December 17, 2010
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
Two incredible midnight shows tonight (don't know how to choose, but for goodness sakes see one of them): Blaine Swen doing improv at Tony Wayne and Kate McKinnon performing sketch at Neil Casey's Sentimental Irish Christmas
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] 7:00 pm ($7): Comedy veterans Laura Krafft (former writer for The Colbert Report), Jodi Lennon (Exit 57), and Miriam Tolan (The Daily Show) perform an improvised play in What a Year!
[FREE] 7:00 pm: Brilliantly funny writer/singer Jessica Delfino (enjoys singing songs about her vagina, as demonstrated by her CD Dirty Folk Rock; created the hilarious and wildly popular YouTube animated short film I Wanna Be Famous; has a cool MySpace page, and an even coolerblog; to get a feel for Jessica’s amazing range and talent, please click here), stand-ups Leighann Lord (Fox News, Huffington Post) and Jane Galvin-Lewis, illusionist Lee Alan Barrett, and band The Summer Replacements performing at Otto’s Shrunken Head (538 East 14th Street, between Avenues A and B) hosted by Eric Vetter: No Name and A Bag O’ Chips
[TOP PICK] 7:30 pm ($10): A delightful tale of heartbreak by Leslie Meisel—who manages the impressive feat of being adorable, sexy, and hilarious all at the same time, and is a sharp comedic talent very much worth keeping an eye on—quite ably abetted by co-writer Megan Neuringer in one of the smartest theatrical shows to grace UCBT this year: Love Can Suck a Dick…and So Can I
plus for the second half of this double bill, young talents perform a loud and mildly amusing sketch show about cops in The Sit Down and Shut Up NYPD Variety Hour
[TOP PICK] [FREE] 7:30 pm: Sara Benincasa (Comedy Central, YouTube star, upcoming author), Luke Cunningham (Comedy Central’s new Norm Macdonald Show), Barry Rothbart (Comedy Central, Men of a Certain Age), Kara Klenk (Spike TV), Sean Donnelly (Lil’ Seany Boy), DTMT sketch troupe Steve Bossous, Gregg Zehentner, and Roger Hailes, and musical group Fortress of Attitude—followed by “a drunken, makeout-filled dance party”—performing at Karma Lounge with hosts Pat Stango & Blaine Perry for this endearingly oddball monthly comedy show: Don’t Touch Me There
[$] 8:00 pm pm ($38.25 & 2-drink min.) A Curb Your Enthusiasm star and superb stand-up headlining tonight and Saturday at the Carolines Comedy Club: Susie Essman
[$] [DISCOUNTED] 8:00 pm & 10:30 pm ($51.27 online if you use code PLAYBILL, plus 2-item minimum): Ray Romano’s big brother on the eternal classic sitcom Everybody Loves Raymondproving he also has stand-up chops by headlining tonight and Saturday at the elegant Comix Comedy Club: Brad Garrett
[TOP PICK] 9:00 pm ($10): Some of the finest improv in NYC from the comedy genius members of The Stepfathers
[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) delivering a brand new collection of sketches titled Ms. Larsen’s Class: The Harvard Sailing Team
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
[TOP PICK] Midnight ($5): Kate McKinnon is one of the funniest sketch comics alive. Tonight Kate joins one of the best deadpan comics in the biz, Neil Casey, and terrific improv/sketch performer Nate Lang, for “an evening of whiskey-soaked sketch comedy, music, and poorly remembered stories recounted slurringly in celebration of the anniversary of the Incarnation of the Child Christ,” written by Neil Casey, Michael Trapp, and David White, and directed by Neil’s wonderful Krompf improv partner Ryan Karels: Neil Casey’s Sentimental Irish Christmas
[TOP PICK] Midnight ($5): Genius improvisor Blaine Swen—founder & head of my favorite improv troupe in the universe, The Improvised Shakespeare Company—and Blaine’s childhood friend Jeff Lepine perform duo improv as Tony Wayne
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
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Best New York Live Comedy Shows | Tagged: Blaine Swen, Carolines, Carolines Comedy Club, Carolines on Broadway, Cheap Comedy, Comedian, Comedians, Comedic Storytelling, Comedy, Comedy Clubs, Comic, Comics, Comix, Comix Comedy Club, Free Comedy, Fun NYC, Funny, Improv, Improvisation, Kate McKinnon, Neil Casey's Sentimental Irish Christmas, New York City Comedy, New York Comedy, New York Comedy Clubs, NY Comedy, NYC Comedy, NYC Fun, Sketch Comedy, Stand-Up Comedy, Standup Comedy, Storytelling, The Improvised Shakespeare Company, The Magnet Theater, The Peoples Improv Theatre, The PIT, Tony Wayne, UCB, UCBT, Upright Citizens Brigade | 
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Posted by hybender
June 2, 2010
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
For the best of genius comedic actress Kate McKinnon, click here.
