NYC Comedy Picks for Monday 7/9/07
Michael Showalter demonstrating how to never lose your composure
Hosted by comedic masters Kristen Schaal & Kurt Braunohler.
Guests are Michael Showalter (MTV's The State, Stella comedy troupe, 2001 comedy feature Wet Hot American Summer), Shayna Ferm (hilarious singer/songwriter, and member of stellar sketch group Fearsome), Bobby Tisdale (co-host of popular NYC comedy show Invite Them Up), and Jack Kukoda (Onion News Network, maker of funny videos).
Note: Don't forget to watch Kristen every Sunday at 10:30 pm
on the new HBO series Flight of the Conchords.
8:00 pm at Pianos, 158 Ludlow Street at Stanton; tickets are $8
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 fibber. Host Andy Christie (The New York Times) welcomes tonight's yarn-spinners (pictured left to right): Mike Daisey (called "the master storyteller" by The New York Times); Jean-Michele Gregory (writer/producer/director); Faye Lane (Carolines, Comix, The Moth); and DJ Hazard (Fuel TV, American Misfits).
8:00 pm at The Peoples Improv Theater, 154 West 29th Street (off 7th Avenue); tickets are $5
Tom McCaffrey crafting his routine for tonight
Stand-up comedy hosted by Brian McGuinness and Dewey Banks. Tonight's guests are Tom McCaffrey (The Onion; VH1's All Access; Comedy Central's Premium Blend, Shorties Watchin' Shorties, Secret Stash Movie), Pat O'Shea (BCAT TV: Brooklyn vs. Bush), and Leah Dubie (Comedy Central).
9:30 pm at The Peoples Improv Theater, 154 West 29th Street (off 7th Avenue); tickets are $5
By popular demand, Todd Barry and Koala bear continue their cuteness contest
Hosted by Aziz Ansari (one of the best stand-up comics on the planet, and member
of Human Giant). After a month out of town, Aziz returned last week—and was brilliant as ever.
Guests are typically superb comedians trying out new material; tonight's slate includes wryly hilarious Todd Barry. Forget that it's free; this is flat-out one of the funniest shows in New York.
11:00 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); free
NYC Comedy Picks for Tuesday 7/10/07
A unique blend of longform improv and free-form jazz, created by Duncan Murdoch. Sometimes more artsy than funny, but different and interesting; for samples, please click here and here. The improvisers are Marcus Bonnee, Henry Kaiser, Roy Koshy, TJ Mannix, Patrick McCaffrey, and Duncan Murdoch. The jazz musicians are Ben Gallina (bass), Brady Miller (drums), Josh Rutner (saxophone), and Red Wierenga (keyboard).
7:00 pm at The Peoples Improv Theater, 154 West 29th Street (off 7th Avenue); tickets are $5
Writer/comedienne Becky Donohue
Hosted by Matt McCarthy and Lucas Held. Tonight's performers are sharp-witted Becky Donohue (The Onion, Comedy Central's Premium Blend, Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, Shorties Watchin' Shorties); sketch/improv group Hot Sauce (Gil Ozeri, Adam Pally and Ben Schwartz; for some samples of their work, please click here and here); super-energized & hilarious singer/songwriter Adira Amram; and stand-up comic Brent Sullivan.
Note: Lizz Winstead canceled her appearance on this show two weeks ago. To view her memorable videotaped "sincere apology," please click here.
8:00 pm at Rififi, 332 East 11th Street (between 1st & 2nd Avenues); tickets are $5
Acclaimed comic book journalist Heidi MacDonald and comedian/comics fan Timmy Williams
Hosted by Alex Zalben, Justin Tyler and Pete LePage,
who enjoy discussing comic books while getting laughs.
Tonight's industry guest is Heidi MacDonald, daily reporter on comic books
for Publishers Weekly: The Beat, co-editor of PW Comics Week,
and writer of the monthly column Hey Kids! Comics! for the Comics Buyer's Guide.
And tonight's funny guest is Timmy Williams, member of comedy group The Whitest Kids U' Know, which can be seen via both its FUSE TV show and Sunday free NYC show at Pianos.
In addition, Timmy writes a sharp comic book blog.
8:00 pm at The Peoples Improv Theater, 154 West 29th Street (off 7th Avenue); tickets are $5
Margot Leitman thinking of stories she could tell
Hosted by Seth Herzog (VH1's Best Week Ever), sometimes with the help of his mom and/or Michael Showalter. Tonight's fabulous lineup consists of ace comedic storyteller Margot Leitman (VH1, ESPN, Stripped Stories), Julie Klausner (SNL, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and half of comedy genius duo Julie & Jackie), A. D. Miles (Human Giant, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Reno 911, TV Funhouse, Stella), and Reggie Watts (scary talented vocalist, beatboxer, musician, and expert improvisor who will likely amaze you; to learn more, please visit ReggieWatts.com, which kicks off with the promise "If you like to copulate, you'll love this site!").
