NYC Comedy Picks for Week of March 28, 2011

NYC Comedy Picks for Monday 3/28/11

Janeane Garofalo (Hot Tub Variety) and Julie Sharbutt (Gravid Water)

Recommendations for the best in New York City comedy tonight

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

[FREE] 6:00 pm: Kevin Allison (legendary MTV sketch series The State, HBO, Comedy Central, VH1, host of award-winning storytelling show Risk!) hosts this free open mic show for storytellers, in which you can put your name in a hat for the chance to tell a five-minute true story...and if it's a good one, possibly be included in Kevin's popular podcasts on the Web: Risk! Storyslam

[FREE] 7:30 pm: Jeffrey Joseph (Jay Leno, HBO, Comedy Central, FOX), Katina Corrao (HBO, Comedy Central), Sheng Wang (Comedy Central Presents), Harrison Greenbaum (Carolines), Kara Klenk, and Damien Lemon performing stand-up at a free weekly show in the Manchester Pub hosted by Phoebe Robinson: Case of the Mondays Comedy

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($6.50 online or $8 at the door): TV & movie star Janeane Garofalo, Nate Bargatze (Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central), Craig Baldo (Conan O'Brien, Last Comic Standing), and Dan Moore (TV comedy writer visiting from Australia) performing at Brooklyn's Littlefield (622 Degraw Street) with sketches and more from a duo who between them won four 2011 ECNY Awards—including Best Variety Show and Best Hosts—Kristen Schaal and Kurt Braunohler: Hot Tub Variety

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): Broadway & off-Broadway stars Opal Alladin (Hedda Gabler, On Golden Pond), Jonathan Kaplan (Tony nominee for Falsettos; Diary of Anne Frank), Katie Meister (The Clean House, Picnic), Michael Patrick O'Brien (Saturday Night Live, Misled), and Julie Sharbutt (Shakespeare in the Park: Twelfth Night) mixing it up with some of the best improvisors in the world—Scott Adsit (30 Rock, Moral Orel, John & Scott), Michael Delaney (Conan O'Brien, The Other Guys, The Stepfathers), and John Lutz (30 Rock, Saturday Night Live)—as they crash improv into classic theatre scenes at actor/director Stephen Ruddy's Gravid Water

8:00 pm ($5): Robert King performing a one-man show about growing up biracial: Halfrican American

9:30 pm ($5): Two of UCBT's fine house sketch comedy troupes, Neighbor Boy and Fambly, trying out new bits at Maude Night

10:00 pm ($5): Improv is dominated by guys, so this is a rare treat—a dozen female improvisors "for an evening of comedy that will delight men, women, babies, and kittens," hosted by Megan Gray: We Might Just Kiss

[TOP PICK] [FREE] 11:00 pm: Some of the finest stand-ups in the world—who tonight include Morgan Murphy (fresh, original, and fearlessly dark; The Comedians of Comedy; staff writer for Jimmy Fallon) and Alex Koll (San Francisco-based stand-up and filmmaker; Comedy Central, Super Deluxe, IFC.com)—hosted by the wonderful Chris Gethard (star of Comedy Central sitcom Big Lake; The Stepfathers, The Nights of Our Lives, The Chris Gethard Show, author of book Weird New York) at Whiplash

[FREE] 11:00 pm: If you're an audience member who loves stand-up, Monday at 11 should be Whiplash! night (see listing above). If you're a comic who couldn't get booked on UCBT's all-star show, though, you can opt to instead practice your skills at this stand-up open mic hosted by Michelle Wolf and the hilarious Erin Lennox (for a sample of Erin's dynamite Seriously Sports show, please click here): Fresh

NYC Comedy Picks for Tuesday 3/29/11

Wonderful improvisor/actresses who normally appear in pricey theatres perform tonight for mere $5 tickets at The PIT: Naked in a Fishbowl...