John Oliver tonight analyzes the work of another comedy genius at a screening of W.C. Fields' classic Million Dollar Legs
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:
[FREE] 7:00 pm to midnight: Five free hours of improvisation in The PIT’s Super Free Wednesday
[FREE] 7:00 pm (no cover, 2-drink min.): Delightful stand-up Phoebe Robinson, plus Akaash Singh, Andrew Schulz, and more performing at the Laugh Lounge with host Damien Lemon: Comedy on the Hump
[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($12): Comedy superstar John Oliver (The Daily Show) and Elliott Kalan (writer/producer for The Daily Show) host and analyze a not-to-be-missed screening at 92Y Tribeca of the W.C. Fields classic comedy film Million Dollar Legs
8:00 pm ($7): Wonderful storyteller Leslie Goshko, sketch duo Team Submarine, and stand-ups Ryan Hamilton and Jesse Joyce performing at Dan Allen’s & Ray Devito’s monthly comedy event¡Sacapuntas!
8:00 pm ($5): Real-life married couple James Eason & Jessica Allen, who are both superb veteran improvisors, stretching themselves with a scripted sketch show directed by Rachel Hamilton; and the wonderful Jon Friedman performing a smart & silly one-man show, in the double-bill D-Bags, A-Holes & Lovers and Bear With Me
[FREE] 8:30: NYC stand-ups Sean Crespo, Amy Beckerman, Matt Little, Jay Bois, Arthur Carlson, and Johanna Clearfield performing at this free weekly show hosted by Sharon Spell: Shrink
[TOP PICK] [FREE] 8:30 pm: Jessi Klein (fresh, unique, deliciously organic stand-up; staff writer forSaturday Night Live; Comedy Central, VH1, NBC, CNN, Adult Swim), Ali Wong (hilarious human dynamo), Craig Baldo (Conan O’Brien), and Noah Garfinkel (co-host of Totally J/K) performing stand-up at this free weekly comedy show at Brooklyn’s Cameo (behind Lovin’ Cup) hosted by Jenny Slate, Gabe Liedman, and Max Silvestri: Big Terrific
9:00 pm (no cover, 1-item min.): Stand-ups Mark Normand, Bruce Cherry, Troy Bynum, Geoffrey Kole, and Walt Murphy telling tales about their first time doing something (subject is up to them) performing in Ochi’s Lounge at Evan Morgenstern’s SNC: The Virgin Chronicles
[TOP PICK] 9:30 pm ($5): “The most fabulous show on Earth,” hosted by Tim Gunn (John Flynn) and Tim Gunn (Michael Hartney), featuring wonderful comedic performers (both straight and gay) including comedy genius Kate McKinnon, Christine Nangle (staff writer for Saturday Night Live), superb singer/songwriter Ben Lerman, rapper Soce, and more—plus two audience members who’ll be selected to compete in a design challenge—all at The Same Sex-Tacular
[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
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
For the best of genius comedic actress Kate McKinnon, click here.
