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ComedyUSA Newswire
One Comedian Remembers the Many Rooms He Played in New York and Los Angeles
February 22, 2016
This week Vulture is running a series of stories about the comedy produced in, and inspired by, New York and Los Angeles. Today, veteran comic Wayne Federman remembers the venues in which he's performed.
Ticket Sellers Promise Marquee Names, but the Comics Rarely Show
February 23, 2023
Paige Kaden, who is new to town, stood on a frigid block in Times Square on Thursday afternoon, looking for a man named John. She was angry.
John, she said, had sold her and her parents tickets to Stand Up NY, an Upper West Side comedy club, two days before at this very spot. He had shown them pictures of Amy Schumer and Tracy Morgan performing there, Ms. Kaden said, and he gave them a tip about that night’s surprise guest.
THE MOST RECOGNIZABLE VOICE IN COMEDY COMES TO TOWN
February 22, 2016
Even if you aren't familiar with the drunken, poetic stories and words of comedian Kyle Kinane, you've at least heard his voice.
The Chicago native who has three very funny comedy albums and two Comedy Central specials to his name has also done voices on animated series such as Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Triptank, Bob's Burgers and Adventure Time. He's also picked up a recurring role on the new TruTV series Those Who Can't.
IFC Orders Comedy Series ‘Brockmire,’ ‘Stan Against Evil’ From Hank Azaria, Dana Gould
February 22, 2016
IFC has given straight-to-series orders to two comedies, Hank Azaria’s “Brockmire” and “Stan Against Evil,” from “The Simpsons” alum Dana Gould.
Both shows were picked up for eight episodes.
Rita Rudner to bring Vegas comedy act to Israel
February 23, 2016
American, Jewish comedian, actress and author Rita Rudner is bringing her unique style of comedy and epigrammatic one-liners to Herzliya’s Zappa Club on April 9 with her Las Vegas show, An Evening with Rita Rudner.
New Female-Driven Comedy Network Takes On Hollywood's Gender Gap, One Laugh At A Time
February 24, 2016
Stephanie Laing was rushing to leave the house when her 4-year-old daughter said she had to, “put her pretty on.” Laing, an Emmy-winning executive producer for Veep, was understandably concerned. “I watched slightly freaked out wondering what that meant to a 4-year-old and she put her Chapstick on,” Laing says. “But it became our mantra and we turned the word pretty on its head. It means how you live your life, inside and out.”
Chris Hardwick, Todd Barry, Cameron Esposito, and More Join SXSW Comedy’s 2016 Lineup
February 24, 2016
Austin’s SXSW festival returns next month from Friday, March 11th through Sunday the 20th, and today they revealed the initial SXSW Comedy lineup. As usual, it’s a packed lineup full of funny people — check out the full list below:
Stand-up comedy takes root at Mother Mary’s in Clovis
February 24, 2016
BY JOSHUA TEHEE
jtehee@fresnobee.com
Fifteen minutes into Thursday night’s comedy show at Mother Mary’s Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria and the joke tally looks like this: Two knocks on Fresno (one obvious, one clever-ish); one reference to The Fresno Bee (not directed at yours truly) and oddly, just one mention of the fact we’re all crammed into the back of an Italian restaurant in Clovis.
Read more here: http://www.fresnobee.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/joshua-tehee/article62079957.html#storylink=cpy
Judd Apatow, Sarah Silverman Help Push Maria Bamford's Netflix Comedy
February 24, 2016
Patton Oswalt, Tig Notaro and Adam Pally also contributed to the social media campaign.
It helps to have friends in high places — especially when it comes time to call in a big favor.
Ahead of her forthcoming Netflix comedy, comedian Maria Bamford has enlisted the help of a star-studded army including Judd Apatow, Sarah Silverman, Patton Oswalt, Tig Notaro and many more to help spread the word on her series Lady Dynamite.
