an audience suggestion and break it into a million funny pieces." This new comedy group consists of Frank Bonomo, Paul W. Downs, Jesse Falcon, Jessica Elaina Eason, Alan Fessenden, Rachel Hamilton, Louis Kornfeld, Alex Marino, Doug Moe, Chet Siegel, Lauren Strope, and is directed by James Eason.

8:00 pm at The Magnet Theatre, 254 West 29th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5

Elephant Larry Presents Con Air

Elephant Larry (above) is a NYC-based sketch group consisting of Geoff Haggerty, Stefan Lawrence, Chris Principe, Jeff Solomon, and Alex Zalben (former artistic director of  The PIT, co-host of the fabulous Comic Book Club, and co-producer of the spectacular annual SketchFest NYC). The troupe specializes in conceptual humor, silliness, and wordplay—for example, demonstrating that a caveman and the Cookie Monster sound remarkably alike when saying such things as "Me have problem with subject/verb placement..." For videos about a sci-fi version of Beckett and using Adobe Photoshop, please click here and here.

Tonight's show revolves around an already-goofy movie, the 1997 Jerry Bruckheimer blockbuster Con Air. The guys clearly love the film, though, and if anything pay too much respect to it via sketches that parody scenes you might not remember even if you've seen Con Air recently. I'd prefer the smart, witty, observant guys of this troupe set their sights higher than an easily forgettable airplane flick; but it's always nice to see them performing on stage...and particularly in wigs and dresses.

8:00 pm at The Peoples Improv Theater, 154 West 29th Street (off 7th Avenue); tickets are $8

Janeane Garofalo and Jessi Klein

Comedy Below Canal: Janeane Garofalo, Jessi Klein, and More

Janeane Garofalo is quite simply, one of the most influential and beloved comics of our time—no matter how much she gripes or pretends otherwise. Most recently, Janeane was co-host of The Majority Report on Air America Radio and co-star of the FOX's hit series 24. Janeane's also a frequent guest on cable king Keith Olbermann's Countdown on MSNBC (patiently explaining why far-right Republicans can't be judged too harshly because they all suffer from malformed brains...). Sample quote: "I guess I just prefer to see the dark side of things. The glass is always half empty. And cracked. And I just cut my lip on it. And chipped a tooth." For two decades of breathtakingly impressive credits, please click here.

Tonight Janeane hosts with stand-up Paul Dinello, welcoming comedy guests Jessi Klein, Tom McCaffrey, AD Miles, and Nathan Fielder.

For more info and/or to order tickets, please click here.

9:00 pm at 92YTribeca Mainstage, 200 Hudson Street (intersection of Canal & Hudson Streets); $12

Take the 1/6/E subway to Canal Street stop

Visiting UK comedy stars Bishop & Douch

The Bishop & Douch Invasion

Bishop & Douch are UK comedy sketch comedy duo James Bishop & Chris Douch (rhymes with "couch"), who are acclaimed for their surreal & silly brand of humor, which can be seen via numerous comedy videos they've created—for example, for a twisted version of a Sesame Street theme co-starring David Cross, please click here; and for a bunch of other videos, please visit FunnyOrDie.co.uk/bishopanddouch. For an interview with the guys, please click here.

Tonight these Web stars perform live on stage, with stellar sketch comedy guests

Kristen Schaal (lovely, brilliant, breathtakingly talented writer/actress/comic;

thoroughly delightful correspondent and shining star on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart;

co-star of HBO's Flight of the Conchords; writer for MTV's Human Giant;

AMC's Mad Men; upcoming feature film Cirque du Freak (with Salma Hayek);

co-star of Web & upcoming UK TV series Penelope: Princess of Pets; winner of numerous comedy awards, including the prestigious 2nd Annual Andy Kaufman Award and the 2008 ECNY Award for Best Female Stand-Up; to read about Kristen's killer set headlining at Comix, please click here) and

Kurt Braunohler (Kristen's frequent comedy partner, performing  sketches that are hilariously indescribable; Comedy Central; co-star of Web & upcoming UK TV series Penelope, Princess of Pets, for which Kurt won the 2008 ECNY Award as Best Director).

plus often surreal stand-up

Patrick Borelli (Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central's Premium Blend, ESPN's Cheap Seats, writer for Adult Swim's Assy McGee, SuperDeluxe's Thunderpoint, Video Power Hour, co-author of book Holy Headshot!).

This is a one-night-only event.