Leave a Comment » | Best New York Live Comedy Shows | Tagged: Carolines, Carolines Comedy Club, Carolines on Broadway, Cheap Comedy, Comedian, Comedians, Comedic Storytelling, Comedy, Comedy Clubs, Comic, Comics, Comix, Comix Comedy Club, Elliott Kalan, Free Comedy, Fun NYC, Funny, Improv, Improvisation, John Oliver, Kate McKinnon, Million Dollar Legs, New York City Comedy, New York Comedy, New York Comedy Clubs, NY Comedy, NYC Comedy, NYC Fun, Ochi’s Lounge, Sketch Comedy, Stand-Up Comedy, Standup Comedy, Storytelling, The Daily Show, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Magnet, The Peoples Improv Theatre, The PIT, UCB, UCBT, Upright Citizens Brigade, W.C. Fields | Permalink
Posted by hybender
May 14, 2010
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
Genius comics Kate McKinnon, Thomas Middleditch, Ben Rodgers, and more perform sketch at midnight's Beneath Gristedes
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] 7:30 pm ($10): “The most fabulous show on Earth,” hosted by Tim Gunn (John Flynn) and Tim Gunn (Michael Hartney), featuring such superb comedic performers (both straight and gay) as Claudia Cogan, Megan Neuringer, Sue Galloway, and Lou Perez, plus two audience members who’ll be selected to compete in a design challenge, at The Same Sex-Tacular
[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($10): A groundbreaking and surreal improv/sketch troupe performing with new guests each Friday and making a valid complaint: Centralia: We Were Supposed To Have Flying Cars By Now
[$] [DISCOUNTED] 8:00 pm & 10:30 pm ($33.48 online if you use code VIPMAY, plus 2-item minimum): A stand-up who’s performed frequently on Conan O’Brien and David Letterman, and who’s performed a Comedy Central Presents half-hour special and numerous Comedy Central Roasts, headlining tonight through Saturday at the elegant Comix Comedy Club: Greg Geraldo
[TOP PICK] 9:00 pm ($10): Some of the finest improv in NYC from the comedy genius members of The Stepfathers
[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
10:00 pm ($7): Singing improvisors who use an interview with an audience member to craft The Made-Up Musical
[TOP PICK] 10:30 pm ($10): In this new show, Thomas Middleditch, Jonathan Gabrus, Sue Galloway, and other superb improvisors make up scenes about an audience member’s legal dispute at The Law Firm: Law & Disorder
11:00 pm ($5): Dan Hodapp & Natasha Rothwell, champions of the Magnet Theater’s 2009 Improv Duo Tournament, bring nearly five years of improv collaboration to stage “for an evening of bold, committed characters and truthful, grounded scenework” at Hodapp & Rothwell
[TOP PICK] Midnight ($5): Top UCBT talents—tonight featuring Matt Fisher, Nate Lang, Kate McKinnon, Thomas Middleditch, Ben Rodgers, and Andree Vermeulen as the performers, and Adam Conover, John Frusciante, Kevin Hines, Anthony King, Shannon O’Neill, Craig Rowin, Jim Santangeli, Eric Scott, Nate Smith, Gavin Speiller, Erik Tanouye, Caitlin Tegart, and Greg Tuculescu as the writers—creating a one-night-only sketch comedy show directed by comedy genius Gavin Speiller, with musical guest Cavalier Rose: Beneath Gristedes
[$] 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
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
Leave a Comment » | Best New York Live Comedy Shows | Tagged: Ben Rodgers, Beneath Gristedes, Carolines, Carolines Comedy Club, Carolines on Broadway, Cheap Comedy, Comedian, Comedians, Comedic Storytelling, Comedy, Comedy Clubs, Comic, Comics, Comix, Comix Comedy Club, Free Comedy, Fun NYC, Funny, Improv, Improvisation, Kate McKinnon, New York City Comedy, New York Comedy, New York Comedy Clubs, NY Comedy, NYC Comedy, NYC Fun, Ochi’s Lounge, Sketch Comedy, Stand-Up Comedy, Standup Comedy, Storytelling, The Magnet, The Peoples Improv Theatre, The PIT, Thomas Middleditch, UCB, UCBT, Upright Citizens Brigade | Permalink
Posted by hybender
May 6, 2010
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