8:30 pm at The Slipper Room, 167 Orchard Street (corner of Stanton Street); tickets are $5
Improv group Threat (Stephen Booth, Matt Donnelly, Jim Festante, and Rebekka Johnson) performs for 45 minutes, and then improv duo Starkey & Grace ( Nate Starkey and Chris Grace) performs for another 45.
9:30 pm at The Peoples Improv Theater, 154 West 29th Street (off 7th Avenue); tickets are $5
A showcase for comedy twosomes.
Scheduled performers are Jon Bander & Alex Marino, Corey Grimes & Charles Whitcroft,
Babsy Singer & Megan Gray DeGrail, and Angela DeManti & Jared McGrail.
9:30 pm at The Magnet Theatre, 254 West 29th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5
NYC Comedy Picks for Wednesday 7/11/07
Matt DeCoster and Will Hines battle for your entertainment
Will Hines and Matt DeCoster (formerly of acclaimed improv group Monkeydick)
perform seven sketches with high degreees of conflict.
7:00 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5
Big Black Car and Fancy Dragon
Two of the PIT's top improv groups, Big Black Car (pictured above)
and Fancy Dragon, each perform for around 45 minutes.
8:00 pm at The Peoples Improv Theater, 154 West 29th Street (off 7th Avenue); free
Comedy greats Eugene Mirman and Bobby Tisdale
Hosted by Bobby Tisdale and Eugene Mirman. Tonight's guests include Nick Kroll (one of the most razor-sharp and hilarious comics around), Olde English (group that creates lots of funny videos; members are Caleb Bark, Ben Popik, David Segal, Adam Conover, and Raphael Bob-Waksberg); Patrick Borelli (Late Night With Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central's Premium Blend), and Roger Hailes (Flying Blind).
8:30 pm at Rififi, 332 East 11th Street (between 1st & 2nd Avenues); tickets are $5
Shayna Ferm crooning a sexy song about getting hammered
Stripped Stories: Intoxicated Sex
Sexual storytelling with a comedic slant, tonight offering frank confessions about intimacy under the influence from guests Dan Curry (stand-up comic, author of Drunk on a Bike), Corinne Ellingston (filmmaker), Shayna Ferm (hilarious singer/songwriter, and member of stellar sketch group Fearsome), and the two sensual hosts, Giulia Rozzi (VH1's Best Night Ever podcasts) and Margot Leitman (Late Night With Conan O'Brien)—or, as Margot likes to describe it, "newly married Giulia Rozzi and the eternal bridesmaid Margot Leitman." In addition, there'll be "a spontaneous audience interview, sex games, and a drunken afterparty in Sadie's Lounge." Come to laugh, to get turned on, and to become heavily intoxicated. This wonderful show often sells out, so it's recommended you buy tickets in advance by clicking here.
9:30 pm at Mo Pitkin's, 34 Avenue A (between East 2nd & 3rd Streets); tickets are $5
Justin Purnell watching a less-than-perfect comedy act
Host Justin Purnell provides a mix of guests who perform stand-up, improv, music,
and occasionally acts that defy categorization. The level of talent varies wildly—
but for some (like me), that's part of the laid-back kick.
As Justin recently put it, "It's great of UCBT to provide a free show
where performers can try things out and goof around,
with everyone ending up having fun."
11:00 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); free
NYC Comedy Picks for Thursday 7/12/07
The always controversial Fabrice Fabrice
A Muthaf*ckin' Evening with Fabrice Fabrice
Nick Kroll is one of the most razor-sharp and funny comics anywhere. Here's how he describes this UCBT-NY premiere of his show (in the guise of his favorite off-the-wall character): "An evening of monologues, interviews and special guests hosted by Fabrice Fabrice, craft services coordinator for the hit TV show That's So Raven—and the best person in the world. He has become a cult hit throughout the New York City comedy world and wears pink moon boots. Come to this show or he will cut your face until you look like Seal." This debut is likely to be a memorable event, and looking like Seal is out of fashion, so there's simply no reason to miss this.
8:00 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5
"Sounds like equal parts Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor and Lou Reed.
Shapiro is currently New York City's most lurid funnyman; a real star."
—NYPress on Rick Shapiro
No joke: Jackie Clarke and Julie Klausner are comedic geniuses.
This duo is creating some of the smartest, freshest material in NYC—
please check out their recent short films by clicking here.
Tonight's guests are Rick Shapiro (HBO's Lucky Louie,
PoCreations Radio, comedy CD Unconditional Love)
and "Liberace's Ghost" (your guess is as good as mine...).
