NYC Comedy Picks for Monday 10/26/09
Amy Rutberg (Gravid Water), Marc Maron (Tell Your Friends), and Marina Franklin (Whiplash)
Recommendations for the best in New York City comedy tonight
(in chronological order, with top picks noted and shows over $10 marked with $) include:
6:30 pm & 9:00 pm (no cover, 1-item min.): 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 Ochi's Motel
[FREE] 7:00 pm: Sharp NYC stand-ups Ali Wong, Dan St. Germain, RG Daniels, Clayton Fletcher, Nore Davis, Dan Mahoney, Ray Marshall, and Jonathan Powley performing at a free weekly show in the Manchester Pub hosted by Phoebe Robinson (whose birthday is today!): Case of the Mondays Comedy: Birthday Edition
[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): Broadway & off-Broadway stars Logan Lipton (Wicked), Jason Kravits (The Drowsy Chaperone), Amy Rutberg (Our Leading Lady, Bat Boy The Musical), Jeremy Bobb (Translations, Is He Dead?), and Jennifer Grace (Theatre World Award winner for Our Town) mixing it up with some of the best improvisors in the world—Scott Adsit,Tara Copeland, Michael Delaney, Anthony King, and Thomas Middleditch—as they crash improv into classic theatre scenes at Gravid Water
[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): Comedy legend Marc Maron, plus Joe Randazzo, Baratunde Thurston, and John Harris (editors and/or writers for The Onion), plus musical guest Eytan Mirsky, all performing in the Lolita Bar with host Liam McEneaney at Tell Your Friends
9:30 pm ($5): In homage to Halloween, UCBT house sketch troupe Thunder Gulch presents a Saturday Night Live-inspired show that stars Frankenstein, Elvira, and Freddy Krueger: Monster Night LIve
[TOP PICK] [FREE] 11:00 pm: Some of the finest stand-ups in the country—who tonight include Aziz Ansari, Marina Franklin, Hannibal Buress, and Kurt Braunohler—hosted by the wonderful Leo Allen (Saturday Night Live, HBO, Comedy Central) at Whiplash
NYC Comedy Picks for Tuesday 10/27/09
David Wain, Seth Herzog, Natasha Leggero, and more will perform tonight at the Halloween edition of Sweet
Recommendations for the best in New York City comedy tonight
(in chronological order, with top picks noted and shows over $10 marked with $) include:
[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): Comic book creators Jacob Chabot & Gregg Schigiel (X-Babies) joining in on a lively & hilarious discussion about four-color pop culture at Comic Book Club
8:00 pm to midnight ($5): Three full hours of improv for only five bucks—tonight featuring UCBT house troupes Penthouse Riot, People People, The Law Firm, Bastian, and The Bishop—at Harold Night
[TOP PICK] 9:00 pm ($5): John Mulaney, Natasha Leggero, Jordan Rubin, David Wain, and a "special guest" (who I'm guessing is a prime-time TV star and former NYC stand-up visiting town this week) performing at The Slipper Room for a special Halloween edition hosted by the wonderful Seth Herzog (Jimmy Fallon, VH1): Sweet
[FREE] 11:00 pm: Free open mic stand-up show that's seldom much fun for audience members but is a nice opportunity if you want 4-5 minutes to test out your comedy material on stage: Bring It
Please note: Due to scheduling conflicts, Pete & Jessi are taking two weeks off from Punch Up Your Life. This hit weekly Tuesday show will return on November 10th.
NYC Comedy Picks for Wednesday 10/28/09
Tonight's spectacular edition of ComedyJuice includes John Oliver and Natasha Leggero...
...and also at ComedyJuice will be brilliant comics Leo Allen, John Mulaney, and a world-class surprise guest...
...plus you can catch Aziz Ansari and Reggie Watts earlier in the evening at both Totally J/K and Big Terrific
Recommendations for the best in New York City comedy tonight
(in chronological order, with top picks noted and shows over $10 marked with $) include:
[TOP PICK] [$] 7:30 pm ($12 ticket; plus two-drink or $12 food min. if you sit at a table): Top comics and comedic storytellers—who tonight are Ophira Eisenberg (Comedy Central, VH1, Showtime, host of upcoming TV version of The Liar Show), Andy Borowitz, Starlee Kine, Mather Zickel, and Keith Powell—join brilliant sketch comic and storyteller Kevin Allison (The State) in Joe's Pub to share tales on the theme "Encounters with Strangers" at the exciting new weekly storytelling event Risk!
