Last updated Tuesday, January 6th 2009
Please click to go directly to:
Tonight's Hot NYC Comedy Picks
(Comix, Eastville Comedy, Broadway Comedy)
Videos of the Month: Anthony Jeselnik
Comedy Interview of the Month: Carolyn Castiglia
Upcoming & Ongoing Special Comedy Events
(Mike Birbiglia: Sleepwalk With Me)
Hy's Book Proposal, Screenplay Doctoring, and Ghostwriting Services
Breathtakingly brilliant comics Livia Scott, Janeane Garofalo, and Glennis McMurray & Eliza Skinner of I Eat Pandas (Sweet)
Tonight's recommendations for the best in New York City comedy
(in chronological order, with top picks marked by colored brackets) include:
the perfect show for short attention spans—open-mic stand-up with 4½ minutes per set
and 25 comics crammed into 2½ hours, who tonight include Meg Cupernall, Vicky Kuperman,
Lisa Kaplan, Cory Jarvis, Doug Adler, and John Morrison—at John Morrison's Broadway Motel (6:00 pm),
[TOP PICK] star comic book writer, comics columnist, and New York Times bestselling Star Trek novelist
Peter David joining in on a lively & hilarious discussion about comic books at Comic Book Club (8:00 pm),
[TOP PICK] witty writers offering delightfully smart observations about where we've been and where we're going
on topics ranging from pizza to vampires in the free Brooklyn show Adult Education (8:00 pm),
three full hours of improv for only five bucks—tonight featuring UCBT house troupes
Bangs, Whorenado, The Law Firm, Bastian, and The F*cking Kennedys—at Harold Night (8:00 pm),
[TOP PICK] and superstar & comedy genius Janeane Garofalo (HBO, FOX, movie star), magical
comedic chameleon Livia Scott (Conan O'Brien, Goodnight OJ), brilliant musical improv duo
Eliza Skinner & Glennis McMurray (I Eat Pandas), Michelle Collins (VH1, FOX), Ben Schwartz (SNL,
David Letterman, Robot Chicken, Hot Sauce), and more at the wonderful Seth Herzog's Sweet (9:00 pm).
For details, please click here.
HyReviews.com's Videos of the Month:
Anthony on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live
Anthony on NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Anthony on Comedy Central's Premium Blend
Anthony on HBO's Down and Dirty with Jim Norton
Anthony Performs a Joke as Dane Cook
Anthony Explains Why His Body is a Temple
Anthony Explains Why a Comedian is Like a Tank
Anthony Jeselnik (being lauded above by Robin Williams) is just starting to became famous, but I believe he'll prove to be one of the sharpest & funniest stand-ups, writers, and overall performers in comedy history. There's nothing better than seeing Anthony live on stage, but in the meantime please enjoy these videos; look for his work as staff writer on NBC's upcoming NYC replacement for Conan O'Brien's show, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon; and please keep an eye out for Anthony's half-hour special debuting January 16th at 10:00 pm on Comedy Central Presents.
HyReviews.com's Comedy Interview of the Month:
Extended into January; to read the complete interview, please click here.
For videos about Sarah Palin—and especially her comedy gold Thanksgiving interview—please click here and here.
To explore other NYC theatre and comedy sections of HyReviews.com, please click here
(or use the search box and/or site index below).
Tonight's Hot Comedy Picks: Tuesday, January 6th
Lottery-style open mic for stand-up comics trying out material,
with 4½ minutes per performer...in return for a $5 contribution to the weekly prize kitty.
(In addition, Broadway's one-item food or drink minimum applies to everyone.)
A breathtaking 25 comics perform in this 2½ hour show; producer
John Morrison (above) has described it as "comedy on crack."
If you're seeking consistent laughs, this might not be the best way to spend
your evening. But if you're patient and adventurous, it's a potentially wild ride.
And if you're a performer looking for some stage time, it's a nice opportunity.
Plus if you stick around till the show's end to support your fellow comics,
you have a chance at winning the cash from the kitty, along with smaller prizes.
Tonight's lineup includes talents Meg Cupernall, Vicky Kuperman, Lisa Kaplan, Laura Spaeth, Phoebe Robinson, John Clark, Tim Ryan, Cory Jarvis, Doug Adler, and John Morrison.
