NYC Comedy Picks for Week of May 16, 2011

NYC Comedy Picks for Monday 5/16/11

Wonderful improvisors who normally appear in pricey theatres tonight launch an easily affordable run at The PIT: Naked in a Fishbowl

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] 7:30 pm: NYC stand-ups Gabe Pacheco, Erik Bergstrom, Sean Donnelly, Ken Schultz, Freddy Sheffield, and Steve Macone performing at a free weekly show in the Manchester Pub hosted by Phoebe Robinson: Case of the Mondays Comedy

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($10): 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. This show was previously a wonderful theatrical event that cost $18 and up. Don't miss this run starting tonight at The PIT that allows you to catch the gals for a mere $10: Naked in a Fishbowl

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($10): Pamela Murphy's autobiographical show is written & performed with wit, grace, and pitch-perfect comedic timing. For video samples of Pam's work, please click here; and for a plea for your patronage from Pam's pooch Sadie, please click here and here. Don't miss Jane Borden of Time Out New York's pick for Best Solo Show of 2010: Pamela Murphy: The C Word

...and for the other half of this double-bill, Dan St. Germain (quick-witted rising star; Jimmy Fallon, MTV) and Jared Logan (Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central) do a show about history's most infamous rivalries that includes putting God on stage and hitting on Her for a date: They Hated Each Other

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($6.50 online or $8 at the door): Kumail Nanjiani (David Letterman, Saturday Night Live, The Colbert Report, Jimmy Kimmel, writer/performer for Comedy Central's Michael & Michael Have Issues; winner of the 2009 ECNY Awards for Best Male Stand-Up), Mike Phirman (Comedy Central Presents), Cameron Esposito, and musical guest Pearl and the Beard 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] 8:30 pm ($5—includes FREE PIZZA!): Todd Barry (David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central Presents, FX's Louie, HBO's Flight of the Conchords and Bored to Death, Adult Swim, feature films The Wrestler and Pete Smalls is Dead), Adam Wade (two-time Moth GrandSlam Storytelling Champion (2006 & 2009) and record-breaking 17-time StorySlam Champion; The New York Times Magazine; host of The Adam Wade show; for Adam's award-winning tale of being an NBC page on Conan O'Brien, please click here), Kurt Metzger (Jimmy Fallon, Comedy Central Presents), and musical guest Grace McLean performing at the Magnet Theatre for Adam Lerman's and Willy Appleman's Deep Traffic

[TOP PICK] 9:30 pm ($5): Two of UCBT's fine house sketch comedy troupes, Stone Cold Fox and Arbuckle, trying out new bits at Maude Night

9:30 pm ($5): Kelli Porterfield performs a one-woman show about five residents of Joplin, MO: Mirror Mirror On The Wall

[FREE] 9:30 pm: NYC stand-ups Gabe Pacheco, Jaqi Furback, Neil Constantine, Luke Thayer, Megan Hanley, and Scott Schlesindger performing at Pat O'Shea's free weekly Brooklyn showcase at Freddy's Backroom (627 5th Avenue): Ed Sullivan on Acid

[TOP PICK] [FREE] 11:00 pm: Some of the finest stand-ups in the world—who tonight include Kumail Nanjiani (David Letterman, Saturday Night Live, The Colbert Report, Jimmy Kimmel, writer/performer for Comedy Central's Michael & Michael Have Issues; winner of the 2009 ECNY Awards for Best Male Stand-Up), TV & movie star TJ Miller, and Mike Phirman (Comedy Central Presents)—hosted by the wonderful Leo Allen (HBO, Saturday Night Live, Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central) 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 5/17/11

Heather Lawless and Michael Showalter perform tonight at The Moon 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:

7:00 pm ($5): Two tough guys from the 1930s will explain the ins and outs of Hollywood at sketch show Listen Kid! ; and duo improv by Dustin Drury and Andrew Yurman-Glaser in Upstate New York

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): Comic book creators join super-hosts Alex Zalben, Justin Tyler, and Pete LePage in a lively & hilarious discussion about four-color pop culture at Comic Book Club