Comedy club proposed in Clifton
March 14, 2016
CLIFTON - An upcoming zoning board application hopes laughter is the best medicine as it seeks to revamp a vacant downtown property into a comedy club.
‘Colleens of Comedy’ at Stamford Palace
March 15, 2016
A night of “Irish-flavored hilarity” is promised by Stamford’s Palace Theatreat “Colleens of Comedy!” on St. Patrick’s Day, Thursday, March 17.
According to the theater, comedian Maureen Langan grew up in Lake Hiawatha, N.J., “where there is no lake. Both her immigrant Irish mother and garbage man dad told her and her five siblings that if they worked hard and got educated, life would reward them.”
Craig Ferguson to Star in NBC Game Show/Comedy Hybrid 'Crunch Time'
March 15, 2016
My Boys' alums Kyle Howard and Kellee Stewart will co-star in the comedy and reunite with series creator Betsy Thomas.
NBC's Crunch Time has found its cast.
Craig Ferguson has been tapped to star in the game show/comedy hybrid pilot, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Also cast in the pilot are My Boys alums Kyle Howard and Kellee Stewart, who will reunite with series creator Betsy Thomas on the project.
Review: ‘Neal Brennan 3 MICS’ Comes at Comedy From Several Directions
March 15, 2016
Neal Brennan’s three-cornered show at the Lynn Redgrave Theater doesn’t quite add up to a play; it’s more like listening to a decent comedy album while eavesdropping on someone’s therapy sessions. Think of it as an effort to present in stage form the dichotomy that many comics have written or talked about over the years: that humor is how they deal with personal pain.
Sarah Silverman, Michael Cera plan Palm Springs comedy festival
March 15, 2016
Palm Springs isn’t exactly known as a hotbed for comedy, so I was surprised but happy to learn that a three-day comedy festival called Jashfesht was planned for April 1-3.
Founded by comedians Sarah Silverman, Michael Cera, Reggie Watts, Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, the event is an offshoot of the digital platform they created called Jash.
J.B. Smoove Joins CBS Comedy Pilot ‘The Kicker’
March 16, 2016
Actor-comedian J.B. Smoove has been cast opposite Geoff Stults and David Spade inThe Kicker, CBS’ multi-camera comedy pilot from the 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt trio of Tina Fey, Jack Burditt and Robert Carlock.
Four Giant Comedy Specials Coming to Comedy Central in April
March 16, 2016
By Kristen Becker on March 15, 2016
Tosh, Feinstein, Hardwick and Glaser Bringing One Hour Specials to Comedy Central
This spring with all-new stand-up specials from Rachel Feinstein, Nikki Glaser, Daniel Tosh andChris Hardwick on four consecutive weekends:Comedy Central becomes “Stand-Up Central”
The network has shown new dedication to stand up comedy in recent years, rebranding “The Half Hour” and pulling the comedy special reputation out of the late nineties. Comedy Central stand-up series include “Adam Devine’s House Party,” “This Is Not Happening,” “The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail,” and “The Half Hour.” In April, CC will kick it up a notch. The month-long celebration of all things stand-up kicks off April 9, with a new special every week throughout the month. Mark your calendars.
An Oral History Of The Comedy Cellar
March 16, 2016
Booker Estee Adoram is still formidable, the bathrooms are still awkwardly placed, and the “family table” is still terrifying. Even as much as the Comedy Cellar hasn’t changed over three decades, the talents who got their starts there have transformed the comedy world. Jon Stewart, Colin Quinn, Judy Gold, and more comedians share memories of the cramped basement venue that made their careers, and that they still call home.BY KATLA MCGLYNNJESSICA PILOT
SXSW Comedy Review: SXSW Comedy Showcase "Completely Official Showcase of Comedy" fun for the weirdos BY SEAN L. MALIN, 10:00AM, WED. MAR. 16, 2016
March 16, 2016
It’s been a minute since I laughed as hard as I did - soberly and with focus - at the performances in SXSW Comedy’s Completely Official Showcase of Comedy. Hosted by L.A.'s Megan Gailey, the show featured two of comedy's most respected Todds (Barry and Glass), Kaufman-esque opener Joe Pera, and Nate Bargatze.