...and Janeane Garofalo performs stand-up tonight at 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:

7:00 pm ($5): Six improvisors play themselves on stage (similar to Naked in a Fishbowl) in Self Image; and in the second half of this double-bill, Jenny Dunne and Rick Andrews improvise a single moment in two characters' lives again and again, exploring three parallel realities, and the difference that a look or tone can make, in The Cascade

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): My #1 pick for the 2007 FringeNYC Festival, this wonderful group of actresses/improvisors portray characters as if they were in a play, but improvise everything they say and do. The luminous performers include Katharine Heller, Brenna Palughi, Lynne Rosenberg, Lauren Seikaly, and Molly Knefel, each of whom is immensely appealing and quick-witted. Further, they have an intimate, lovely chemistry with each other; and they've all committed to baring their personal lives, thinly disguised via their characters (hence the title's Naked). As a result, this is one of the most honest & nuanced improvised shows you'll ever see.

Although every episode is a wonderful theatrical event—and normally costs theatrical prices—tonight you can catch the gals at The PIT for a mere $5. Don't miss this chance to experience the always fresh and surprising Naked in a Fishbowl

[TOP PICK] [FREE] 8:00 pm ($5): Comics author & reporter Amber Delaney, and folks from Pronto Comics, joining by super-hosts Alex Zalben, Justin Tyler, and Pete LePage in a lively & hilarious discussion about four-color pop culture at Comic Book Club

[TOP PICK] [$] 8:00 pm ($35.50): One of the finest comics in the country, Mike Birbiglia's credits include the hour-long Comedy Central special What I Should Have Said is Nothing; two Comedy Central Presents half-hour specials; multiple appearances on David Letterman and Conan O'Brien; comedy CDs Two Drink Mike and My Secret Public Journal—Live; the book Sleepwalk with Me & Other Painfully True Stories; and his hit off-Broadway show Sleepwalk with Me. Mike's now returned to the stage, once again creating his unique blend of stand-up and storytelling, for an all-new one-man show at the Barrow Street Theatre (27 Barrow Street, just one block from the #1 subway's Christopher Street stop) slated to run through May 15th: Mike Birbiglia: My Girlfriend's Boyfriend

8:00 pm to Midnight ($5): Four full hours of improv for only five bucks—tonight featuring UCBT house troupes Badman, Very Good Kiss, Sandino, Ragnaröck, and Dybbuk; and at 11:00 pm UCBT students mix it up with veteran improvisors—all at Harold Night

8:00 pm ($5): NYC stand-ups Emily Epstein, Nat Towsen, Abbi Crutchfield, Don Stahl, and Danny Solomon performing at Brooklyn's Freddy's Bar (627 Fifth Avenue; take R subway to Prospect Avenue) for this free weekly show hosted by Brooke Van Poppelen (brilliant stand-up, writer, and storyteller; TLC, blogger for trutV; for stand-up videos about overindulging at 30 and impersonating Morrisey, please click here and here) and Giulia Rozzi (Jimmy Kimmel, MTV, VH1, Playgirl Magazine, co-host of Stripped Stories): Dive Comedy

8:30 pm ($5): In this double-bill, each of two of The Magnet's singing improv troupes will make up a musical on the spot based on an audience suggestion: Rebound & BEEES!

[TOP PICK] 9:00 pm ($5): TV & movie star Janeane Garofalo, Greg Barris (host of Heart of Darkness), star singer Angela McClusky, and more performing at Ella (9 Avenue A) hosted by the wonderful Seth Herzog (Jimmy Fallon, VH1): Sweet

9:30 pm ($5): "Six strangers are summoned to an unusual meeting by their mysterious host, Mr. Body. When Mr. Body is found dead, these strangers become suspects, each with their own devious motive. Who killed Mr. Body? In which room? And with which weapon?" Young talents make up comedy scenes based on a popular board game in Clue-Prov

[FREE] 10:15 pm: In this free show, audience members can join in with veteran musical improv talents to make up stories in song on the spot: Musical Magnet Mixer

[FREE] 11:00 pm: A breathtaking 40 comics are given 2 minutes each in this rapid-fire open mic stand-up show hosted with wit and energy by Jay Welch: Bring It