[MEGA-TOP PICK] [$] [DISCOUNTED] 8:00 pm ($35.50 with discount code BOX): Mike Birbiglia performing a unique blend of stand-up and storytelling that's one of the best theatrical shows in NYC. For my more detailed write-up, please click here; and then grab tickets at the Barrow Street Theatre (27 Barrow Street, just one block from the #1 subway's Christopher Street stop) for Mike Birbiglia: My Girlfriend's Boyfriend

8:00 pm ($5): Jon Rineman (writer for Jimmy Fallon), Victor Varnado (Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Comedy Central, NBC's My Name is Earl, Adult Swim, Comedy Central’s The Awkward Comedy Show; films Pluto Nash, End of Days, A Guy Thing), and Jamie Lee (Last Comic Standing) performing at the Lolita Bar for Liam McEneaney's Tell Your Friends

[FREE] 8:00 pm: Sara Schaefer (inventive, luminous comic; Emmy-nominated staff writer for Jimmy Fallon; VH1's Best Week Ever), Greg Barris (host of Heart of Darkness), Erik Bergstrom, Sean Donnelly, and Selena Coppock performing stand-up at Queens LIC's The Creek hosted by Jackie Zebrowski, Julia Johns, and Sharron Paul: Twat's Up!

8:00 pm ($10): The worlds of "magic, mind-reading, and mutilation" are explored by Matthew Holtzclaw and Prakash Puru: Strange Things

8:00 pm to Midnight ($5): Four full hours of improv for only five bucks—tonight featuring UCBT house troupes Dybbuk, Grandma's Ashes, Badman, Sandino, and Standard Oil, and at 11:00 pm a show so special it merits its own listing (please see below)—all at Harold Night

[TOP PICK] [FREE] 8:30 pm: Michael Showalter (MTV's The State, comedy troupe Stella, writer/star of feature films The Baxter and Wet Hot American Summer and Comedy Central's Michael & MIchael Have Issues; author of bestselling new book Mr. Funny Pants), Heather Lawless (uniquely hilarious complainer; Comedy Central, Wonder Showzen, Variety SHAC), Ophira Eisenberg (Comedy Central, VH1, Showtime), and musical group The Last Car with Amy Miles performing at Brooklyn's The Royal Oak (594 Union Avenue) along with sketches from Moon regulars such as co-producer Jordan Clifford and hosts Nat Towsen & Bob Walles: The Moon Show

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: Tambourine and Rebound

[TOP PICK] 9:00 pm ($5): TJ Miller (David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Opie & Anthony; co-starred in ABC sitcom Carpoolers, TBS' Very Funny Show; acted in feature films Cloverfield, Get Him to the Greek, Unstoppable), Rob Cantrell (fun, organic stoner comic; The Marijuana-Logues), Mike Phirman (oddball musical comic), and more performing at Ella (9 Avenue A) hosted by Seth Herzog (Jimmy Fallon, VH1): Sweet

9:30 pm ($5): Sharp NYC stand-ups (not yet announced) performing at the PIT downstairs lounge hosted by Joe DeRosa (HBO’s Down and Dirty, Comedy Central Presents) and Jared Logan (Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central): Righteous Kill

[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

[TOP PICK] 11:00 pm ($5): Some of the finest improvisors in the country—Tara Copeland, Becky Drysdale, Jeff Hiller, Michael Kayne, Winston Noel, Amber Petty, Mike Still, Ashley Ward, and tonight's guest Neil Casey (genius improvisor of Death by Roo Roo and The Two-Man Movie)—making up a musical on the spot along with virtuoso improv pianist Frank Spitznagel: Diamond Lion

[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 5/18/11

TV comedy legends Buck Henry (7 Second Delay) and Dick Cavett (The Dave Hill Explosion)

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] [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 Chris Grace, today's free film is a 2010 comedy about a comic who decides to change careers and pursue stardom in martial arts: Brother's Justice

[TOP PICK] 6:00 pm ($5): Legendary writer Buck Henry, Village Voice Editor Tony Ortega, music from The Wingdale Community Singers (with Rick Moody), and "a special mystery bonus guest," being interviewed at the live broadcast of the WFMU radio show 7 Second Delay

[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

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): Neil Casey & Anthony Atamanuik, both genius members of Death by Roo Roo, perform the jaw-dropping feat of making up an entire feature film as The Two-Man Movie; and Nicole Byer, Sasheer Zamata, and Keisha Zollar form a surprise breakout hit as all-gal troupe Doppelganger