Just for Laughs vice-president leaving for Netflix
March 16, 2016
BILL BROWNSTEIN, MONTREAL GAZETTE
Published on: March 16, 2016 | Last Updated: March 16, 2016 2:22 PM EDT
Just for Laughs has some mighty big flip-flops to fill: Robbie Praw, its programming wizard for the last eight years, has left the festival and is headed to Hollywood, where he will handle standup comedy programming for streaming-giant Netflix.
Praw leaves Just for Laughs “with a heavy heart,” having spent 12 years with the festival, starting out as a production assistant and moving up to the position of vice-president and senior programmer on the anglo side. But Netflix was an offer just too tempting to refuse for the 35-year-old Montrealer, who will soon be joined in Hollywood by his dentist wife and their six-month-old son.
Comedy Central broadcast an entire episode of @midnight exclusively on Periscope: how it paid off
March 17, 2016
17 MARCH 2016 - 8:00AM | POSTED BY ADAM FLOMENBAUM
There is almost certainly some subset of fans of Comedy Central’s @midnight with Chris Hardwick who downloaded Periscope last week.
Why? Last Friday, during the first night of SXSW Interactive in Austin, @midnight became the first-ever late night series to broadcast a full episode exclusively on the Twitter-owned livestreaming platform.
Amy Schumer Announces Stand Up Comedy Arena Tour
March 17, 2016
By Kristen Becker on March 16, 2016
There is no denying Amy Schumer is comedy’s “it” girl right now, deservedly so. Few people in the business are working harder than Schumer and her 2016 schedule shows no signs of the comedian slowing down. Starting April 7th, Schumer will embark on a 19 city arena tour throughout the East Coast and Midwest, ending in a Madison Square Garden performance June 23rd. The tour will coincide with the debut of season four of Inside Amy Schumer, airing on April 21st.
Norfolk comedy fest will feature producers from three eras of ‘Tonight Show’
March 17, 2016
The Norfolk Daily News
NORFOLK — Producers from three different eras of “The Tonight Show” will be special guests at this summer’s Great American Comedy Festival in Norfolk, Nebraska.
Taking part in a panel discussion at the Johnny Carson Theatre on Saturday, June 18, will be:
Yuk Yuk's comedy club closes in St. John's
March 18, 2016
The Yuk Yuk's comedy club in St. John's has closed, the company confirmed to CBC News Thursday.
The company's National President Jeff Silverman said in an interview that the company decided to close the club following a prolonged financial struggle.
Spokane Comedy Club opens for laughs Thursday
March 18, 2016
SPOKANE, Wash. – If you are in the mood for a good laugh, a new comedy club opening in Spokane on Thursday aims to have you covered.
Located at 315 West Sprague in Downtown Spokane, the new Spokane Comedy Club opens Thursday with Sarah Colonna as the opening act.
Big Apple Comedy Club shows
March 18, 2016
NEWTON — Two new installments of the Big Apple Comedy Club will hit the Newton Theatre on Fridays, May 6 and July 15, at 8 p.m.
Each of the Big Apple Comedy Club shows feature four of the best comedians from New York City. The popular comedy series offers a great way to kick off the weekend. It’s always a hilarious night of hot comedy with these stand-out stand-ups.
The May show will feature comics Nick Griffin, Nore Davis, Joe Larson, and Chris Monty.
- See more at: http://www.spartaindependent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20160317/ENTERTAINMENT/160319968/Big-Apple-Comedy-Club-shows#sthash.tLjGlEEH.dpuf
Comedy Listings for March 18-24
March 18, 2016
For news about comedy, including critical commentary: nytimes.com/arts. A searchable guide to these and other shows is at nytimes.com/events.