NYC Comedy Picks for Wednesday 3/30/11

Elna Baker and her mom (above, on vacation in Turkey watching a belly dancer) will be joined by Dave Hill, Chris Gethard,
Leo Allen, Kurt Braunohler, Seth Herzog, and more at a blowout edition of Elna's wonderful Brooklyn extravaganza The Talent 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:

[FREE] 2:00 pm: "Something worth watching. Could be a movie, or a TV show. Might be populist and unapologetically entertaining, or hard to find and harder to understand. But you will always leave saying, 'I am glad that I saw that.'" Hosted by The PIT's Artistic Director Jeff Lepine: Afternoon Playhouse

[FREE] 6:00 pm to midnight: Six free hours of improvisation at The PIT's Super Free Wednesday

7:00 pm, 8:30 pm, and 10:00 pm ($5): Magnet house troupes performing improv, followed by a free show at 11:30 pm: The Magnet's Megawatt

[MEGA-TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5 at the door, or $6.50 in advance online—the latter is recommended, because this will sell out): Genius storyteller Elna Baker and Kevin Townley host New York Magazine's 2011 pick for Best Variety Show, with tonight's blowout lineup including Dave Hill, Chris Gethard, Leo Allen, Kurt Braunohler, Seth Herzog, Lucy Wainwright Roche, and many more performing at Brooklyn's Littlefield (622 Degraw Street) for this month's theme Your Mom: The Talent Show

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): TV & movie star Janeane Garofalo, TV & movie star Todd Barry, and Neal Brennan joining best bud hosts Noah Garfinkel & Joe Mande (author of Look At This F*cking Hipster) at Totally J/K

[TOP PICK] [$] [DISCOUNTED] 8:00 pm ($15 online or at the door using code MOON): Star comedic storyteller Tom Shillue (Conan O'Brien, The Daily Show, Comedy Central Presents, winner of the 2011 ECNY Award for Best Storyteller) performing a smart, engaging, and often hilarious one-man show at PS 122 (150 First Avenue off 9th Street ) running through April 9th: Tom Shillue is Supernormal

8:00 pm ($5—which includes a free drink!): Mike Lawrence ((shrewdly funny curmudgeon; Comedy Central), Roger Hailes (Comedy Central, VH1's Best Week Ever, FUSE), and Jamie Lee (Last Comic Standing, MTV, VH1) performing stand-up at The Creek in Queens' Long Island City with host Nick Turner: Monsters

[TOP PICK] [FREE] 9:00 pm: Skinny Bitch Jesus Meeting (fun two-gal sketch comedy team), Malaika Gordon (storyteller for The Moth, TOLD), stand-up Sean Crespo (ONN, The Electric Company), and Katey Healy-Wurzburg (UCBT, ECNY Nominee) performing at this free weekly show at the Luca Bar (119 St. Marks Place) hosted by Sharon Spell: Shrink

[TOP PICK] 9:30 pm ($5): One of the finest comedic storytelling shows in the country, in which brilliant writer/performers—who tonight are Anthony Atamanuik, John Flynn, Carter Edwards, Joe Evans, and wonderful host David Martin—tell tales that are brutally honest and utterly hilarious, with tonight's theme Geeks: The Nights of Our Lives

[FREE] 10:00 pm: NYC stand-ups Ophira Eisenberg (Comedy Central, The Liar Show), Hilary Schwartz (Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad), and Chris Doucette (Warm-Up comic for Logo's One-Night Stand-Up) performing at the Bar-Tini Ultra Lounge (542 Tenth Avenue, between 40th & 41st Streets) for a gay-themed show hosted by Adam Sank: That Sank Show

[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 3/31/11

Beloved authors Kristen Schaal, Jane Borden, and Kambri Crews celebrate a gal-focused Web site: The G.L.O.C. Launch Party...