9:30 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5
vs.
Cage Match: C, C + C Improv Factory vs. 4 Track
This delightful show pits two improv teams against each other while creating the
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...).
Two weeks ago, new group Working Girls pulled a David, defeating its enormously talented opponent thanks to the gals' meta-approach of playing New Jersey secretaries who've recently learned the art of improvisation...resulting in a side-splitting parody of an improv troupe.
I was a little worried that this "gimmick" might lose its charm through repetition; but last week was the third time I'd seen the act (the first was via Justin Purnell's School Night), and it still felt fresh and hilarious. Here's hopin' the Working Girls get a regular slot on the UCBT schedule; the troupe has a special magic that should be encouraged, and that deserves an audience.
That said, last week Working Girls lost. Two of the six members from the previous week were missing, which provided fewer opportunities for imaginative leaps and hurt the overall flow; and the challenger was a strong and competitive group, C, C + C Improv Factory, consisting of Chuck Dauble (Chuck D. & Jawnee Show), Charlie Sanders (Conan O'Brien, Reuben Williams), and Charlie Todd (Improv Everywhere, Reuben Williams). Even so, to my eye it was a close contest.
Tonight winner C, C + C Improv Factory will be facing another excellent group: 4 Track!, which is George Basil, Frank Campanella, Christian Capozzoli, and Matt Evans. There's no telling what will happen...which is one of the great pleasures of this show.
11:00 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5
NYC Comedy Picks for Friday 7/13/07
Peter Karinen, Brian Sacca, and Joe Schiappa state the obvious
There's no way to improve on the description from this show's creators, so here it is verbatim:
"Following up on their lackluster appearance at the 2007 Aspen Comedy Festival, mediocre comedy duo Pete and Brian once again join forces with the always boring Joe Schiappa, this time to perform something totally unique: 3-person sketch comedy. This has never been done before. Ever. In this wholly original show, one sketch involves a wacky character. Another involves two people and miscommunication. Another sketch features funny accents. There will be an unexpected plant in the audience. Also, there is an introduction. And an ending. And plenty of self-conscious, self-deprecating, self-referentiality." How can you resist? For sample sketches from these oddly witty guys, please click here & here.
7:00 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $8
Big Black Ballet and Dying Breaths
One of the PIT's finest improv groups, Big Black Car, performs something they call Big Black Ballet (pictured above); and Ellie Kemper (Late Night with Conan O'Brien, McSweeney's) & Scott Eckert (ImprovOlympic) do a sketch show in which none of the characters survive, yet is reportedly life-affirming and very funny.
8:00 pm at The Peoples Improv Theater, 154 West 29th Street (off 7th Avenue); tickets are $8
Jason Mantzoukas (We Used to Go Out, Mother: The Soundtrack) and Ed Herbstman (co-founder of the Magnet Theater) show off how damn smart and breathtakingly talented they are. Time Out New York named these guys Best Improv Duo of 2006; take advantage of a great opportunity to see these improvisation comedy stars shine in an intimate setting.
8:30 pm at The Magnet Theatre, 254 West 29th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5
Some of the best improv comics in NYC—Michael Delaney, Christina Gausas, Chris Gethard, Billy Merritt, Bobby Moynihan, Silvija Ozols, and Zach Woods—make stuff up, and make you laugh.
9:30 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $8
Death by Roo Roo: Your F*cked Up Family
Comedic powerhouses Jackie Clarke, Curtis Gwinn, Brett Gelman, Anthony Atamanuik, Neil Casey, and John Gemberling interview an audience member about family and then act out his or her life story via improv scenes. Scary and funny.
11:00 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $8
UCBT's monthly open mic show for stand-up comics. If you're simply looking to laugh, the show can be lots of fun, or deadly, depending on who shows up. If you're a comic yourself, though, it's a nice opportunity to perform in front of an exceptionally sharp audience. Hosted by Pete Holmes and TJ Miller.
Midnight at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); free
NYC Comedy Picks for Saturday 7/14/07
Adira Amram & Rob Lathan want to help you Get Psyched!; Eliza Skinner is Shameless
The first half of this double-bill is a parody of faddish life coaching seminars like The Secret. Hyperactive host "Lanny Lathan" (Rob Lathan) has his own book, Top Secret, which he explains is much better because it reveals what you really must do to succeed: "Get Psyched!"
Aiding him is his lovely assistant (the amazing Adira Amram), who adds even more energy to the show with her witty singing. And along for the ride is a hapless audience member who didn't even realize he needed Lanny's aid (Nate Shelkey). There were initially some script problems, which hopefully have since been fixed. But either way, the dynamic performances make this worth catching; Lathan is a UCBT veteran, and Amram is a rising star who can stand toe to toe with any comic in NYC.