Phenomenal actresses & cold readers Kate McKinnon & Meredith Zinner (above) join fellow superb actors Kaipo Schwab and Andy Danish in performing a free unrehearsed event: The First Annual New School Screenplay Reading Series
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] 6:00 pm ($5): Performers with upcoming UCBT shows provide sneak previews of the laughs they’ll be providing in this talent-packed show with Steve & Jordan, John Roberts, Political Subversities, John Phillips, and New Exc!tement: The UCBT Summer Showcase
[TOP PICK] [FREE] 7:00 pm: Four of the finest actors & cold readers in New York—Kate McKinnon (Big Gay Sketch Show, UCBT & Web star), Meredith Zinner (Conan O’Brien, Law & Order, Erin Brockovich), Kaipo Schwab (Law & Order, Rescue Me, The Royal Tenenbaums, Fair Game), and Andy Danish (voiceover artist for Disney, MSNBC, GoDaddy.com)—performing nine screenplay scenes (from such works as Dead Andy and Fuck Up of the Year) with no rehearsal tonight at The New School’s Wollman Hall (65 West 11th Street, 5th floor) in a show hosted by screenwriting guru William Pace that’s free and open to all: First Annual New School Screenplay Reading Series
[TOP PICK] [$] [DISCOUNTED] 7:30 pm ($12.44 online if you use code VIPMAY, plus 2-item minimum): Wonderful comics Kevin Allison, Margot Leitman, Liz Winstead, and Arden Myrin join host Tom Shillue for a show that brings together stand-ups, improvisors, and storytellers for an evening of world-class yarn-spinning at the elegant Comix Comedy Club: Tom Shillue’s TELL
7:30 pm ($5): Sharp improvisors directed by James Eason “take an audience suggestion and break it into a million funny pieces,” and veteran improvisors play with “elements of monoscene, deconstruction, and La Ronde,” in the double-bill The Deconstruction and Sleepover
[MEGA-TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): One of the finest stand-ups ever performing his comedy CD at UCBT at a not-to-be-missed event: Anthony Jeselnik: CD Recording
[$] 8:00 pm ($46.50 & 2-drink min.) A TV and movie star who first earned fame on Chappelle’s Showheadlining through Sunday at Carolines: Charlie Murphy
[TOP PICK] 9:30 pm ($5): Movie & TV comedy star Michael Showalter, beloved comedy veteran Bobby Tisdale (Invite Them Up), and musical group Strega joining the fresh, sexy, and razor-sharp gals of comedy group Variety SHAC
[TOP PICK] 11:00 pm ($5): Vibrant improv troupes Reuben Williams and Thank You Robot compete for audience laughs and votes at the raucous Cage Match
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
Leave a Comment » | Best New York Live Comedy Shows | Tagged: Andy Danish, Bill Pace, Carolines, Carolines Comedy Club, Carolines on Broadway, Cheap Comedy, Comedian, Comedians, Comedic Storytelling, Comedy, Comedy Clubs, Comic, Comics, Comix, Comix Comedy Club, Free Comedy, Fun NYC, Funny, Improv, Improvisation, Kaipo Schwab, Kate McKinnon, Meredith Zinner, New York City Comedy, New York Comedy, New York Comedy Clubs, NY Comedy, NYC Comedy, NYC Fun, Ochi’s Lounge, Sketch Comedy, Stand-Up Comedy, Standup Comedy, Storytelling, The First Annual New School Screenplay Reading Series, The Magnet, The New School, The Peoples Improv Theatre, The PIT, UCB, UCBT, Upright Citizens Brigade, William Pace, Wollman Hall | Permalink
Posted by hybender
April 25, 2010
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
Genius comedic chameleon Kate McKinnon performs tonight at the Electro Shock Therapy Comedy Hour
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] 7:30 pm ($10) and 9:30 pm [FREE]: UCBT’s signature improv comedy extravaganza, which typically includes stars in the improv world, and sometimes even TV & movie stars such as Amy Poehler and Horatio Sanz: ASSSCAT 3000
[TOP PICK] [$] [DISCOUNTED] 8:00 pm ($12.89 online if you use code VIPAPRIL, plus 2-item minimum): Comedy stars Nick Kroll, Donald Glover, Chelsea Peretti, and Whitney Cummings touring the country with their top comedy perform tonight at the elegant Comix Comedy Club: Twisted Humor Tour