...and the wonderful Erin Lennox shares her vast love with us via her new comedy show I Like You Too

Recommendations for the best in New York City comedy tonight

(in chronological order, with top picks noted and shows over $12 marked with $) include:

[TOP PICK] 6:00 pm ($6): A gala launch party for a new Web site devoted to the "Gorgeous Ladies Of Comedy," featuring some of the most brilliantly talented and beloved comics in NYC—authors Kristen Schaal, Jane Borden, and Kambri Crews reading from their recent books, and Adira Amram rockin' the house—plus prizes, free makeovers, and more: The G.L.O.C. Launch Party

[$] 7:30 pm ($38.25 & 2-drink min.) A writer/comic who's currently playing Leon Black on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, and has performed on Saturday Night Live, FOX, Comedy Central, MTV, The Chris Rock Show, and such feature films as Pootie Tang and Mr. Deeds, headlining tonight through Sunday at the Carolines Comedy Club: JB Smoove

[TOP PICK] [FREE] 8:00 pm: Comedic storytelling from ace yarn-spinner Kevin Allison (cast member of MTV's seminal The State, host of Risk!), Ali Farahnakian (SNL, owner of The PIT), and Mandy Schiemderic performing at The PIT's basement lounge on the topic of The Trials and Tribulations of Trying to be Cool

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): Veteran improvisors Jesse Falcon (Mother) and Rachel Hamilton (30 Rock, Second City) perform as duo Hamilton & Falcon

8:00 pm ($5): Young talents's providing a mildly amusing and overly loud sketch show about cops in The Sit Down and Shut Up NYPD Variety Hour; and in the other half of this double-bill, a sketch show from troupe Bleak about internal disorders in Stomachtown

[TOP PICK] [FREE] 8:30 pm: Brooke Van Poppelen (brilliant stand-up, writer, and storyteller; blogger for trutV; TLC; co-host of Dive Comedy; for stand-up videos about overindulging at 30 and impersonating Morrisey, please click here and here), Jared Logan (Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central, co-host of Righteous Kill), Jordan Carlos (Comedy Central), Michelle Wolf, Joe Pera, David Cope, and band The Bandana Splits ("singing songs about truth") performing at the 11th Street Bar (510 East 11th Street, off Avenue A) for this new monthly extravaganza hosted by the razor-sharp & delightful Erin Lennox (co-host of Fresh; for a sample of Erin's dynamite Seriously Sports show, please click here) who notes "AND FREE DRINKS! If you are very pretty and make someone think you're going to sleep with them. Otherwise there are reasonably priced drinks that you can buy yourself:" Erin Lennox's I Like You Too Show

[TOP PICK] [$] 8:30 pm ($20 & 2-drink min.) A comedy icon who's performed on David Letterman over 40 times and The Tonight Show over 10 times, and did the acclaimed HBO comedy special This'll Take About An Hour and Showtime special I Love You, headlining tonight through Sunday at the Gotham Comedy Club: Jake Johannsen

9:00 pm ($12): Terrific NYC stand-ups Myq Kaplan (one of the quickest minds in comedy, and a rapidly rising star; finalist on the most recent Last Comic Standing; Jay Leno, Comedy Central Presents half-hour special, hit comedy CD Vegan Mind Meld), Mike Recine, Maureen Langan, Charlie Gaeta, and more performing at Comedy Below Canal

[FREE] 9:00ish pm: Typically terrific NYC stand-ups performing on this weekly show at the Kabin Bar and Lounge hosted by Chesley Calloway and guest-host Jeffrey Josephs (while Sean Patton shares his gifts with other cities): Comedy as a Second Language

9:30 pm ($5): Comedy duo Leah Rudick & Katie Hartman, whose production at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival was proclaimed "biggest revelation" by the Guardian, performing a brand new sketch show: Skinny Bitch Jesus Meeting

9:30 pm ($5): If you're a fan of CollegeHumor.com, you can get a behind-the-scenes peak—plus comics Streeter Seidell, Jeff Rubin, Adam Newman, Jamie Lee, and more—at CollegeHumor Live

[TOP PICK] 11:00 pm ($5): Vibrant improv troupes The Law Firm (which impressively trounced The Stepfathers last week to become the new reigning champion) and Standard Oil compete for audience laughs and votes at the raucous Cage Match

NYC Comedy Picks for Friday 4/1/11

Star stand-up Jake Johannsen (headlining at Gotham) and Mamrie Hart & Steve Soroka (BoF: It's Pronounced 'Boaf'!)