‘Ted Alexandro Presents a Night of Stand-Up’ (Wednesday) Mr. Alexandro, one of the city’s finest politically active comedians, hosts this night to raise money for a friend with a degenerative eye disease. The top-notch lineup includes Marina Franklin, Mike Yard, Leah Bonnema and Gary Gulman.
REVIEW: Kyle Kinane’s comedy melds immaturity, subtle wisdom
March 18, 2016
March 17, 2016 11:28 pm · Posted by Conner Reed
Funnyman Kyle Kinane, best known for his many appearances on Comedy Central, performed at the Royale Sunday night as part of his “Shooting For Third” tour with Shane Torres. PHOTO COURTESY MOSES ROBINSON/PITCH PERFECT
It’s an interesting cultural moment for the man-child, and this was only proven further by Kyle Kinane’s Sunday comedy set at the Royale.
The mid-2000s, with the sudden omnipresence of the Judd Apatow brand in both film and television, was a period of pop culture revival for the adult male slacker. Of course, this archetype was never off the radar entirely. There has always been an audience for stoner comedy and the gentle derision of aimless, immature thirtysomethings, but when films like “Knocked Up” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” began dominating the cultural conversation, a quiet shift took place.
Comedy club set to open in Shippensburg
March 19, 2016
Debbie Chestnut For The Sentinel
Folks in the Shippensburg area won’t have to go far for an evening of fun and laughs when a new comedy club opens its doors next month in Shippensburg.
The Shippensburg Comedy Club will kick off its first season of shows at the Courtyard by Marriott at Shippensburg, 503 Newburg Road near Shippensburg University, at 7:30 p.m. on April 14. The featured comedian will be Brad Trackman, a headliner from New York.
JIMMY CARR IS ONE CHEEKY BASTARD IN HIS FIRST U.S. NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL ‘FUNNY BUSINESS’
March 19, 2016
By Sean L. McCarthy
Jimmy Carr’s comedy is not safe for work, although it works quite successfully for him.
Carr, 43, has hosted multiple game shows and panel series for British television over the past decade, and released nine DVD stand-up specials in the U.K. But Jimmy Carr: Funny Business, filmed in London as a Netflix special, is the comic’s first major foray into the United States. As such, the “zinger slinger” pauses at multiple times to inform his live audience in England of the American translations. Such as when he belittles residents of “the west country” by suggesting that flooding there allows them to “make use of their webbed fingers,” Carr might just as well be talking about Louisiana. Or, later, he compares a certain type of ugliness to New Jersey.
Late Show Producer Meredith Scardino’s Great Cameos Are a Walking Argument for Diversity in Late Night
March 19, 2016
By Alexandra Coakley
On February 22, Stephen Colbert opened the The Late Show with a bit about the intimate connection between cowboys and their horses that featured a tight shot of the comedian confiding in the stuffed head of a hobby horse. Then, in a moment that somehow felt completely improvised, Colbert asked someone just outside of the frame, “How’re you doing over there?”
Rowan Atkinson says comedians 'lose comic authority' as they get older The 61-year-old Blackadder star is returning to TV with the lead role in ITV’s new adaptation of Maigret
March 20, 2016
Adam Sherwin Media Correspondent
It’s no laughing matter when you are a comedy legend the wrong side of 60. Rowan Atkinson claims that even the greatest comic actors lose their power to send audiences into paroxysms of mirth after they hit middle age.
After bursting on to national TV with the satirical Not the Nine O’Clock News, Atkinson dominated British comedy in the 1980s. However, he now rations his small screen appearances and is set to return after two decades’ absence with the lead role in ITV’s new adaptation of Georges Simenon’s Maigret novels.