8:00 pm ($7): Typically stellar stand-ups (lineup not announced this week) performing at Brooklyn’s Union Hall hosted by comedy giant Eugene Mirman: Tearing the Veil of Maya
[FREE] 8:00 pm: Reese Waters (Comedy Central), Rick Younger (BET’s Comic View, NBC’s Showtime at the Apollo), Danny Lobell, Harrison Greenbaum, Jessie Geller, and Jason Saenz performing at RG Daniels’ free weekly show at the Three of Cups East Village lounge: Sunday Night Stand-Up
[FREE] 9:00 pm: Rachel Feinstein, Joe Mande, Truck Hudson, and Larry Bailey performing at Brooklyn’s Knitting Factory (361 Metropolitan) guest-hosted by the wonderful Leo Allen: Comedy Night
[TOP PICK] [FREE] 9:00 pm: Ali Waller, Mike Drucker, John Knefel, and Ross Hyzer performing in the East Village’s Beauty Bar at Vince Averill’s & Jesse Popp’s free weekly show Beauty Bar Comedy
[TOP PICK] [FREE] 10:00 pm: Red-hot rising star Kate McKinnon (genius comedic character actress and stand-up who “gets” both verbal and physical comedy down to her bones; co-star of Logo TV’s The Big Gay Sketch Show; one-woman shows Disenchanted and Best Actress; star of numerous Web shows) and Helen Hong performing at a free weekly gay-themed show at Therapyhosted by Brad Loekle: Electro Shock Therapy Comedy Hour
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
Leave a Comment » | Best New York Live Comedy Shows | Tagged: Brad Loekle, Carolines, Carolines Comedy Club, Carolines on Broadway, Cheap Comedy, Comedian, Comedians, Comedic Storytelling, Comedy, Comedy Clubs, Comic, Comics, Comix, Comix Comedy Club, Electro Shock Therapy Comedy Hour, Free Comedy, Fun NYC, Funny, Improv, Improvisation, Kate McKinnon, New York City Comedy, New York Comedy, New York Comedy Clubs, NY Comedy, NYC Comedy, NYC Fun, Ochi’s Lounge, Sketch Comedy, Stand-Up Comedy, Standup Comedy, Storytelling, The Magnet, The Peoples Improv Theatre, The PIT, UCB, UCBT, Upright Citizens Brigade | Permalink
Posted by hybender
April 11, 2010
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
Catch a sneak preview of the new season of The Big Gay Sketch Show tonight at Therapy
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] 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): Hilarious alternative comic Jon Glaser (long-time writer & sketch performer for Conan O’Brien, voiceover actor for Comedy Central and Adult Swim, star ofDelocated), Ken Reid, and more performing at Brooklyn’s Union Hall hosted by comedy giant Eugene Mirman: Tearing the Veil of Maya
[TOP PICK] [FREE] 8:00 pm: Red-hot Baron Vaughn (co-star of USA’s Facing Kate and Comedy Central’s just-aired The Awkward Comedy Show, MTV, VH1), plus Jason Good, Peyton Clarkson, H. Alan Scott, JC Coccoli, and Arthur Carlson performing at RG Daniels’ free weekly show at the Three of Cups East Village lounge: Sunday Night Stand-Up
[TOP PICK] [FREE] 9:00 pm: Comedy giants Anthony Jeselnik and Amy Schumer, plus Lee Camp. Phoebe Robinson, and Trey Galyon, performing at Brooklyn’s Knitting Factory (361 Metropolitan) hosted by the wonderful Hannibal Buress: Comedy Night
[TOP PICK] [FREE] 9:00 pm: Logo TV presenting a sneak peek at Therapy of the first episode of the upcoming new season of The Big Gay Sketch Show
[FREE] 9:00 pm: Sharp stand-ups Barry Rothbart, Chris Wilkes, Matt Ruby, and Jc Coccoli performing in the East Village’s Beauty Bar at Vince Averill’s & Jesse Popp’s free weekly showBeauty Bar Comedy
[FREE] 10:00 pm: Gloria Bigalow (Dykes on Mics), Mike Trainor (TruTV’s The Smoking Gun), and “a super surprise headliner” performing at a free weekly gay-themed show at Therapy hosted by Brad Loekle: Electro Shock Therapy Comedy Hour
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