Do the words "don't miss this" even need to be said?

9:30 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5

Skinny Bitch Jesus Meeting

Sketch duo Leah Rudick & Katie Hartman (headliners at the 2009 Ladies Are Funny Festival) are performing a show at this August's Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Come enjoy the gals test the show out tonight. The official description: "From the womb of a beautiful fish-beast these two ladies were spawned. They suckled upon the cement bosom of New York Titty, learning to laugh while eating broken glass. A sketch comedy show that turns daisies into daggers and filth into fancy."

9:30 pm at The Peoples Improv Theater, 154 West 29th Street (off 7th Avenue); tickets are $5

vs.

Cage Match: Death by Roo Roo vs. Veal

This delightful show pits two improv teams against each other while creating the

atmosphere of a professional wrestling arena—and providing such side-shows

as a bout to the death between guys costumed as an alcoholic wolf and TV's Alf.

(For a spirited weekly report on the wrestling aspect of Cage Match, please click here.)

This season's champion, with 14 wins and counting, is arguably the gutsiest improv troupe in NYC—Death by Roo Roo, consisting of uniformly brilliant comics Anthony Atamanuik, Neil Casey, John Gemberling, Curtis Gwinn, Gil Ozeri, Adam Pally, and Gavin Speiller.

DBRR was by far the winning-est group last season, trouncing 17 troupes in a row—handily breaking the previous Cage Match winning streak record of 14 set by Optimist International in 2002! It went on to win last season's Cage Match Championship with breathtaking skill and comedic grace. And it's repeating history this season, steamrolling over opponents with apparent ease—though last week was a relative squeaker, with formidable opponent Rogue Elephant nabbing 96 votes to DBRR's 111.

Tonight's contender is Veal, which will pose a new kind of challenge: It's a musical improv troupe that not only makes up scenes, but also lyrics and music to bring them to glorious life. The group says it "loves making up songs together, especially about love, death, San Francisco, and raping." Its members consist of Kristin Aldrich, Doug Gordon, Ashley Hale, Abby Holland, Jason Nettle, Susan Pickover, Christopher Scott, and Andrew Weiss, with improv piano accompaniment from the wonderful Frank Spitznagel.

Will the audience prefer the tough, street-smart Roo Roo, or a group who charms with tuneful rhymes?

There's no telling what'll happen...which is one of the great pleasures of this extravaganza.

This show is sold out of seats; but if you're okay with standing, come and enjoy with a boisterous packed house.

11:00 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5

NYC Comedy Picks for Friday 7/24/09

About Last Night: Special kudos to Thursday's Cage Match for putting on one of the greatest shows I ever expect to see. Musical improv troupe Veal delivered a wonderful series of scenes & songs about airplanes, and proved it deserves more appearances on the UCBT stage. And much love always to hosts Ben Rodgers and Eric Scott. But an extra special acknowledgement goes to the almost superhuman skill, timing, and comedic mastery displayed by last night's Death by Roo Roo improv focused on, of all things, a bake-off, from Curtis Gwinn, Gavin Speiller, John Gemberling, Adam Pally, and Gil Ozeri. Guys, you are all superstars.

John Oliver (Headlining at Comix), Eric Scott & Ben Rodgers (Beneath Gristedes), and Bon Voyage, Cassidy Henehan (Too Cool for School)

Tonight's recommendations for the best in New York City comedy

(in chronological order, with top picks noted and shows over $10 marked with $) include:

[TOP PICK] [$] John Oliver, the star correspondent of The Daily Show and a genius stand-up, will demonstrate why he's universally considered one of the finest comics alive tonight through Sunday as he delivers a deliciously long set Headlining at Comix (8:00 pm & 10:30 pm),

[TOP PICK] [FREE] a blow-out farewell to this weekly free show's co-host, Cassidy Henehan, with stellar stand-ups Baron Vaughn, Sean Patton, and Jesse Pop, superb sketch comedy troupes Bishop & Douch and The Straightmen, and sexy & hilarious singer/songwriter Shayna Ferm, in Brooklyn at Nick Turner's Too Cool for School: Bon Voyage, Cassidy Henehan (8:00 pm),

[FREE] superb stand-ups Claudia Cogan, Pat Dixon, and Danny Solomon answering personal questions on stage at Matt Ruby's & Mark Normand's We're All Friends Here (8:00 pm),