Broadway Motel is hosted by Cory Jarvis and Doug Adler.
To be entered into the weekly random drawing for performers,
please send email to motelme@gmail.com.
6:00 pm at Broadway Comedy Club, 318 West 53rd Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues);
$5 cover plus one-item food or drink minimum
Hosted by Alex Zalben, Justin Tyler and Pete LePage,
who enjoy discussing comic books while getting laughs.
Tonight's very special guest is beloved comic book writer, novelist, and columnist Peter David.
David's written for numerous comics series, including The Spectacular Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, She-Hulk, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, and Dark Tower. He's also written dozens of books, including many New York Times bestselling Star Trek novels and comics-related novels.
And for the past 15 years, David has been writing a highly popular column for the
Comics Buyers Guide titled But I Digress.
David is a very witty, talented, and prolific writer with a highly impressive body of work.
If you're at all interested in comics, Star Trek, or writing in general, this is
a terrific night to visit the always-fun CBC.
To get a feel for the smart, playful vibe of Comic Book Club, please check out its podcasts—
that is, audio recordings of previous shows in their entirety—by clicking here.
(And for my two current faves, a delightful visit from Kevin "Batman" Conroy and a hilarious evening with Daily Show writer Eliot Kalan, please click here and here.)
Also be sure to watch a Penguin vs. Batman debate that uncannily predicted John McCain's campaign strategy by clicking here.
8:00 pm at The Peoples Improv Theater, 154 West 29th Street (off 7th Avenue); tickets are $5
Adult Education: The Year in Review
This free monthly comedy show hosted by Charles Star tackles a subject with humorous "lectures." Tonight's topic is The Year in Review.
The official description:
"From Astroland to Yankee Stadium, Patrick Di Justo (author of forthcoming book The Science of Battlestar Galactica; contributing editor at Wired Magazine) takes us on a tour of the people and things that collapsed, died, or evolved away in 2008.
"Crusty, daucy, cheesy pizza expert Adam Kuban (founder and editor of Weblog Slice) reviews the year in pizza, during which the humble pie made technological advances yet remained true to its roots.
"Joe Garden (Features Editor for The Onion, and co-author of upcoming The New Vampire's Handbook) considers the year in vampires.
"Trendspotter Marian Salzman (author of 15 books) explains why the buzzword for 2009 will be reboot."
This promises to be smart, witty, and lots of fun.
Doors at 7:30, show at 8:00 pm at Union Hall, 702 Union Street at 5th Avenue
in Park Slope, Brooklyn; free
Take the R train to Union Street and walk 1 block east; or take
the F train to 4th Avenue, walk north on 4th Avenue and turn right on Union Street, and go 1 block up;
or take the 2/3/4/5/Q train to Atlantic Avenue, walk south on 5th Avenue, and make a left on Union Street.
The Harold is longform improv, pioneered by Del Close.
Tonight, five improv troupes—
Bangs, Whorenado, The Law Firm, Bastian, and The F*cking Kennedys—
each give it a go for 30 minutes, with
short breaks in between, for a total of 3 hours.
Some of the groups are great; some are less so. And this show
is designed more for students of improv than the general public.
But if you're interested, and patient, a mere $5 will buy you
a full evening's education...and periodic solid laughs.
8:00-11:00 pm at UCBT, 307 West 26th Street (off 8th Avenue); tickets are $5
Glennis McMurray & Eliza Skinner of I Eat Pandas, and Janeane Garofalo...
...and Seth Herzog, Michelle Collins, and Livia Scott
Hosted by the razor-sharp, dynamic, and hilarious Seth Herzog (VH1's Best Week Ever).
Seth is one of the finest hosts around—and this is one of the best comedy shows in NYC.