Leave a Comment » | Best New York Live Comedy Shows | Tagged: Carolines, Carolines Comedy Club, Carolines on Broadway, Cheap Comedy, Comedian, Comedians, Comedic Storytelling, Comedy, Comedy Clubs, Comic, Comics, Comix, Comix Comedy Club, Free Comedy, Fun NYC, Funny, Improv, Improvisation, Kate McKinnon, New York City Comedy, New York Comedy, New York Comedy Clubs, NY Comedy, NYC Comedy, NYC Fun, Ochi’s Lounge, Sketch Comedy, Stand-Up Comedy, Standup Comedy, Storytelling, The Big Gay Sketch Show, The Magnet, The Peoples Improv Theatre, The PIT, UCB, UCBT, Upright Citizens Brigade | Permalink
Posted by hybender
January 26, 2010
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
Star comedic performer Kate McKinnon is among the top talents performing sketch at the annual UCBT Winter Showcase
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] [FREE] 7:00 pm: Stellar comics Kate McKinnon, John Gemberling, Andree Vermeulen, Craig Rowin, and Jim Santangeli performing sketches written by Chris Kelly, Craig Rowin, and Caitlin Tegart, and directed by brilliant UCBT Artistic Director Anthony King, showing off what UCBT’s top talents can do at the annual UCBT Winter Showcase
[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): Guests Blair Marnell and Sax Carr (Comics on Comics) and J.D. Matonti (New-Gen) joining 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] [FREE] 8:00 pm (no cover, one drink min.): Amy Schumer (Comedy Central Presents, Reality Bites Back), Sean Patton (razor-sharp rising star; Comedy Central), Jermaine Fowler (NBC’s Stand Up for Diversity, Comical Radio), and Nick Cobb (Comedy Central) performing at Cellar 58 (58 Second Avenue) with delightful host Abbi Crutchfield and comedic rapster Andrew Singer: Positively Awesome
8:00 pm to midnight ($5): Four full hours of improv for only five bucks—tonight featuring UCBT house troupes The Bishop, Robber Baron, DeCoster, The Law Firm, and People People followed by UCBT advanced students playing an improv game in which scenes flow from one location to another—all at Harold Night
[TOP PICK] [FREE] 8:30 pm ($5): Brilliant storyteller & sketch comic Kevin Allison (The State, Risk!), Brent Sullivan (Comedy Central), Julian McCullough (Comedy Central), and Nick Vatterott (Second City) performing at the Housingworks Bookstore Cafe for a free weekly show hosted by brilliant stand-up Pete Holmes (Comedy Central Presents, The Daily Show, John Oliver and Friends, VH1’s Best Week Ever, The New Yorker)…and that used to be co-hosted by the equally brilliant Jessi Klein, but Jessi’s now busy as a staff writer for Saturday Night Live: Punch Up Your Life
[TOP PICK] 9:00 pm ($5): Todd Barry (David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central Presents, HBO’s Flight of the Conchords, Adult Swim, The Wrestler), Michelle Collins (editor of Best Week Ever site, sharp stand-up), Rory Scovel (Comedy Central), and Owen Biddle (bassist of The Roots on Jimmy Fallon) performing at The Slipper Room for the LES weekly show hosted by the wonderful Seth Herzog (Jimmy Fallon, VH1): Sweet
9:00 pm (no cover, 1-item min.): Delightful stand-ups Leah Dubie, Amy Beckerman, and Gloria Bigelow in Ochi’s Lounge hosting guest comics Ji Won Li, Yonah Ward Grossman, Chelsea White at Dykes on Mics
[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
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
Leave a Comment » | Best New York Live Comedy Shows | Tagged: Carolines, Carolines Comedy Club, Carolines on Broadway, Cheap Comedy, Comedian, Comedians, Comedic Storytelling, Comedy, Comedy Clubs, Comic, Comics, Comix, Comix Comedy Club, Free Comedy, Fun NYC, Funny, Improv, Improvisation, Kate McKinnon, New York City Comedy, New York Comedy, New York Comedy Clubs, NY Comedy, NYC Comedy, NYC Fun, Ochi’s Lounge, Sketch Comedy, Stand-Up Comedy, Standup Comedy, Storytelling, The Magnet, The Peoples Improv Theatre, The PIT, UCB, UCBT, UCBT Winter Showcase, Upright Citizens Brigade | Permalink
Posted by hybender
December 23, 2009
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
Brilliant character comic Kate McKinnon performs her one-woman show for the last time tonight at UCBT: Best Actress