[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): Aziz Ansari (co-star of NBC's Parks and Recreation and MTV's Human Giant, and one of the best stand-up comics on the planet; his razor-sharp mind and fluid, down-to-earth style are unmatched by almost any other comic working today); Reggie Watts (musical improv comedy genius; 2009 ECNY Award for Best Musical Comedy Act and 2007 Andy Kaufman Award; Jimmy Fallon; cast member of the new Electric Company), Morgan Murphy (staff writer for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, former staff writer for Jimmy Kimmel and Crank Yankers), and more joining hilarious hosts Joe Mande and Noah Garfinkel at Totally J/K
[FREE] 8:00: Sharp NYC stand-ups RG Daniels, Karith Foster, Brian Longwell, Daniel Rockdale, Adrienne Iapalucci, and Rachel Bloom performing at this free weekly show hosted by Sharon Spell: Shrink
[TOP PICK] [FREE] 8:30 pm: Thoroughly wonderful comics Aziz Ansari (co-star of NBC's Parks and Recreation and MTV's Human Giant, and one of the best stand-up comics on the planet; his razor-sharp mind and fluid, down-to-earth style are unmatched by almost any other comic working today); Reggie Watts (musical improv comedy genius; 2009 ECNY Award for Best Musical Comedy Act and 2007 Andy Kaufman Award; Jimmy Fallon; cast member of the new Electric Company), John Mulaney (staff writer for Saturday Night Live; Conan O'Brien, VH1's Best Week Ever), Joe Mande (VH1's Best Week Ever, co-host of Totally J/K), and Andrea Rosen (Stella, Variety SHAC) performing at a free weekly comedy show at Brooklyn's Cameo (behind Lovin' Cup) hosted by Jenny Slate (Saturday Night Live), Gabe Liedman and Max Silvestri: Big Terrific
[TOP PICK] 9:30 pm ($5): Superb writer/comics Wyatt Cenac, God's Pottery, Megan Neuringer, Adam Newman, and more share their tales of material being turned down at Jon Friedman's wonderful The Rejection Show
[TOP PICK] 9:30 pm ($10 suggested donation): A networking party mixing NYC theatre and comedy folks from 9:30 to 10:00 pm, and then a full-blown comedy show with sharp NYC stand-ups Matt McCarthy, Rachel Feinstein, Phoebe Robinson, and more at The Sage Theatre hosted by Christian Polanco: Hold for the Laughs
[TOP PICK] [$] [DISCOUNTED] 10:00 pm ($10 online using code BLOG, plus 2-item min.): A blowout monthly gathering of top comedy talent from around the country—tonight featuring John Oliver (star correspondent of The Daily Show and genius stand-up comic), John Mulaney (staff writer for Saturday Night Live; Conan O'Brien, VH1's Best Week Ever), Leo Allen (former writer for Saturday Night Live; Comedy Central Presents, upcoming HBO series Funny or Die, stellar host of Whiplash), Natasha Leggero (Jay Leno, Craig Ferguson, Comedy Central's Premium Blend, Reno 911!, and The Sarah Silverman Program; It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Louis Katz (Carson Daly), and a spectacular unannounced special guest)—all performing at ComedyJuice
[TOP PICK] [FREE] 11:00 pm: Host Justin Purnell (The Colbert Report) providing as many as a dozen guests packed into 75 minutes performing 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; and this is often one of the most amazing comedy shows in town. Come support the experimentation, and periodic magical surprises, that this uniquely organic rollercoaster of a show makes possible—and don't forget to toss $1 in the bucket on your way out: School Night
NYC Comedy Picks for Thursday 10/29/09
Comedy powerhouses Aziz Ansari and John Mulaney perform tonight at a mammoth show at NYU...
Sketch troupe Sidecar shares a double-bill tonight with comedy giant Dave Hill demonstrating why he's Big in Japan...