Tonight's thoroughly wonderful guests include
Janeane Garofalo (quite simply, one of the most influential, and hilarious, comics
of our time; most recently co-host of The Majority Report on Air America Radio and co-star of the upcoming season of FOX's hit series 24; sample quote: "I guess I just prefer to see the dark side of things. The glass is always half empty. And cracked. And I just cut my lip on it. And chipped a tooth."; for two decades of impressive credits, please click here),
Livia Scott (brilliant comedic chameleon who's a stellar stand-up and sketch comic, and also an extraordinary actress; Late Night with Conan O'Brien, world-class sketch groups Meat and Dirty Jeans & Thunderchief, host of NYC comedy show Livia's Castle of Enchantment, 2008 ECNY Award-nominated one-woman show Goodnight, O.J.),
Eliza Skinner (half of genius award-winning improv musical groups I Eat Pandas, and also member of Baby Wants Candy; MTV's Damage Control); drummer and singer in comedic alt band Stickerbook; co-starred in the 2008 FringeNYC award-winning hit musical Gem!: A Truly Outrageous Parody; co-host of UCBT monthly comedic freestyle rap competition The BEATdown),
Glennis McMurray (other half of genius award-winning musical improv group I Eat Pandas; performed on Late Night with Conan O'Brien; co-starred in the 2008 FringeNYC award-winning hit musical Gem!: A Truly Outrageous Parody; writes a popular blog; for samples of Glennis' sketch comedy, please click here and here),
Michelle Collins (VH1's Best Week Ever and All Access, MTV U, The Al Franken Show, FOX News' Red Eye, YouCantMakeItUp.org; for a memorable chat about the power of penises over vaginas, please click here), and
Ben Schwartz (member of star improv/sketch troupe Hot Sauce; freelance writer for SNL's Weekend Update and Late Show's David Letterman monologues; staff writer for Adult Swim's wonderful Robot Chicken; short filmmaker for SuperDeluxe.com; actor in upcoming feature films Everybody's Fine (opposite Robert DeNiro), Frank Whaley's New York City Serenade, and Mystery Team (premiering at Sundance); co-author of upcoming humor postcard book Grandma's Dead: Breaking Bad News with Baby Animals).
9:00 pm at The Slipper Room, 167 Orchard Street (corner of Stanton Street); tickets are $5
To view HyReviews.com NYC Comedy Picks from previous weeks, please click here.
Great Inexpensive Live Comedy
For other terrific low-cost NYC comedy, please visit the Web sites of
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
The Creek and the Cave (Queens LIC)
If you'd enjoy an elegant evening at an NYC comedy club
but also want to save some money, please click here.
Currently available are discounts for select shows at the Comix Comedy Club;
$5 off all shows at the Eastville Comedy Club;
and a 50% discount on all tickets for the Broadway Comedy Club.
Upcoming Hot Club Show: Aziz Ansari Headlining at Comix January 9 & 10
Upcoming & Ongoing Special Comedy Events
Mike Birbiglia: Sleepwalk with Me
Mike Birbiglia is flat-out one of the funniest stand-up comedians in the country.
He's not loud or rude—just smart, relaxed, honest, and hilarious. (Sample line:
"If the best part of waking up is Folgers in my cup, I'm not sure I want to wake up.")
This razor-sharp comic recently performed an hour-long Comedy Central special
titled What I Should Have Said is Nothing. Mike's also performed two
Comedy Central Presents half-hour specials; appeared multiple times on
Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Conan O'Brien;
and has released the comedy CDs Two Drink Mike and My Secret Public Journal—Live.
The latter was chosen by Time Out New York as the Comedy Album of the Year.
Mike is now mixing his stand-up and storytelling skills to craft a tour de force performance resulting in one of the finest shows you'll ever see.
The production is playing off-Broadway at 45 Bleecker Street, but it's Broadway caliber—and one of the best shows in New York.
Tickets are officially $49.50. However, you can catch this brilliant fusion of stand-up and theatre for $29.50 by clicking here; or visiting BroadwayOffers.com and entering code SWBBOX2; or better yet, entirely avoiding the online service charges by printing out this page and bringing it with you to the Bleecker Street Theatre box office at 45 Bleecker Street (east of Lafayette, right next to the #6 subway's Bleecker Street stop).
For sample stand-up videos, please click here and here;
and then come let Mike make you both laugh helplessly and feel deeply
in this extraordinary solo show about sleepwalking, bears, and life choices.