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): Scientists, writers, and/or nerds, plus host Ben Lillie, tell funny tales at this monthly show that tonight focuses on Body Plan at Brooklyn's Pacific Standard (82 Fourth Avenue): The Story Collider

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5—which includes a free beer!): TJ Miller (David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Opie & Anthony; co-starred in ABC sitcom Carpoolers, TBS' Very Funny Show; acted in feature films Cloverfield, Get Him to the Greek, Unstoppable), Louie Katz (HBO, Comedy Central Presents, Jimmy Fallon), and Seaton Smith (Opie and Anthony) performing at The Creek in Queens' Long Island City with host Nick Turner: Monsters

[FREE] 9:00 pm: Andrea Alton, Skinny Bitch Jesus Meeting, Becky Yamamoto, Hilary Schwartz, Todd Womack, and Dan Wilbur performing at this free weekly show at the Luca Lounge (222 Avenue B off 14th Street) hosted by Sharon Spell: Shrink

[TOP PICK] 9:30 pm ($5): TV talk show legend Dick Cavett, singer/songwriter/Web star Jonathan Coulton, and surprises from host Dave Hill (one of the most original and hilariously sharp alternative comics in the country; HBO, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, star of The King of Miami, The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Salon, improv rap champion), all at The Dave Hill Explosion

[FREE] 10:00 pm: Veronica Mosey (Jay Leno), M. Dickson (MTV), and Paul Case (Here-TV's Hot Gay Comics) performing at the Bar-Tini Ultra Lounge (542 Tenth Avenue, between 45th & 46th 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

11:00 pm (no cover, 1-drink 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 the Luca Lounge (222 Avenue B off 14th Street)—at John Morrison's Motel Luca

NYC Comedy Picks for Thursday 5/19/11

A hilarious 2003 FringeNYC parody (which looks nothing like the above...) is revived for one night only in Cats Talk Back...

...while TJ Miller headlines at UCBT and Bill Burr headlines at Carolines

Recommendations for the best in New York City comedy tonight

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

6:00 pm ($5): Three shows auditioning for a regular run on the prestigious UCBT schedule. I know nothing about the first two, but at 7:00 pm brilliant writer/actress Amy Heidt and the hilarious Jeff Hiller debut a show that tells us "It's time to re-connect with your lover, to open your hearts to each other... and watch the blood pour out:"
Last Resort

7:00 pm ($5): Buoyant all-new sketch from troupe Boat

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): A delightful tale of heartbreak by Leslie Meisel (HBO)—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: Love Can Suck a Dick...and So Can I ...

...and in the other half of this double-bill, Seth Kirschner (30 Rock, Lipstick Jungle) performs a one-man half-hour TV episode parodying 90s sitcoms: Sertainly Seth

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($8): Will Nunziata and Jerry Miller performing a two-man sketch show designed as a love letter to the dystopian films of the 70s, 80s, and 90s:" Dystopia Gardens

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): Myq Kaplan (one of the quickest minds in comedy, and rapidly rising star; finalist on most recent Last Comic Standing; Jay Leno, Comedy Central Presents, hit comedy CD Vegan Mind Meld), Sara Schaefer (inventive, luminous comic; Emmy-nominated staff writer for Jimmy Fallon; VH1's Best Week Ever), and Jamie Roberts performing stand-up at The PIT's basement lounge hosted by comedic rapper Andrew Singer and the delightful Abbi Crutchfield: Positively Awesome

[TOP PICK] 8:00 pm ($5): An hour of improv directed by Magnet Theatre co-owner Armando Diaz: Evente

[TOP PICK] 9:00 pm ($10): A celebration of the conclusion of Season 2 of a Webisode comedy by its stars Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, plus friends: Broad City Live

[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 a guest (while Sean Patton shares his gifts with other cities): Comedy as a Second Language

[TOP PICK] [$] 9:30 pm ($25 plus $15 food/drink min.): One of my all-time favorite FringeNYC shows—a hilarious 2003 play parodying the theatre in general and Broadway musical Cats in particular—is enjoying a revival for one night only as part of the gala FringeNYC 15th Anniversary All-Star Series at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, inside the West Bank Cafe (407 West 42nd Street, off Ninth Avenue): Cats Talk Back