...and delicious comics Mara Herron & Brooke Van Poppelen perform solo shows at Fly Girl and So-Low Show
Recommendations for the best in New York City comedy tonight
(in chronological order, with top picks noted and shows over $10 marked with $) include:
[TOP PICK] [$] 8:00 pm ($25): A dynamite evening of comedy from two of the best stand-ups in the country performing at NYU's 700-seat Skirball Center: Aziz Ansari and John Mulaney
[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): Comedy giant Dave Hill performing a charming and hilarious one-man show about a musical tour overseas, and sketch troupe Sidecar performing bits about the end of the world, in the double-bill Dave Hill: Big in Japan and Sidecarmageddon
[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($10): A double-bill of solo shows from fresh, smart, sexy rising stars: Mara Herron (NYC's The Lighthouse; for Mara's views on drugs, please click here), and Brooke Van Poppelen (Maxim Radio, Cosmo Radio, Chicago Public Radio; Carolines, Comix; half of sketch duo Macho!; popular blog NYisretarded.blogspot.com; for stand-up videos about overindulging at 30 and impersonating Morrisey, please click here and here): Fly Girl and So-Low Show
[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): Delightful sketch comedy & musical duo Tim Ellis and Matthew Park performing what I'm guessing is a very fun two-person show: An Evening with Ellis & Park
8:00 pm ($5): Sharp improvisors directed by James Eason "take an audience suggestion and break it into a million funny pieces" in The Deconstruction
9:30 pm ($5): Sharp stand-ups Morgan Murphy, Ryan Reiss, and Hardly Working Live join Streeter and Jeff for a stage version of popular Web site CollegeHumor.com: CollegeHumor Live
[TOP PICK] 11:00 pm ($5): Superb Improv duo The Brothers Hines (Will Hines and Kevin Hines, who really are brothers) go up against improv troupe Ghost Fight in a battle for audience laughs and votes at the raucous Cage Match
NYC Comedy Picks for Friday 10/30/09
Comedic horror written by Matt Walsh & directed by Anthony King plays tonight and tomorrow at UCBT: Killgore
Recommendations for the best in New York City comedy tonight
(in chronological order, with top picks noted and shows over $10 marked with $) include:
[TOP PICK] [$] 8:00 pm & 10:00 pm & midnight ($15): "In ancient times, an evil spirit would rise from hell every Halloween and appear incarnate at the UCB Theater...where he would soak the stage (and parts of the audience) with a ridiculous amount of fake blood. Now that demon is back, ready to unleash a gory, hopelessly bloody torrent of vengeance...and a ridiculous amount of fake blood. Fortunately, the beast only slaughters those who are rife with selfishness, greed, hatred, and a few people who just suck (though a little bit of fake blood sometimes gets on the audience). That demon's name is Killgore." This show is written by legendary UCB co-founder Matt Walsh and directed by brilliant UCBT Artistic Director Anthony King, and will run three times tonight and tomorrow night to celebrate Halloween. Come wearing cheap washable clothes and enjoy Killgore: The Resurrection
[$] 8:00 pm & 10:30 pm ($30 & 2-item min.): Former host of E!'s Talk Soup, co-star of CBS's Ghost Whisperer, a memorable girlfriend from NBC's Friends, and the film Bedtime Stories, headlining tonight and Saturday at the elegant Comix Comedy Club: Aisha Tyler
9:00 pm (no cover, 1-item min.): NYC stand-up comics performing stand-up in Ochi's Lounge at a gay-themed show hosted by the lovely Jenny Rubin: The Back Room
10:00 pm ($7): Singing improvisors who use an interview with an audience member to craft The Made-Up Musical
[TOP PICK] 11:00 pm ($10): NYC's fearless heavy metal version of a sketch comedy troupe, which more than any other epitomizes the spirit of Halloween: Murderfist: Late and Dirty
[TOP PICK] 11:30 pm ($5): "In 1978, the ABC network produced a Halloween Special so shocking it could never be aired on television. For 21 years, it has been locked in a vault, consigned to be forgotten by history - until tonight. Finally unearthed, the record of this horrifying event is being presented live on stage. Join Paul Lynde and his guests for a wonderful extravaganza of comedy, music, and horror that is sure to induce nightmares amongst the fair of heart. Due to its graphic nature, viewer discretion is advised:" The 1978 Paul Lynde Halloween Special
[$] 12:30 am ($31.25 & 2-drink min.) 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 through Sunday at Carolines: Paul Mooney
NYC Comedy Picks for Saturday 10/31/09
Among the comedic treats this holiday evening are a free Halloween Dance Party and a headlining set from Aisha Tyler
Recommendations for the best in New York City comedy tonight
(in chronological order, with top picks noted and shows over $10 marked with $) include:
[TOP PICK] [$] 8:00 pm & 10:00 pm & midnight ($15): "In ancient times, an evil spirit would rise from hell every Halloween and appear incarnate at the UCB Theater...where he would soak the stage (and parts of the audience) with a ridiculous amount of fake blood. Now that demon is back, ready to unleash a gory, hopelessly bloody torrent of vengeance...and a ridiculous amount of fake blood. Fortunately, the beast only slaughters those who are rife with selfishness, greed, hatred, and a few people who just suck (though a little bit of fake blood sometimes gets on the audience). That demon's name is Killgore." This show is written by legendary UCB co-founder Matt Walsh and directed by brilliant UCBT Artistic Director Anthony King, and will run three times tonight and tomorrow night to celebrate Halloween. Come wearing cheap washable clothes and enjoy Killgore: The Resurrection
[$] 7:30 pm ($30 & 2-item min.): Former host of E!'s Talk Soup, co-star of CBS's Ghost Whisperer, a memorable girlfriend from NBC's Friends, and an actress in the film Bedtime Stories, headlining tonight at the elegant Comix Comedy Club: Aisha Tyler
9:00 pm ($5): Organic & energetic improv by the four guys of 4 Track!