Tonight’s recommendations for the best in New York City comedy (in chronological order, with top picks noted and shows over $10 marked with $) include:
[TOP PICK] [$] 7:00 pm ($15 ticket; plus $12 drink-food min. if you sit at a table): Tales of Jewishness from brilliant stand-up Jessi Klein (Comedy Central, Punch Up Your Life), Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling (Howard Stern), Jordan Carlos (Colbert Report), DC Benny (Comedy Central), Aaron Kheifets (The Onion), and Peter Hyman (The Reluctant Metrosexual) performing in Joe’s Pub at HEEB Storytelling
[FREE] 7:00 pm to midnight: Five free hours of improvisation in The PIT’s Super Free Wednesday
8:00 pm ($5): One of NYC’s treasures, master sketch comic Kurt Braunohler, stretching himself by performing a one-man show that’s a mix of stand-up, storytelling, and—the highlight—interacting with the audience at Autumn at the Chuckle Shack
[TOP PICK] [FREE] 8:30 pm: Saturday Night Live’s Jenny Slate, Joe Mande, Claudia Cogan, and Colin Jost performing at a free weekly comedy show at Brooklyn’s Cameo (behind Lovin’ Cup) hosted by Gabe Liedman and Max Silvestri: Big Terrific
[TOP PICK] 9:30 pm ($10): Brilliant character performer Kate McKinnon (co-star of Logo’s Big Gay Sketch Show) playing five very different actresses waiting to hear which of them won an Oscar (keep an eye out for the old lady, who’s one of the funniest characters you’ll see this year, anywhere); and Greg Tuculescu playing five very different immigrants, in the double-bill Best Actress and F@#&ing Foreigners!
[$] 9:30 pm ($20 & 2-drink min.): Rich Vos starred on two seasons of Last Comic Standing; has performed a very popular Comedy Central Presents half-hour special; was a regular on Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn; was the first white comic on Def Jam; wrote for Chris Rock; played Lenny Bruce on NBC’s American Dreams; was an unlikely guest on The View; is a regular on the Opie and Anthony radio show; and is headlining tonight at Carolines at Rich Vos & Friends
[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
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
Leave a Comment » | Best New York Live Comedy Shows | Tagged: Best Actress, Carolines, Carolines Comedy Club, Carolines on Broadway, Cheap Comedy, Comedian, Comedians, Comedic Storytelling, Comedy, Comedy Clubs, Comic, Comics, Comix, Comix Comedy Club, Free Comedy, Fun NYC, Funny, Improv, Improvisation, Kate McKinnon, New York City Comedy, New York Comedy, New York Comedy Clubs, NY Comedy, NYC Comedy, NYC Fun, Ochi’s Lounge, Sketch Comedy, Stand-Up Comedy, Standup Comedy, Storytelling, The Magnet, The Peoples Improv Theatre, The PIT, UCB, UCBT, Upright Citizens Brigade | Permalink
Posted by hybender
August 7, 2009
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
For comprehensive FringeNYC 2009 coverage, please click here.
Brilliant character actress Kate McKinnon tonight performs her one-woman show about the movie biz
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:
7:00 pm ($10): Christina Casa, who memorably played Angelina Jolie at UCBT’s Jen & Angie (a production which will be reprised this month at FringeNYC) demonstrates she’s got other hilarious characters in her in this debut of a one-woman show: Don’t Cry Out Loud
7:00 pm ($5): Razor-sharp improvisors Laura Krafft (former staff writer for The Colbert Report), Abby Sher, Rachel Hamilton, and “special guests” make up scenes based on audience suggestions at Moon Crackers
[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($10): Brilliant character performer Kate McKinnon (co-star of Logo’s Big Gay Sketch Show) plays five very different actresses waiting to hear which of them won an Oscar (keep an eye out for the old lady, who’s one of the funniest characters you’ll see this year, anywhere); and foreign-born Greg Tuculescu (member of stellar sketch troupes Quiet Library and Stone Cold Fox, and superb improv troupe The Law Firm) debuts a one-man show, in the double-bill Best Actress and F@#&ing Foreigners!