NYC stand-up comics Allison Castillo (Comedy Central's Premium Blend, MTV), Giulia Rozzi (VH1, Playgirl Magazine, co-host of Stripped Stories), Eddie Sarfaty (Comedy Central's Premium Blend, Logo's Wisecrack), Jason Saft (here! TV's Hot Gay Comics), and more at a gay-themed comedy show hosted by Jenny Rubin: The Back Room (9:00 pm),

[TOP PICK] some of the finest improv in NYC from the comedy genius members of The Stepfathers (9:30 pm),

singing improvisors who use an interview with an audience member to craft The Made-Up Musical (10:30 pm),

[TOP PICK] top UCBT talents—including Neil Casey, Eugene Cordero, Sue Galloway, Curtis Gwinn, Anthony King, Kate McKinnon, Adam Pally, Ben Rodgers, Charlie Sanders, Eric Scott, Gavin Speiller, and Caitlin Tegart—writing and/or performing sketch comedy Beneath Gristedes (11:00 pm),

[FREE] and a free opportunity for you to perform sketch on the UCBT stage at Liquid Courage (12:20ish am).

John Oliver: Headlining at Comix

John Oliver is a comedy genius who's one of the very finest—and nicest—stand-ups in the biz. John's also a delightful & hilarious star news correspondent for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart; a comedic actor who appears in a comedy pilot just picked up by NBC; the creator of the superb hour-long Comedy Central special Terrifying Times; the co-writer/star

of The Department for BBC Radio 4; and host/star of BBC stand-up radio show Political Animal.

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy one of the sharpest and funniest comics alive
performing a deliciously long set.

This spectacular comedy club show is $35 tonight, or $30 for Saturday or Sunday if you buy today online.

Please note there's also a two-item minimum;

with tax & tip, figure on spending an additional $13 or up.

8:00 pm & 10:30 pm at Comix, 353 West 14th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues);

tickets are $35 tonight, $30 Saturday or Sunday if you buy today online, plus 2-item food/drink minimum

Baron Vaughn, Bishop & Douch, and Shayna Ferm...

...and Cassidy Henehan and Sean Patton

Too Cool For School: Bon Voyage, Cassidy Henehan

This free weekly Brooklyn comedy show is hosted by

Cassidy Henehan (for very long video attempt to break a bottle over a guy's head post-Katrina, please click here) and

Nick Turner (VH1, ESPN; for video about how to spend an inheritance, please click here).

Last week the show has a gala roast for Cassidy. And tonight is his last show, as he's headed for fame and fortune beyond NYC.

Bidding him a fond farewell as some of the finest comics in both NYC and the UK:

Shayna Ferm (brilliant, hilarious singer/songwriter; member of world-class sketch group Fearsome; comedic music album Blonde; for samples of Shay's songs, please click here),

Baron Vaughn (smoking-hot rising star comic, with lightning-fast mind and enormous charisma; NBC's Teachers, Comedy Central's Live at Gotham, MTV's The Gamekillers, VH1's Awesomely Oversexed and Best Week Ever, co-star of NYC live political comedy show Shoot the Messenger; feature film Cloverfield, concert film The Awkward Kings of Comedy to air on Comedy Central; for a radio interview, please click here; for stand-up videos about the KKK and cell phones, please click here and here).

Bishop & Douch (UK comedy sketch comedy duo James Bishop & Chris Douch (rhymes with "couch"), who are acclaimed for their surreal & silly brand of humor, which can be seen via numerous comedy videos they've created—for example, for a twisted version of a Sesame Street theme co-starring David Cross, please click here; and for a bunch of other videos, please visit FunnyOrDie.co.uk/bishopanddouch; for an interview with the guys, please click here),

Sean Patton (VH1, 2008 Montreal Just for Laughs Festival, LES' The Tommy Danger Show, founder of the New Orleans Comedy Festival; for stand-up audio clip about vitamin-coated condoms, please click here; for stand-up videos about drugs & weapons and Sean's crackhead aunt, please click here and here),

Jesse Popp (Comedy Central's Premium Blend, co-host of weekly NYC live stand-up show Beauty Bar Comedy for 7 years running), and

The StraightMen (sketch troupe consisting of stand-up comics Mike Ennis, Rob O'Reilly, and Barry Rothbart; for video about a robot roommate, please click here).

This is likely to be way fun...and it's free. Come and enjoy.