[TOP PICK] 9:30 pm ($5): TJ Miller (David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Opie & Anthony; co-starred in ABC sitcom Carpoolers, TBS' Very Funny Show; acted in feature films Cloverfield, Get Him to the Greek, Unstoppable) performing a deliciously long set in preparation for taping his one-hour Comedy Central special No Real Reason. This is the last chance to catch TJ performing this material live: TJ MIller Has a Reason for No Real Reason

[TOP PICK] 9:30 pm ($10): Some of NYC's top comedic singer/songwriters or bad poets—Corn Mo, Kurt Braunohler, Jay Rodericks, Dan St. Germain, and a "secret celebrity guest"—plus ace sketch/improv comic Matt Higgins performing haiku and Joe Schiappa doing poetry—will rock the house in a show hosted by Nathan Phillips: Dealing With My Feelings

9:30 pm ($5): Sharp improvisors make up one-act plays on the spot in The Scene

[TOP PICK] 11:00 pm ($5): Helen Hong (Logo’s Set-Up Squad), Sheng Wang (Comedy Central Presents), and Nate Bargatze (Comedy Central Presents) performing stand-up at The Pit for this comedy club-style (i.e., long set) weekly show hosted by Harrison Greenbaum: The Big One

[TOP PICK] 11:00 pm ($5): Vibrant improv troupes Jump on Three and The Curfew competing for audience laughs and votes at the raucous Cage Match

NYC Comedy Picks for Friday 5/20/11

Improv legend Joe Bill will likely put on one of the finest shows you'll ever see at Lights Out, Shirley!,
while improv legend Horatio Sanz will host a pre-show for the end of the world at The Judgment Day Eve Gong 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] 7:00 pm ($10): A beloved high-concept sketch troupe that delights in exploring silly ideas and wordplay (for example, demonstrating that a caveman and the Cookie Monster sound remarkably alike when saying such things as "Me have problem with subject/verb placement...") debuts an all-new show: Elephant Larry

[TOP PICK] 7:00 pm ($5): Chicago-trained improv veterans gather in NYC to make you laugh, with tonight's scheduled participants including Jodi Lennon (Exit 57, Second City, iO, Annoyance Theatre), Doug Stoley (Conan O'Brien), Ari Voukydis (VH1), Soren McCarthy, and the show's producer Dan Abrams performing at The PIT's basement lounge: Chicago Improv Gorillas

[TOP PICK] 7:30 pm ($10): Red-hot rising star Mamrie Hart somehow manages to be razor-sharp and immensely warm & accessible at the same time, and is always worth catching (for Mamrie's genius Mother's Day video, please click here). Her show tonight with sketch partner Stephen Soroka is more sweet & silly than hilarious, but come to have luminous Mamrie make you smile at BoF: It's Pronounced 'Boaf'!...

...and in the other half of this double-bill, Jordan Klepper and Laura Grey perform an acclaimed sketch show in which "they're bringing their baggage to the stage and dumping it all on you" in Baggage

[FREE] 8:00 pm: NYC stand-ups (not yet announced) performing at O'Hanlon's (14th Street off 1st Avenue) hosted by someone also not yet announced: Hot Soup

[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] [$] 8:30 pm ($27.50 & 2-drink min.): A Mad TV and YouTube star headlining through Saturday at the Gotham Comedy Club: Anjelah Johnson

[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): "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

[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: The Harvard Sailing Team

[TOP PICK] [FREE] 10:00 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) is performing a delicously long half-hour set tonight, along with John F. O'Donnell, at The Creek in Queens' Long Island City, with host Sean Donnelly: Brooke Van Poppelen and JFOD Need a Tape

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

[TOP PICK] 10:30 pm ($10): Comedy genius Thomas Middleditch (when he's not in LA), Nate Lang, Craig Rowin, Matt Fisher, Fran Gillespie Sue Galloway, and other superb improvisors make up scenes about an audience member's legal dispute at The Law Firm: Law & Disorder

10:30 pm ($5): A double bar mitzvah celebration as Dan Abrams turns 26 (well, technically his birthday is May 31st, but whatever...) with relatives, friends, and stand-ups creating a combination show and party at The PIT's basement lounge: Dan Abrams' Double Bar Mitzvah