[TOP PICK] [FREE] 8:00 pm: Genius character comic Nick Kroll, brilliant stand-up Kumail Nanjiani (catch him headlining at Comix on 8/11), and razor-sharp stand-ups Jared Logan, Roger Hailes, Vince Averill, Liz Miele, and Chuck Watkins at a free weekly comedy show at Brooklyn’s Coco 66 hosted by Nick Turner: Too Cool for School
[$] 8:00 pm & 10:30 pm ($37 & 2-drink min.): A TV star who’s made a career out of confessional comedy headlining at the elegant Comix Comedy Club: Chris Titus
[TOP PICK] 9:30 pm ($10): some of the finest improv in NYC from the comedy genius members of The Stepfathers
10:00 pm ($5): singing improvisors who use an interview with an audience member to craft The Made-Up Musical
[TOP PICK] 11:00 pm ($5): Andy Christie (host of The Liar Show) and Zach Dressler (Sirius Radio) tell tales on tonight’s theme “After Hours” at the best sexy storytelling comedy show in NYC, hosted by the sensual Margot Leitman (VH1, Spike TV) and Giulia Rozzi (MTV, VH1.com): Stripped Stories
[FREE] 12:20ish am: A free opportunity for you to perform sketch on the UCBT stage at Liquid Courage
[$] 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
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
For comprehensive FringeNYC 2009 coverage, please click here.
1 Comment | Best New York Live Comedy Shows | Tagged: Best Actress, Carolines, Carolines Comedy ClubCheap Comedy, Carolines on Broadway, Comedian, Comedy, Comedy Clubs, Comix, Comix Comedy Club, Free Comedy, Fun NYC, Funny, Improv, Improvisation, Kate McKinnon, New York City Comedy, New York Comedy, New York Comedy Clubs, NY Comedy, NYC Comedy, NYC Fun, Ochi’s Lounge, Sketch Comedy, Stand-Up Comedy, Standup Comedy, Storytelling, The Magnet, The Peoples Improv Theatre, The PIT, UCB, UCBT, Upright Citizens Brigade | Permalink
Posted by hybender
February 5, 2009
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
Carolyn Castiglia
Tonight’s recommendations for the best in New York City comedy (in chronological order, with top picks marked by colored brackets) include:
[TOP PICK] the biggest bang for the buck this evening—three hours packed with UCBT solo performers and sketch comedy groups for a mere $5, including brilliantly funny character chameleons Lennon Parham, Kate McKinnon, and Thomas Middleditch—at the annual UCBT’s Winter Showcase (6:30 pm),
[TOP PICK] brilliant stand-up and white rapper Carolyn Castiglia performing a one-woman show that’s likely to be spectacular—please read my interview with Carolyn by clicking here, and then come see the debut of Brown Ambition (8:00 pm),
[TOP PICK] genius movie & TV star Kristen Schaal (HBO’s Flight of the Conchords, correspondent for The Daily Show), genius stand-up comic Pete Holmes (Comedy Central, VH1, The New Yorker), stellar writer/performer Patrick Borelli (Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central, ESPN, Adult Swim), and more, plus an after-show birthday celebration for Max, at a free weekly Brooklyn extravaganza hosted by Gabe Liedman, Jenny Slate, and Max Silvestri: Big Terrific (8:00ish pm),
kinetic new sketch troupe The New Deal in A False Sense of Social Security (8:00 pm),
[TOP PICK] comedy genius Zach Galifianakis, plus Joe Mande, Jacqueline Novak, Amy Miles, and Amy Sohn joining the fresh, sexy, and razor-sharp gals of Variety Shac (9:30 pm),
[TOP PICK] and two vibrant improv troupes, Hot Sauce and Bastian, competing for audience laughs & votes at the raucous Cage Match (11:00 pm).
For full details, please visit HyReviews.com.
Leave a Comment » | Best New York Live Comedy Shows | Tagged: Brown Ambition, Carolyn Castiglia, Comedian, Comedy, Comedy Clubs, Comix, Free Comedy, Improv, Improvisation, Kate McKinnon, Lennon Parham, New York City Comedy, New York Comedy, NY Comedy, NYC Comedy, Ochi’s Lounge, Sketch Comedy, Stand-Up Comedy, Standup Comedy, Storytelling, The Magnet, The Peoples Improv Theatre, The PIT, Thomas Middleditch, UCB, UCBT, Upright Citizens Brigade, Variety SHAC, Zach Galifianakis | Permalink
Posted by hybender
Best New York Comedy 