8:00 pm at Coco 66, 66 Greenpoint Avenue in Brooklyn; free

Take the G subway to Greenpoint Avenue stop

Pat Dixon and Claudia Cogan

We're All Friends Here

Matt Ruby (host of monthly NYC live comedy extravaganza Flying Carpet)

and Mark Normand emcee this new NYC show in which stand-up comics perform...

and then are asked personal questions on stage!!

Tonight's superb guests are

Claudia Cogan (MTV, Logo Network, here! TV, Sirius OutQ; for stand-up video about Claudia's aspirations to be a stripper, please click here; for video about her being unemployed, please click here),

Pat Dixon (Comedy Central Presents half-hour special, Comedy Central's Premium Blend,

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, E!, FOX, syndicated movie reviews on radio), and

Danny Solomon (for stand-up video about the price of NYC drinks, please click here).

8:00 pm at The Creek and The Cave, 10-93 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, Queens; free

From Manhattan, take the #7 subway to the Vernon Boulevard-Jackson Avenue stop (one stop after Grand Central); exit on Jackson Avenue and walk one block north to 49th Avenue

Jenny Rubin, Paul Case, Shawn Hollenbach, and Giulia Rozzi

The Back Room

Gay-themed comedy (with both gay & straight comics)

hosted by the charming Jenny Rubin (WE TV’s Cinematherapy and The Gutter).

Tonight's stand-up guests are

Giulia Rozzi (VH1's Best Night Ever podcasts; monthly video series The Message Board, which makes fun of brides, on ComedyNet.com; the other co-host of red-hot comedy show Stripped Stories; written for Glamour Magazine, Bust, Playgirl Magazine; for a video sample, please click here),

Allison Castillo (Comedy Central's Premium Blend, MTV),

Eddie Sarfaty (Comedy Central's Premium Blend, Logo's Wisecrack), and

Jason Saft (here! TV's Hot Gay Comics),

plus

Back Room co-producer Paul Case (MTV, D-Listed Radio, here! TV's Bent) and

Back Room co-producer Shawn Hollenbach (here! TV's Busted).

9:00 pm at Ochi's Lounge at Comix, 353 West 14th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues);

no cover, 1 drink or food item minimum (e.g., draft beer for $4-$5)

Back: Zach Woods, Bobby Moynihan, Andy Secunda, Michael Delaney, and Shannon O'Neil

Front: Chris Gethard, Silvija Ozols, and Will Hines

The Stepfathers

Some of the smartest & finest improv comics in NYC—Michael Delaney,

Chris Gethard, Will Hines, Bobby Moynihan, Shannon O'Neill, Silvija Ozols,

Andy Secunda, and Zach Woods—make up a series of scenes from a one-word audience suggestion.

Just to give you a feel for the talent involved, Delaney and Secunda are members of legendary improv troupe The Swarm; Gethard is a storytelling genius; and Moynihan (who still comes by on Fridays when he can steal the time) since 2008 is a stellar cast member of Saturday Night Live.

With art and grace, these quick-witted comedy stars will make you laugh—a lot.

9:30 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $10

The Made-Up Musical

Veteran improvisor John O'Donnell is accompanied

by a rotating cast that might include such superb talents as

Tara Copeland, Scott Glover, Alex Marino, Louis Kornfeld,

 Jessica Allen, Robin Rothman, and Megan Gray

—and with Frank Spitznagel on piano—

turn an interview with an audience member

into a musical they make up on the spot.

10:30 pm at The Magnet Theatre, 254 West 29th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $7

Beneath Gristedes

Some of UCBT's finest performers—Eugene Cordero, Sue Galloway, Kate McKinnon, Adam Pally, Ben Rodgers, Charlie Sanders, and Gavin Speiller—deliver sketch comedy in one of the most acclaimed and magical theatres in the world...which happens to be a basement underneath a Gristedes supermarket.

The sketches were written by Neil Casey, Dan Gregor, Dan Gurewitch, Curtis Gwinn, Anthony King, Eric Scott, Nate Smith, and Caitlin Tegart. And the entire show was directed by Will Hines.

11:00 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5

Liquid Courage

The ultimate in audience participation: any group can submit a sketch and perform it!

If all you want is to be entertained, this show probably isn't a good choice.

But if you'd like to act on the UCBT stage, and/or have your sketch writing judged by an exceptionally savvy audience, this is a golden opportunity.

Sign-up begins at 10:30 pm and runs till 11:45 pm; sketches will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's wise to arrive early. For a complete list of the rules, please click here.