[TOP PICK] 9:30 pm ($10): Always fresh and imaginative world-class sketch troupe that uses song, movement, and clever scenarios to turn familiar rituals on their head (for a video about awkward goodbyes at the end of a party, please click here): The Harvard Sailing Team
[TOP PICK] [FREE] 9:30 pm: The hosts of comedy shows Don't Touch Me There and New Young Comedians encourage you to "make out with drunk people in monster costumes" and "make out with drunk people in homeless person costumes—oh wait, that's a homeless person who wandered in...which is fine, because admission is free" at Karma Lounge for this year's Halloween Dance Party
10:30 pm ($5): Vibrant improv from Nick Kanellis & Peter McNerney (Statues of Liberty) and Leslie Korein, who've formed the new troupe Trike
[$] 12:30 am ($31.25 & 2-drink min.) 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 through Sunday at Carolines: Paul Mooney
NYC Comedy Picks for Sunday 11/1/09
NYC comedy treasures Todd Barry (Tearing the Veil of Maya) and Jane Borden (Sunday Night Stand-Up)
Recommendations for the best in New York City comedy tonight
(in chronological order, with top picks noted and shows over $10 marked with $) include:
[TOP PICK] 7:30 pm ($10) and 9:30 pm [FREE]: UCBT's signature improv comedy extravaganza, which typically includes stars in the improv world, and sometimes even TV & movie stars such as Amy Poehler and Horatio Sanz: ASSSCAT 3000
[FREE] 7:30ish pm: Typically stellar stand-ups performing at a free weekly LES show at Pianos hosted by Greg Johnson: The Comedians
[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($7): Wryly brilliant stand-up Todd Barry (David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central Presents, HBO's Flight of the Conchords, Adult Swim, The Wrestler), comedic hip-hop improv genius Reggie Watts, and more performing at this weekly event at Brooklyn's Union Hall, hosted by comedy giant Eugene Mirman (who just released a new comedy album, God Is a Twelve Year Old Boy With Asperger's; for a fun recent Village Voice write-up, please click here): Tearing the Veil of Maya
[FREE] 8:00 pm: A rare stand-up appearance by the brilliant & beloved Jane Borden (comedy editor/reporter for Time Out New York; also writer for Saturday Night Live, New York Times Magazine), plus razor-sharp comics Sean Patton, Kara Buller, Sheng Wang, and Graham Keay performing at RG Daniels' free weekly show at the Three of Cups East Village lounge: Sunday Night Stand-Up
[FREE] 9:00 pm: NYC stand-ups Robert Buscemi, Phil Hanley, Peter Kassnove, Michael Kosta, and Pat O'Shea performing in the East Village's Beauty Bar at Vince Averill's & Jesse Popp's free weekly show Beauty Bar Comedy
[FREE] 10:00 pm: Jackie Monahan (Here TV's Hot Gay Comics, Dykes on Mics), Yamaneika (BET), and Lori Sommer (Gotham Comedy Club) performing stand-up at a free weekly gay-themed show at Therapy hosted by Brad Loekle: Electro Shock Therapy Comedy Hour
[$] 10:00 am ($31.25 & 2-drink min.) 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
Copyright © 2009 Hy Bender
Email: hy@hyreviews.com