The second half of this double-bill is a one-woman show by the formidable Eliza Skinner (MTV's Damage Control, Stickerbook, UCBT's Made-Up Musical). Skinner plays a mother, a wife, and a party girl who are mean, vicious, and shamelessly funny.
7:30 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $8
The Magnet's instructors, plus stars of Mother: The Soundtrack (see below) Jason Mantzoukas, Tara Copeland, James Eason, Christine Walters, plus occasional special guests (such as superstar Mike Meyers), turn a tiny suggestion into larger-than-life improvised scenes.
7:30 pm at The Magnet Theatre, 254 West 29th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5
According to the spurn Web site, this sketch group has "amassed a cultish following and a cast who blindly throw themselves into the most questionable of onstage situations, bless their black little hearts." For examples of the troupe's work, please click here and here.
8:00 pm at The Peoples Improv Theater, 154 West 29th Street (off 7th Avenue); tickets are $10
Fiercely funny comedy duo Jason Mantzoukas and Jessica St. Clair (see my review of We Used to Go Out and info on their upcoming First Date) lead a vibrant team of improv comics who make up scenes based on CD tracks contributed by the audience. One of UCBT's most beloved shows.
9:00 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $8
The Harvard Sailing Team: On the Jitney
The highly inventive sketch troupe Harvard Sailing Team (which recently
appeared in SketchFest NYC) performs its newest show.
9:30 pm at The Peoples Improv Theater, 154 West 29th Street (off 7th Avenue); tickets are $8
Reuben Williams: As Seen on TV
Anthony King demonstrates that in addition to running UCBT-NY brilliantly, he's a formidable improv performer. Joining him are stellar talents Lennon Parham (see my review of her Showgirls parody), Chris Kula, Charlie Sanders, Eric Scott, Kate Spencer, Charlie Todd, and Joe Wengert.
10:30 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $8
Everyone agrees the best parts of the recent movie Grindhouse were the phony trailers for "Coming Attractions." This show consists of nothing but such pseudo-trailers, crafted by hilarious comics-turned-filmmakers: Cracked Out (Jon Daly & Brett Gelman), Josh Fadem, Gabe and Jenny, Greg Johnson, Trevor Moore, Jonah Ray, Darren Trumeter, and Timmy Williams.
NYC Comedy Picks for Sunday 7/15/07
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 celebs 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 $8; tonight's advance tickets are sold out, but a limited number of seats may be available at the door for those who arrive early enough to nab 'em. 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 & 9:30 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue)
If you're looking for a good time, this might not be it.
But if you're interested in getting on the Mo Pitkin's stage and
performing stand-up—or any other kind of act—a mere $4 will buy you
a chance at being selected via the show's lottery system. The rules are:
Sign-up is at 9:00 pm sharp.
You get eight minutes maximum for your act.
You can do anything you'd like on stage, with two exceptions:
1. Don't damage the stage or equipment (respect the space).
2. Don't pick out people in the audience, even just to say something nice (respect the audience).
No online reservations available; simply pay at the door.
Again, this show isn't for everyone.
But if you're a performer, you've probably risked
a lot more that $4 to nab an NYC stage credit...
9:00 pm at Mo Pitkin's, 34 Avenue A (between East 2nd & 3rd Streets); tickets are $4
If you've worked hard all week and feel like treating yourself today,
consider seeing a Broadway or off-Broadway musical comedy.
Tickets can be purchased at sizeable discounts by clicking
the titles of the following great shows:
$111.25 tickets available for $68.25 (nearly 40% off) with discount code AQBBX68
Sunday performances are at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm
To avoid service charges, buy at box office: Golden Theatre, 252 West 45th Street
$111.25 tickets available for $66.25 ($45 off) with discount code XUBBX63
Sunday performance is at 2:00 pm
To avoid service charges, buy at box office: Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 West 44th Street
Forbidden Broadway: The Roast of Utopia
$60-65 tickets available for $32 (50% off) with discount code FBBBX34
Sunday performances are at 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm
To avoid service charges, buy at box office: 47th Street Theatre, 304 West 47th Street
For many more NYC theatre shows at discount, please click here.
Alternatively, if you can put up with waiting on a long line,
you can often purchase same-day tickets for nearly 50% off
via the Times Square TKTS booth, located inside the
Marriot Marquis (West 46th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue).
Tickets for Sunday matinees can be purchased from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm,
and for Sunday evenings from 3:00 pm until 30 minutes before the last curtain time.
Return to Previous NYC Comedy Picks
Copyright © 2007 Hy Bender
Email: hy@hyreviews.com