12:20ish am at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); free

NYC Comedy Picks for Saturday 7/25/09

John Oliver (Headlining at Comix), Curtis Gwinn (Death by Roo Roo), and Sean Donnelly (Lil' Seany Boy)

Tonight's recommendations for the best in New York City comedy

(in chronological order, with top picks noted and shows over $10 marked with $) include:

[TOP PICK] a blowout celebration of the one-year anniversary of this show, with top NYC comics Kumail Nanjiani (staff writer of Comedy Central's Michael & Michael Have Issues; Saturday Night Live, The Colbert Report, Jimmy Kimmel; winner of the 2009 ECNY Awards for Best Male Stand-Up), Hannibal Buress (Comedy Central, Craig Ferguson, concert film The Awkward Kings of Comedy), Sean Patton (VH1, Montreal Comedy Festival), Nate Bargatze (Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central), Becky Donohue (Comedy Central), and sketch duo Team Submarine joining hosts Pat Stango, Blaine Perry, and Sean Donnelly at Lil' Seany Boy (7:00 pm),

[TOP PICK] star improvisation from writers & performers at 30 Rock, The Colbert Report,

and The Daily Show joyously declaring Let's Have a Ball (7:30 pm),

[TOP PICK] [$] John Oliver, the star correspondent of The Daily Show and a genius stand-up, will demonstrate why he's universally considered one of the finest comics alive tonight and Sunday as he delivers a deliciously long set Headlining at Comix (8:00 pm & 10:30 pm),

[TOP PICK] one of my all-time favorite improv troupes—which in 2008 broke the UCBT improv competition record for winning streaks with 17 triumphs in a row, and this year delivered a magnificent performance to capture the Cage Match Championship—the brilliant and daring members of Death by Roo Roo (9:00 pm),

[TOP PICK] [$] Ted Greenberg (Emmy-winning David Letterman writer) performing a fun, quick-paced theatrical comedy show—complete with audience rides home!—at The Complete Performer (9:00 pm),

organic & energetic improv by the four guys of 4 Track! (9:00 pm),

[TOP PICK] inventive & hilarious sketch comedy from The Harvard Sailing Team (9:30 pm),

[TOP PICK] improvised furious action from world-class troupe Reuben Williams (10:30 pm),

vibrant improv from acclaimed trio Statues of Liberty (10:30 pm),

[$] and a provocative comedy star who's written for Richard Pryor, Red Foxx, and Saturday Night Live, and performed on Chappelle's Show and David Letterman, headlining at Carolines: Paul Mooney (12:30 am).

Sean Donnelly and Kumail Nanjiani...

...and Hannibal Buress and Sean Patton...

...and Becky Donohue and Team Submarine...

...and Blaine Perry & Pat Stango

Lil' Seany Boy

Sean Donnelly (XM Radio; co-host of weekly NYC open mic live comedy show Ochi's Motel; member of sketch comedy & funny short film troupe Don't Touch Me There; for a stand-up video, please click here) emcees this showcase for sharp stand-ups with best buds

Blaine Perry & Pat Stango (hosts of NYC comedy show Don't Touch Me There).

Tonight is a gala celebration of this show's one-year anniversary. The stellar comedy guests include:

Kumail Nanjiani (red-hot rising stand-up star; staff writer of Comedy Central's Michael & Michael Have Issues; appeared on Saturday Night Live, and repeatedly on The Colbert Report; Comedy Central's The Hot List and Open Mic Fight; co-host of monthly NYC live comedy show Game Bros. Live!; winner of the 2009 ECNY Awards for both Best Male Stand-Up and Best One-Person Show (Unpronounceable; for my review, please click here); to get a feel for Kumail's style, please check out his very funny stand-up about the dark side of video games, odd memories, and the many ways cell phones are eliminated in horror films by clicking here),

Hannibal Buress (Comedy Central's Live at Gotham, Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson; concert film The Awkward Kings of Comedy),

Sean Patton (VH1, 2008 Montreal Just for Laughs Festival, LES' The Tommy Danger Show, founder of the New Orleans Comedy Festival; for stand-up audio clip about vitamin-coated condoms, please click here; for stand-up videos about drugs & weapons and Sean's crackhead aunt, please click here and here),

Nate Bargatze (Nashville-born comic; Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central's Live at Gotham, Montreal Just for Laughs Festival; for his Conan set, please click here),

Becky Donohue (Comedy Central's Premium Blend, Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, and Shorties Watchin' Shorties; TLC's Trading Spaces; Fashion Police writer for US Weekly), and

Team Submarine (comedy duo Nate Fernald & Steve O'Brien who were one of the highlights of last year's SketchFest NYC 08; perform very smartly written dialogues, delivered with a crisp timing and comfortable camaraderie).