11:00 pm ($8): J Hobart and Grace Helbig welcome NYC talents for a morning chat show...that's happening late at night. Tonight's guests include deliciously dark comedy stand-up Jena Friedman, Joe Garden (The Onion), and music group Fresh Hearts: The Morning Show with Hobart and Grace

[MEGA-TOP PICK] 11:30 pm ($5): One of the finest improvisors alive, Joe Bill (Bassprov, iO, co-founder of the Annoyance Theatre) spearheads a breathtakingly brilliant group of improvisors from Chicago and New York who'll blow the roof off at this spectacular monthly show that offers lightning-quick dark comedy unlike anything else in NYC. The other players are 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). The previous show I caught was one of the finest comedy hours I've ever been lucky enough to experience (but no pressure, Joe; am just sayin'....). You don't want to miss Lights Out, Shirley!

[TOP PICK] Midnight ($5): "A whole lot of Christians believe that May 21, 2011 will be the day Jesus comes back to rapture his followers to join him in the sky. Who are we to argue? But shouldn't we get one last chance to earn our way into heaven? Join us on Judgment Day Eve for a very special Gong Show. Comedians, singers, magicians, weirdoes and more will do everything they can to prove they deserve a spot in Paradise. Satisfy the judges and they're going to heaven! But get gonged and they're going straight to hell. Hosted by Anthony King, with special guest judges St. Peter, the Angel Gabriel, and Horatio Sanz. And a special appearance by Satan:" The Judgment Day Eve Gong Show

NYC Comedy Picks for Saturday 5/21/11

At the end of the world, Arden Myrin's monthly extravaganza tonight focuses on the theme Prom: The Party Machine

Recommendations for the best in New York City comedy tonight

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

[MEGA-TOP PICK] [$] [DISCOUNTED] 4:00 pm & 8:00 pm ($35.50 with discount code BOX): Mike Birbiglia performing a unique blend of stand-up and storytelling that's one of the best theatrical shows in NYC. For my more detailed write-up, please click here; and then grab tickets at the Barrow Street Theatre (27 Barrow Street, just one block from the #1 subway's Christopher Street stop) for Mike Birbiglia: My Girlfriend's Boyfriend

[TOP PICK] 7:30 pm ($10): Genius improvisors Anthony King, Christina Gausas, Joe Bill, 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 ($27.50 & 2-drink min.): A Mad TV and YouTube star headlining through Saturday at the Gotham Comedy Club: Anjelah Johnson

[FREE—plus FREE BEER!] 8:00 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] 7:45 doors, 8:15 pm show ($5): Arden Myrin (Conan O'Brien, Mad TV, numerous other TV shows & films; for Mad TV samples, please click here and here and here) and Lisa deLarios (Comedy Central) host this monthly mix of stand-up and sketch (which I'll finally experience firsthand tonight...), with tonight's guests Adira Amram (fresh, hilarious rising star singer/songwriter; winner of the 2011 ECNY Award for Best Musical Act), Leo Allen (former writer for Saturday Night Live; Comedy Central Presents, Conan O'Brien, HBO's Funny or Die, host of top NYC comedy show Whiplash), Joe Mande (Comedy Central, VH1; co-host of Totally J/K; author of book Look at This F*cking Hipster), Ophira Eisenberg (Comedy Central, VH1, Showtime), Roger Hailes (Comedy Central), and David Cope performing at Brooklyn's Union Hall: The Party Machine

[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

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

10:00 pm ($5): Arden Myrin (Conan O'Brien, Mad TV, numerous other TV shows & films; for Mad TV samples, please click here and here and here), Kara Klenk, Jon Tyler, Dan Klein, and Brandon Scott Jones performing at the The Brooklyn Lyceum (227 Fourth Avenue) hosted by all-gal sketch troupe M.A.D. and all-guy sketch group Sidecar: Gentrify Brooklyn