Recommendations for the best in New York City comedy tonight

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

7:00 pm ($10): An NYC improv troupe, headed by Duncan Murdoch, making up scenes following not only an audience suggestion but the riffs of an instrumental jazz quartet: FACE

[TOP PICK] 7:30 pm ($10): Mamrie Hart is a rising star who somehow manages to be razor-sharp yet immensely warm & accessible at the same time. Don't miss this rare talent, who seems to be getting better every month, with her comedy partner Stephen Soroka performing as Best of Friends in their new sketch show which educates you about how to effectively promote it when you tell all your pals to see it: BoF: It's Pronounced 'Boaf'!; and in the other half of this double-bill, Abbi Jacobson (Broad City) "takes you through a journey of your first day at Camp Kweebec" in Welcome to Camp!

[$] 7:30 pm & 10:00 pm ($38.25 & 2-drink min.) A writer/comic who's currently playing Leon Black on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, and has performed on Saturday Night Live, FOX, Comedy Central, MTV, The Chris Rock Show, and such feature films as Pootie Tang and Mr. Deeds, headlining tonight through Sunday at the Carolines Comedy Club: JB Smoove

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($10): Groundbreaking and highly acclaimed improvisors Matt Higgins, Jay Rhoderick, and Kevin Scott performing with a three-piece rock ensemble: Centralia

[TOP PICK] [$] 8:00 pm ($49.50): One of the finest comics in the country, Mike Birbiglia's credits include the hour-long Comedy Central special What I Should Have Said is Nothing; two Comedy Central Presents half-hour specials; multiple appearances on David Letterman and Conan O'Brien; comedy CDs Two Drink Mike and My Secret Public Journal—Live; the book Sleepwalk with Me & Other Painfully True Stories; and his hit off-Broadway show Sleepwalk with Me. Mike's now returned to the stage, once again creating his unique blend of stand-up and storytelling, for an all-new one-man show at the Barrow Street Theatre (27 Barrow Street, just one block from the #1 subway's Christopher Street stop) slated to run through May 15th: Mike Birbiglia: My Girlfriend's Boyfriend

[FREE] 8:00 pm: NYC stand-ups Nate Bargatze (Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central Presents), Nikki Glazer (Jay Leno), Greg Barris (host of Heart of Darkness), Adam Lowitt (Producer for The Daily Show), and Bryson Turner (deemed Funniest Person in Austin), plus musical guest The Cowmen, performing at Brooklyn's Red Star Bar (37 Greenpoint Avenue) for hosts Nick Turner's & Jason Saenz's Too Cool for School

8:00 pm ($5; includes copious homemade treats): NYC stand-ups Jeffrey Joseph (HBO, Jay Leno), Lisa Delarios (Comedy Central), Stone & Stone (Last Comic Standing), Jessie Geller, and chris Lamberth performing at Karma Lounge (51 First Avenue, off 3rd Street) with hosts Aalap Patel and the delightful Chelsea White (MTV, College Humor): It's Not That Serious

[FREE] 8:00 pm: Stand-ups Nate Bargatze (Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central Presents), Alex Koll (Comedy Central), David Cope (Last Comic Standing), Emily Heller (visiting from San Francisco), Josh DiDonato (visiting from LA), and Erik Bergstrom performing at O'Hanlon's (14th Street off 1st Avenue) hosted by Matt Ruby: Hot Soup

8:00 pm ($7): "In March of 2009 a gaggle of performers were born. Some died, some wandered off into the woods, others went to work in the private sector. Those that remained grew strong by feeding on the nectar of specific choices and the gruel of strong character work. The 2-year-old terror that exists today is akin to watching a Tsunami of hair and teeth attack a baby Blue Whale and destroy it with the will of a thousand hungry Burnese Mountain Dogs. What does it all mean? We don't know." In other words, improv from Chet Watkins

[FREE] 8:00 pm: A mix of stand-up, sketch, and more at this free show hosted by Billy Keenly & John Milhiser: Stampede