7:00 pm at Ochi's Lounge at Comix, 353 West 14th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues)

no cover, 1 drink or food item minimum (e.g., draft beer for $4-$5)

Anthony King, Scott Adsit, Christina Gausas, and Tami Sagher

Let's Have a Ball

Some of the sharpest writers and performers in NYC get together for long-form improv fun.

Among the players often performing are Scott Adsit (cast member of 30 Rock, and co-director & cast member of Adult Swim's brilliant & Emmy-winning Moral Orel), Kay Cannon (writer for 30 Rock), Christina Gausas (Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Stepfathers, Dorff & Gausas), Anthony King (UCBT-NY Artistic Director, Reuben Williams, Gutenberg! The Musical), Laura Krafft (writer for The Colbert Report), and Tami Sagher (writer for 30 Rock; writer and producer for Mad TV 2001-2006).

7:30 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $10

John Oliver: Headlining at Comix

John Oliver is a comedy genius who's one of the very finest—and nicest—stand-ups in the biz. John's also a delightful & hilarious star news correspondent for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart; a comedic actor who appears in a comedy pilot just picked up by NBC; the creator of the superb hour-long Comedy Central special Terrifying Times; the co-writer/star

of The Department for BBC Radio 4; and host/star of BBC stand-up radio show Political Animal.

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy one of the sharpest and funniest comics alive
performing a deliciously long set.

This spectacular comedy club show is $35 tonight, or $30 for Sunday if you buy today online.

Please note there's also a two-item minimum;

with tax & tip, figure on spending an additional $13 or up.

8:00 pm & 10:30 pm at Comix, 353 West 14th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues);

tickets are $35 tonight, $30 Sunday if you buy today online, plus 2-item food/drink minimum

Death by Roo Roo: Your F*cked Up Family

Arguably the gutsiest improv troupe in NYC, and unquestionably among the finest groups in improv history, the brilliant comics of Death by Roo Roo—Anthony Atamanuik, Neil Casey, John Gemberling, Curtis Gwinn, Gil Ozeri, Adam Pally, and Gavin Speiller—interview an audience member about family and then act out his or her life story via improvised scenes. These winners of the prestigious 2009 Cage Match Championship are always razor-sharp, sometimes scary, and usually hilarious.

9:00 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $10

Ted Greenberg: The Complete Performer

It would be hard to go wrong with a show from Ted Greenberg, the Emmy Award winning writer for seven seasons of Late Night with David Letterman. So it's not surprising this 30-minute act was a hit at this year's FringeNYC, often selling out performances.

The Complete Performer is a parody of typical NYC acts in small venues—improv, mind reading, card tricks, playing with the audience. It's essentially a comedy club act, but with gags in place of standard jokes. (If you're okay with having surprises spoiled, you can get a feel for Ted's approach by clicking here.)

Come enjoy quirky laughs from this seasoned pro; and hang out afterwards to chat with Ted, who's one of the friendliest Emmy winners you're ever likely to meet...and even promises to drive some audience members home!

Tickets are $15 at the door, or $15.50 online using discount code STIX (otherwise $18).

9:00 pm at Soho Playhouse, 15 Vandam Street (between 6th Avenue & Varick); tickets are $15

4 Track!

Springboarding from a word suggested by the audience,

George Basil, Frank Campanella, Christian Capozzoli, and Matt Evans

perform organic & energetic long-form improv for about 40 minutes.

Basil is a stand-out, but they're all sharp, committed improvisors.

There's also a warm chemistry between the men, which is especially evident

if you arrive early to watch them getting ready on stage: They toss a ball

back and forth, and then toss each other back and forth...sending

a body message of "If you throw an improv concept at me, you can trust me

to not let it drop..." One of the Magnet's most popular shows.

9:00 pm at The Magnet Theatre, 254 West 29th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5

The Harvard Sailing Team

The Harvard Sailing Team, which won the 2008 ECNY Award for Best Sketch Comedy Group,

performs their special brand of fresh, imaginative comedy

that turns familiar rituals on their head. (For a video about awkward goodbyes

at the end of a party, please click here.) The very talented troupe consists of

Rebecca Brey, Jen Curran, Clayton Early, Faryn Einhorn, Katie Larson,

Adam Lustick, Chris Smith, Billy Scafuri, and Sara Taylor.