[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

[FREE] 11:45 pm: 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

[TOP PICK] Midnight ($5): From the fearless and always innovative Shannon O'Neill, who won the 2011 ECNY Award for Best One-Person Show: "I seem to have made a big ole mistake. I wrote a script, I purchased the props, but I forgot to rehearse it. And on top of that I HAVE NO CAST!!!! So... I am going to cast YOU, moments before the show starts. I will hand you a script, give you some props and instruct you to just listen and get ready to perform. Oh man this is going to be a fucking mess of BEAUTY!! If you want a chance to be cast, make reservations and get in line by 11:15pm. I, Shannon O'Neill will personally come out and hand pick the best damn group of Thespians this play has ever seen and will ever see because this play will only be performed ONCE, never to be seen again! What do I look for in a cast? I love fatties, I love skinnies, I love sober people, I love drunk people. I love you all. Every shape, size, and ethnicity. Let's hold hands and spin the world! What is this play about? Something real fucking weird and TBA. Thanks for helping me fix my mistake. I'll see you soon friends!:" The Unrehearsed, Historically Inaccurate Story of...

NYC Comedy Picks for Sunday 5/22/11

Bill Burr sold out his NYC run before it even began this past Thursday, but an additional show has been added for tonight at 10:30, so you can still see him headlining at Carolines; and right before that, you can catch star comics
Ted Alexandro, Simon Anstell (above), and more at Pretty Good Friends

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] [$] [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 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 June to experience the hilarious and unforgettable Faye Lane's Beauty Shop Stories

[TOP PICK] 6:30 pm ($5): Superb Magnet musical improv troupe Choral Rage performing The Improvised Rock Opera

[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): Ted Alexandro (one of the very finest stand-ups in the country; David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, two Comedy Central Presents half-hour specials; frequently opens for Louis C.K.), Simon Anstell (brilliant, charismatic UK comedic storyteller), Nick Flanagan (Toronto stand-up and punk rock writer/singer), and Mike Phirman (musical comic) performing at Brooklyn's Union Hall hosted by comedy giant Eugene Mirman: Pretty Good Friends

8:00 pm ($5): "Ever watch an improv set and think, Geeze, I want to know everything about how that show came together: What were the performers thinking about? How did they approach each scene? What notes will their coach give them? Yep, us too. Presenting a post-show panel discussion, Q&A session, and debriefing that dissects, explores, and explains some of the ins and outs of improv." This month's subjects are PIT house team Borealis and coach Jodi Lennon at The Operation Theater

[FREE] 8:00 pm: Sara Schaefer (inventive, luminous comic; Emmy-nominated staff writer for Jimmy Fallon; VH1's Best Week Ever), Pete Lee (Comedy Central Presents), Ben Kissel (host of Round Table of Gentlemen podcast), Yannis Pappas, and more performing at RG Daniels' free weekly show at the Three of Cups East Village lounge: Sunday Night Stand-Up

8:00 pm ($5): Musical improv from troupe Warbucks, plus a second show with no posted information beyond the title: Meaningful Touch

[FREE] 8:00 pm: NYC stand-ups Alice Wetterlund, Dana Shulman, and Steve Rosso performing at The PIT's downstairs lounge for a free weekly show: Cold Soda Comedy

[FREE] 9:00 pm: NYC stand-ups Matt McCarthy (Comedy Central, AMC, hilarious shorts with Pete Holmes for Front Page Films, national TV ads as Verizon FIOS guy, feature film The Other Guys), Pat Dixon (Comedy Central Presents), Lisa Delarios, Neal Stastny, and Team Submarine performing in the East Village's Beauty Bar at Vince Averill's & Jesse Popp's free weekly show Beauty Bar Comedy

9:30 pm ($5): Improvisors team up with poets at Kiss*Punch*Poem

9:30 pm ($5): Musical/rap improv from troupe The Boombox Kids

[FREE] 10:00 pm: NYC stand-ups Giulia Rozzi (Jimmy Kimmel, MTV, VH1, Playgirl Magazine, co-host of Dive comedy and Stripped Stories), Leah Dubie (Lesbians of Laughter national tour), and Emily Dickson performing at this free weekly gay-themed show at Therapy hosted by Brad Loekle: 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

[MEGA-TOP PICK] [$] 10:30 pm: A comedy force of nature—tough, smart, honest, hilarious—who is one of the very finest stand-ups ever (for video samples, please click here) performs one last time tonight for this NYC run at the Carolines Comedy Club: Bill Burr

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