[TOP PICK] [$] 8:30 pm ($25 & 2-drink min.) A comedy icon who's performed on David Letterman over 40 times and The Tonight Show over 10 times, and did the acclaimed HBO comedy special This'll Take About An Hour and Showtime special I Love You, headlining tonight through Sunday at the Gotham Comedy Club: Jake Johannsen

[TOP PICK] 9:00 pm ($10): Some of the finest improv in NYC from the comedy genius members of The Stepfathers

9:00 pm ($7): Sketch comedy about the past year from two friends who, by a wild coincidence, have the same name: We're Matt Weir: 2010

[TOP PICK] [$] 9:30 pm ($15): 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) delivering a brand new collection of sketches titled Ms. Larsen's Class: The Harvard Sailing Team

[TOP PICK] [$] [DISCOUNTED] 10:00 pm ($15 online or at the door using code MOON): Star comedic storyteller Tom Shillue (Conan O'Brien, The Daily Show, Comedy Central Presents, winner of the 2011 ECNY Award for Best Storyteller) performing a smart, engaging, and often hilarious one-man show at PS 122 (150 First Avenue off 9th Street ) running through April 9th: Tom Shillue is Supernormal

10:00 pm ($7): Singing improvisors who use an interview with an audience member to craft The Made-Up Musical

10:30 pm ($10): Jonathan Gabrus, Sue Galloway, and other fine improvisors make up scenes about an audience member's legal dispute at The Law Firm: Law & Disorder

11:00 pm ($5): An improv troupe making up a musical on the spot after a friendly greeting: Hello

[TOP PICK] 11:30 pm ($7): A spectacular collection of veteran improvisors from Chicago and New York performing for one night only—including Joe Bill (Bassprov, iO, co-founder of the Annoyance Theatre), Jodi Lennon (Comedy Central's Exit 57), Ari Voukydis (UCB instructor, VH!'s Best Week Ever), Doug Stoley (Conan O'Brien, UCB), Rick Andrews (Magnet performer), Mark Grenier (Magnet instructor), Jen Sanders (Magnet performer), and Chet Siegel (Magnet performer)— Lights Out, Shirley!

[TOP PICK] Midnight ($5): A comedic freestyle rap contest featuring some of the funniest & sharpest comics in NYC—who tonight include Victor Varnado (Conan O'Brien), Adam Lustick (Harvard Sailing Team), Mindy Raf (Leibya Rogers), Jermaine Fowler (Rooftop Comedy), Luke Meginsky (The Future Mrs. Goldman), and King Supernuts (Crazytown)—plus a volunteer from the audience!, hosted by genius human beatbox Chris "Shockwave" Sullivan (The Daily Show, The Electric Company, Freestyle Love Supreme) and genius musical improvisor Eliza Skinner (Baby Wants Candy) at one of my favorite monthly shows: The BEATdown

NYC Comedy Picks for Saturday 4/2/11

Elna Baker (Underground Americana) and JB Smoove (headlining at Carolines)

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] [$] 4:00 pm ($49.50): One of the finest comics in the country, Mike Birbiglia's credits include the hour-long Comedy Central special What I Should Have Said is Nothing; two Comedy Central Presents half-hour specials; multiple appearances on David Letterman and Conan O'Brien; comedy CDs Two Drink Mike and My Secret Public Journal—Live; the book Sleepwalk with Me & Other Painfully True Stories; and his hit off-Broadway show Sleepwalk with Me. Mike's now returned to the stage, once again creating his unique blend of stand-up and storytelling, for an all-new one-man show at the Barrow Street Theatre (27 Barrow Street, just one block from the #1 subway's Christopher Street stop) slated to run through May 15th: Mike Birbiglia: My Girlfriend's Boyfriend

6:00 pm ($5): Jenny Dunne and Rick Andrews improvise a single moment in two characters' lives again and again, exploring three parallel realities, and the difference that a look or tone can make, in The Cascade; and in the other half of this double-bill, Alan Fessenden, Alex Marino, Corey Grimes, and Dave Warth perform improv as troupe Hello Laser