9:30 pm at The Peoples Improv Theater, 154 West 29th Street (off 7th Avenue); tickets are $10

Reuben Williams Attacks!

Anthony King demonstrates that in addition to running UCBT-NY brilliantly, he's a superb improvisor and actor. Joining him are stellar talents Eugene Cordero, Porter Mason, Lennon Parham, Ben Rodgers, Charlie Sanders, Eric Scott, Kate Spencer, Charlie Todd, and Joe Wengert. These improv stars tonight let "the gloves come off in a show that will give you a bloody nose from laughing so hard, and a bruise on your knee from slapping it the way people do when they laugh...Come get your head blown off as some of NYC's funniest improvisers attack the stage."

10:30 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $10

Statues of Liberty

Statues of Liberty is a 3-man improv troupe Nick Kanellis, Peter McNerney, and Russ Armstrong. Their experience ranges from iO Chicago to Second City Chicago to Northwestern University, and according to the show's description "gushes with characters, visceral drama, lightning bolt organic transitions, and awesome energy and fearlessness." A Time Out New York Critics Pick.

10:30 pm at The Magnet Theatre, 254 West 29th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5

Paul Mooney: Headlining at Carolines

Fire-tongued comedy star Paul Mooney's numerous credits include writing for Richard Pryor, Saturday Night Live, and In Living Color, and performing on Late Show with David Letterman and Chappelle's Show. For video samples, please click here and here.

This New York comedy club show has a $31 cover plus two-drink minimum (with tax & tip, figure another $13 or up).

To order tickets, please click here and then click the Buy Now button for the evening you want. (Mooney is headlining at Carolines tonight through Sunday.)

12:30 am at Carolines, 1626  Broadway (between 49th and 50th Streets);

$31 ticket plus two-drink minimum

NYC Comedy Picks for Sunday 7/26/09

John Oliver completes his spectacular three-evening comedy club run tonight Headlining at Comix

Tonight's recommendations for the best in New York City comedy

(in chronological order, with top picks noted and shows over $10 marked with $) include:

[TOP PICK] [$] John Oliver, the star correspondent of The Daily Show and a genius stand-up, demonstrating why he's universally considered one of the finest comics alive as he delivers a deliciously long set during this final evening of his run Headlining at Comix (7:30 pm),

[TOP PICK] [FREE] UCBT's playground for celebrities and ace improvisors,

ASSSSCAT 3000 (paid show at 7:30 pm, free show at 9:30 pm),

typically superb stand-ups at a weekly LES show hosted by Greg Johnson & Jacqueline Novak: The Comedians (7:30 pm),

[TOP PICK] [FREE] Sean Patton (VH1, Montreal Comedy Festival), Helen Hong (Comedy Central, TLC), Sean Donnelly (XM Radio; host of Lil' Seany Boy and co-host of Ochi's Motel), Matt Goldich (Comedy Central, VH1), and Phil Hanley (Vancouver's The Comedy Network) at RG Daniels' free Sunday Night Stand-Up (8:00 pm),

[TOP PICK] Ben Lerman hosting a group of sharp comics—Mo Rocca, Andrew W.K., Keith & the Girl, Myka Fox, and Rev Jen-—at a new East Village version of a classic game show: Match Game Live (8:00 pm),

[FREE] stand-ups Michael Kosta and John F. O'Donnell, and comedy group Ronald Reagan,performing at Vince Averill's & Jesse Popp's free stand-up show Beauty Bar Comedy (9:00 pm),

[$] a provocative comedy star who's written for Richard Pryor, Red Foxx, and Saturday Night Live, and performed on Chappelle's Show and David Letterman, headlining at Carolines: Paul Mooney (10:00 pm),

[FREE] and Kate McKinnon (brilliant rising star sketch comic & stand-up; cast member for three seasons and counting on Logo's Big Gay Sketch Show), Jodie Wasserman (Comedy Central), and Adam Lehman & Michael Brill (Here! TV's Hot Gay Comics) at a free gay-themed show hosted by Brad Loekle: Electro Shock Therapy Comedy Hour (10:00 pm).