October 17th-on at The Bleecker Street Theatre, 45 Bleecker Street (off Lafayette);
Wednesday-Friday at 8:00 pm, Saturday at 8:00 pm & 10:00 pm, Sunday at 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm;
tickets are $29.50 with discount code SWBBOX2;
buy online or bring a printout of this discount offer to the box office
Nearest subway stop is Bleecker Street on the #6 (which brings you virtually to the door of the theatre)
I'm trying to keep this section super-concise,
but If a top site isn't listed that you think oughta be,
please drop me a note and I'll take a close look.
Comedy Coverage
(in alphabetical order):
Comedy Providers
(in alphabetical order):
Please check out these New York City theatre sections of HyReviews.com:
FringeNYC 2007 Performer's Gallery
Hy on Theatre Discounts: See Great Shows for as Little as $3.50
Please also check out these comedy sections of HyReviews.com:
Comedy Interview of the Month: Carolyn Castiglia
Previous Video Clips of the Month
Previous Nightly NYC Live Comedy PIcks
UCBComedy.com: A New Force for Comedy on the Web
Comedy in the Moment: The Annual Del Close Improv Marathon
Comedy Scene by Scene: SketchFest NYC 07
Shockingly Delightful: Offensive Fest 2007
Show Reports: Kristen Schaal Dave Hill Andy Blitz
Show Reports: Kumail Nanjiani Invite Them Up
And if you need any help with a book or a screenplay, please visit Hy's writer sites:
SNL's Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton
The Actual, Disastrous Katie Couric Interview
Analysis of the Katie Couric Interview, Part 1
Analysis of the Katie Couric Interview, Part 2
SNL's Tina Fey and Amy Poehler Reenacting the Katie Couric Interview
SNL's Tina Fey and Jason Sudeikis Reenacting the VP Debate
SNL's Tina Fey and Sarah Palin Quickly Walking Past Each Other
SNL's Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Darrell Hammond as George W. Endorsing Palin & McCain
The New Yorker on Sarah Palin's Proximity to Russia
Comedic Actress Sara Benincasa as Sarah Palin
CNN on Sarah Palin Impersonators
Sarah Palin Celebrates Thanksgiving
On November 20th, following the traditional cute pardoning of a single turkey, Sarah Palin decided to conduct an interview while the other non-pardoned turkeys are being slaughtered directly behind her. The resulting disconnect between her words (about her "values and convictions," the political process being "brutal," etc.) and what's happening mere feet away—not to mention the interviewer asking a question about state programs "being on the chopping block"—is one of the the most surreal and hilarious political interviews, ever.
(Note: After this blew up into a national story, Governor Palin said she didn't know what was going on in the background. Observers find this tough to swallow. My own perspective is that it's hard to say which is funnier: her being oblivious, or being utterly insensitive, to the carnage. Please judge for yourself; and either way, enjoy.)
For a slightly sanitized version, please click here.
For the complete gruesome version, please click here.
For a Twilight Zone version that speculates on what else Governor Palin might miss while conducting an interview (from Slate.com), please click here.
Little Michael Jackson and Me 1: "All Washed Up"
Little Michael Jackson and Me 2: "Game! Set! Match!"
Little Michael Jackson and Me 3: "We Can Work It Out"
HyReviews.com Show Report 9/24/07: Dave Hill Turns Things Around
Best FringeNYC 2008 Show Promos
Carl and Shelly, Best Friends Forever
Kansas City or Along the Way: "Lullaby" (audio only)
The Sound of One Hanna Clapping: "Ode to Britney" (audio only)
The Home for Wayward Girls and Fallen Women
Kansas City or Along the Way: "Hammer" (audio only)
Kansas City or Along the Way: "Adelaide Hall" (audio only)
Dreadful Penny's Exquisite Horrors
Usher: "I Might Have Taken You Dancing"
Getting Canceled...and Starting Over
The Unsettling Artistry of Comedy Troupe Quiet Library
Violet Krumbein and Greg Tuculescu
Quiet Library: Chris Cooper, David Hale, Dave Cederquist, & Greg Tuculescu
Parents of Miss Teen South Carolina
Miss Teen South Carolina vs. Bush
Rob Paravonian
Life as a Comic: College Conventions