[TOP PICK] 7:30 pm ($10): Genius improvisors Anthony King, Christina Gausas, Ed Herbstman, Becky Drysdale, and more—plus a rotating cast of stellar visitors who've included writers & performers from 30 Rock, The Colbert Report, and The Daily Show—all joyously declaring Let's Have a Ball

7:30 pm ($7): Improv veterans Mark Grenier, Louis Kornfeld, and Charlie Whitcroft making up a play on the spot in Theory of Everything

[TOP PICK] [$] 8:00 pm & 10:00 pm & 11:45 pm ($25 & 2-drink min.) A comedy icon who's performed on David Letterman over 40 times and The Tonight Show over 10 times, and did the acclaimed HBO comedy special This'll Take About An Hour and Showtime special I Love You, headlining tonight through Sunday at the Gotham Comedy Club: Jake Johannsen

[FREE—plus FREE BEER!] 8:30 pm: A variety show of stand-up, storytelling, and sketch that's not only free, but promises to give each of the first 25 audience members who arrive a free beer! Unfortunately, the lineup hasn't been announced; but if you'd care to take a chance, join hosts Ray Combs Jr., Evan Jacobs, and Aalap Patel as they provide you a drink On the House

[TOP PICK] 9:00 pm ($10): One of the gutsiest and most hilarious troupes in comedy history—with honors including being Cage Match Champion for three years in a row, and winning the 2011 ECNY Award for Best Improv Group—genius improvisors Death by Roo Roo

[TOP PICK] 9:00 pm & 11:00 pm (FREE TICKETS if you reserve in advance by calling (212) 260-2445 and mention HyReviews.com, but there's still a 2-drink min. per person): Todd Barry (HBO, David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central Presents, The Sarah Silverman Program, Adult Swim, feature films The Wrestler and Pete Smalls is Dead), Nate Bargatze (Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central), Harris Stanton (SNL, Comedy Central), and more performing stand-up at the only comedy club in the East Village: Eastville Comedy Club's A-List

9:00 pm ($7): Organic & energetic improv by the four guys of 4 Track!

9:30 pm ($10): "A cabaret of darkly funny songs and topical sketch comedy about culture and politics," following sold out shows at Joe's Pub: Political Subversities

[TOP PICK] [$] [DISCOUNTED] 10:00 pm ($15 both online and at the door using discount code SBWC, otherwise $20): This top musical improv troupe has wowed audiences around the world with its skill at making up an hour-long musical moment by moment. The plot and characters, the musical accompaniment, even the song lyrics and the "choreography" are invented on the spot, with no pre-planned structure. Come see why BWC won a FringeNYC Award for Outstanding Unique Theatrical Event by catching tonight's edition of Baby Wants Candy

[TOP PICK] [$] 10:00 pm ($15): Ted Greenberg (Emmy-winning David Letterman writer) performing a fun, fast-paced theatrical comedy show—complete with audience interaction and audience rides home!—at The Complete Performer

[TOP PICK] 10:30 pm ($10): An all-star improv troupe led by brilliant UCBT artistic director Anthony King interviews an audience member about where he or she grew up and then creates an entire show based on the mini-bio: The Curfew: Not From Around Here

10:30 pm ($7): Vibrant improv from Nick Kanellis & Peter McNerney (Statues of Liberty) and Leslie Korein as comedy trio Trike

[TOP PICK] Midnight ($5): Elna Baker (genius storyteller, and bestselling author of the comedic book The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance; writer for Glamour, Elle; NPR's This American Life; co-host of red-hot The Talent Show), stand-ups Adam Newman (College Humor) and Nick Turner (host of Monsters and Too Cool for School), comedy duo Andrea Rosen & John Gemberling (expect your minds to be blown), and more performing at host Andy Rocco's Underground Americana

[FREE] Midnight: A weekly chance for you to shine, as students and veteran improvisors share the stage to form "rare and wonderful one-night-only teams," with sign-up starting at 11:30 pm: Magnet Mixer

NYC Comedy Picks for Sunday 4/3/11

Genius performer Ed Herbstman and much more at an extra special show: Laurie Stanton's Sound Diet