John Oliver: Headlining at Comix

John Oliver is a comedy genius who's one of the very finest—and nicest—stand-ups in the biz. John's also a delightful & hilarious star news correspondent for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart; a comedic actor who appears in a comedy pilot just picked up by NBC; the creator of the superb hour-long Comedy Central special Terrifying Times; the co-writer/star

of The Department for BBC Radio 4; and host/star of BBC stand-up radio show Political Animal.

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy one of the sharpest and funniest comics alive
performing a deliciously long set.

This comedy club show is $35. Last night's two performances both sold out—and were spectacular—so it's a good idea to buy in advance online.

Please note there's also a two-item minimum;

with tax & tip, figure on spending an additional $13 or up.

7:30 pm at Comix, 353 West 14th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues);

$35 for tickets plus two-item food or drink minimum

ASSSSCAT 3000

The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre's signature show, which features a monologist telling stories based on audience suggestions and a group of top improvisers (sometimes including stars such as SNL's Amy Poehler and Horatio Sanz) creating scenes based on the stories. There are two shows every Sunday which share the same format, but are otherwise entirely different because everything is improvised. The 7:30 pm show is $10; advance tickets might be sold out by the time you read this, but a limited number of seats are available at the door for

those who arrive early enough to nab 'em...and even more tickets are available for those willing to watch the show standing. The 9:30 show is free, with tickets distributed outside the theatre  at 8:15 pm; but again, you may need to come early and wait on line to ensure getting into this first come, first served performance.

7:30 pm ($10) & 9:30 pm (free) at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue)

Greg Johnson

The Comedians

This show often features some of the best stand-ups in New York.

It's hosted by sharp, quick-witted Greg Johnson (check out his hilarious blog by clicking here) and Jacqueline Novak (Comedy Central Live Tour, XM Radio, CollegeHumor.com; for "response to heckler" video, please click here).

Tonight's guests haven't been announced.

7:30 pm at Pianos, 158 Ludlow Street at Stanton; tickets are $5

Sean Patton, RG Daniels, and Helen Hong

Sunday Night Stand-Up with RG Daniels

This free weekly stand-up comedy show features both established talents and up-and-comers. It's hosted by RG Daniels (sweetly quirky experimental comic; influences include Woody Allen and french fries; occasionally refers to himself as "Hanukah-face").

Tonight's terrific guests are

Sean Patton (VH1, 2008 Montreal Just for Laughs Festival, LES' The Tommy Danger Show, founder of the New Orleans Comedy Festival; for stand-up audio clip about vitamin-coated condoms, please click here; for stand-up videos about drugs & weapons and Sean's crackhead aunt, please click here and here),

Helen Hong (Comedy Central's Live at Gotham, TLC's What Not to Wear; E!'s Exposed: 25 Most Notorious Fashion Week Moments; Helen says " I love it when people ask me 'Where are you from?' and I say 'New York' and they say 'No, where are you really from???' I know they want me to name some Asian country like Japan or Korea. Instead I just stab them in the eye with a chopstick and scream 'I'm from the Land of Deadly Chopsticks, you evil Round Eye!' And then I shuffle away like a dainty geisha...;" for Helen's hilarious stand-up video about false assumptions

and verbal misunderstandings, please click here),

Matt Goldich (VH1's Best Week Ever, Comedy Central's Premium Blend, NY1's The Call, contributor to book Bar Mitzvah Disco; for a stand-up sample, please click here), and

Phil Hanley (Vancouver's The Comedy Network).

8:00 pm at Three of Cups downstairs lounge, 83 1st Avenue (off 5th Street); free

Ben Lerman hosts...

Match Game Live 2009 with Ben Lerman

This fun show both replicates and parodies one of the most surreal game shows ever.

It's hosted by the wonderful Ben Lerman (hilarious, razor-sharp singer/songwriter; Sirius Radio).

Tonight's guests are Mo Rocca, Andrew W.K., Keith & the Girl, Myka Fox, and Rev Jen.

To purchase tickets online ($10 plus $1.24 service charge), please click here.

8:00 pm at Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery (between Houston & Bleecker); tickets are $10

Hosts Vince Averill & Jesse Popp

Beauty Bar Comedy

This long-running free weekly comedy show is hosted by Vince Averill (Comedy Central's Live at Gotham, DC Comedy Festival) and Jesse Popp (Comedy Central's Premium Blend).

Tonight's guests are stand-ups Michael Kosta and John F. O'Donnell, and comedy group Ronald Reagan.