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] [$] 4:00 pm & 8:00 pm ($49.50): One of the finest comics in the country, Mike Birbiglia's credits include the hour-long Comedy Central special What I Should Have Said is Nothing; two Comedy Central Presents half-hour specials; multiple appearances on David Letterman and Conan O'Brien; comedy CDs Two Drink Mike and My Secret Public Journal—Live; the book Sleepwalk with Me & Other Painfully True Stories; and his hit off-Broadway show Sleepwalk with Me. Mike's now returned to the stage, once again creating his unique blend of stand-up and storytelling, for an all-new one-man show at the Barrow Street Theatre (27 Barrow Street, just one block from the #1 subway's Christopher Street stop) slated to run through May 15th: Mike Birbiglia: My Girlfriend's Boyfriend

[TOP PICK] [$] [DISCOUNTED] 5:00 pm ($18.50 online using discount code ADVANCE ): One of the very best shows at FringeNYC 2010 was an award-winning comedy from NYC's own Faye Lane, a luminous storyteller and singer who will charm your socks off—and possibly give you a moon pie to boot—at the Soho Playhouse's downstairs Huron Club. This marvelous event recently received a 2011 Bistro Award for Musical Comedy and a nomination for the 2011 MAC Award for Special Production. Please read my review by clicking here, watch Faye make a pecan pie by clicking here, and then take advantage of this revival running Sundays through April 17th to experience the hilarious and unforgettable Faye Lane's Beauty Shop Stories

[MEGA-TOP PICK] 7:30 pm ($7): An extraordinary event that happens only once every few months, this show mixes the style of live radio with the depth of classic theatre and the energy of stage comedy to create something unique and unforgettable. It's written and produced by Melanie Hoopes, and stars Melanie, her genius husband Ed Herbstman, Kelly Park, Arthur Aulisi, and Amy Warren, plus musical guest Steve Salett. Be sure to reserve tickets because this is likely to sell out: Laurie Stanton's Sound Diet

[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

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($7): Jen Kirkman, Gabe Liedman, and probably some fun surprise guests performing at Brooklyn's Union Hall hosted by comedy giant Eugene Mirman: Pretty Good Friends

[FREE] 8:00 pm: NYC stand-ups Mike Lawrence, Jordan Carlos, Craig Baldo, Ilana Glazer, and more performing at RG Daniels' free weekly show at the Three of Cups East Village lounge: Sunday Night Stand-Up

[FREE] 8:00 pm: NYC stand-ups Nate Bargatze (Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central), Andy Rocco, and more performing at The PIT's downstairs lounge for a free weekly show hosted by Chris Grace and Sean Donnelly: Cold Soda Comedy

[FREE] 9:00 pm: NYC stand-ups Jeffrey Joseph, Emily Heller, Freddy Sheffield, Anton Shuford, and Danny Kallas performing at Brooklyn's Knitting Factory (361 Metropolitan Avenue) hosted by the wonderful Hannibal Buress (staff writer for 30 Rock, Saturday Night Live; David Letterman, Jimmy Fallon, Louie, Comedy Central): Comedy Night

[FREE] 9:00 pm: NYC stand-ups (not yet announced) performing in the East Village's Beauty Bar at Vince Averill's & Jesse Popp's free weekly show Beauty Bar Comedy

[TOP PICK] 9:30 pm ($7): Improv veterans David Razowsky and Rachel Hamilton perform as duo Dave & Rachel

[FREE] 10:00 pm: Stand-ups Karith Foster (Comedy Central, VH1), Andrew Johnston (visiting from Canada), and Frank Liotti performing at this free weekly gay-themed show at Therapy hosted by Brad Loekle (TruTV): Electro Shock Therapy Comedy Hour

[FREE] 10:00 pm: Open-mic stand-up, with 4 minutes per comic, at The PIT's downstairs lounge hosted by Rob Stern: Vicious Cycle

NYC Comedy Picks for Tonight

Previous NYC Comedy Picks

Home Page

Email: hy@hyreviews.com