Save Mart Center announces date for superstar Comedy Get Down tour
March 20, 2016
BY JOSHUA TEHEE
jtehee@fresnobee.com
The Save Mart Center keeps up its month of big announcements with news of another mega-star act playing the arena this spring. Well, five of them actually – Cedric the Entertainer,Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley, George Lopez and Charlie Murphy.
The five are touring together with the Comedy Get Down tour, which stops Saturday, May 14, at the arena. Tickets are $49.75-$89.75 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, March 25, at the SMC box office and select Save Mart Supermarkets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by telephone at 800-745-3000.
Robert De Niro Will Perform Comedy at NYC Village Underground
March 21, 2016
Don’t bother trying to get tickets they’re already gone.
On Tuesday at 11pm, Robert De Niro will join the lineup at the Village Underground- sister club to the iconic Comedy Cellar in New York City. De Niro is taping a set for his upcoming movie, The Comedian.
Your Chicago Comedy Calendar for March 21-27
March 21, 2016
By Teme Ring, today at 10:25 am
A diverse group of out-of-town visitors this week: Vir Das from India, Trevor Noah formerly from South Africa, Noel Fielding from the U.K., Sophia Loren from Italy, Ralphie May from Alabama. John Mulaney is back in his hometown with Nick Kroll for a few more days. Another former Chicagoan, Mike Lebovitz, returns to headline at the Comedy Bar. Bobcat Goldthwait, D'Lai, Chad Weaver and David Kousgaard are here, too. Plus, the unparalleled comedy you can expect every night of the week from the Chicago community.
Inside Dan Soder and Michelle Wolf’s New Comedy Central Web Series, ‘Used People’
March 21, 2016
BY SETH SIMONS MARCH 21, 2016
Used People, the quiet revelation of a web series from Dan Soder and Michelle Wolf, is simple enough. The two star as salespersons at a used car lot; Dan’s a bit of a slacker, Michelle’s more than a bit neurotic.
April comedy show coming to the Governor's Inn
March 21, 2016
ROCHESTER — Laughs and smiles will be served as center of the plate entrees at The Governor’s Inn, where a Headliner’s Comedy Club takes place on Saturday, April 16. The evening will be offered as a show only at 8 p.m., or with dinner as an option starting at 6:30 p.m.
Amy Schumer leaves a $1,000 tip for ‘Hamilton’ bartenders
March 21, 2016
BY ALFRED NG
Amy Schumer dropped a lot of Benjamins with a $1,000 tip for the bartenders at "Hamilton" on Saturday night.The “Trainwreck” star’s generous tip for a $77 bill left Broadway hit “Hamilton’s” bar staff speechless, Madeleine DeJohn, an aspiring actor and bartender at the theater, told the Daily News.
The 5th Annual Wayne Federman International Film
March 22, 2016
Featuring live appearances by Tig Notaro, Matt Besser, Zach Galifianakis, Keegan-Michael Key, John Mulaney, Doug Benson, Rob Corddry and Patton Oswalt!
- See more at: http://www.cinefamily.org/films/the-5th-annual-wayne-federman-international-film-festival/#sthash.CYH0pzF3.dpuf
Fame Will Kill Comedy, and Other Predictions from Colin Quinn
March 22, 2016
BY
MAGGIE LANGE
PHOTOGRAPHS BY
MATT MARTIN
March 22, 2016, 8:00 am ET
Colin Quinn is holding forth in a diner a few blocks from his apartment in Manhattan. (He's a Brooklyn native, with hints of the accent to prove it.) He’s thinking of glory days. “I just had an urge for a cigarette because I’m in an old-school diner. Do you know the last time I had a cigarette? Twenty-three years ago. I loved cigarettes. They tried to kill me.”
Lenny Venito & Gary Valentine Join Kevin James’ CBS Comedy Series
March 23, 2016
by Denise PetskiMarch 22, 2016
Lenny Venito (The Neighbors) and Gary Valentine (The King of Queens) are set as series regulars opposite Kevin James in his untitled multi-camera comedy series at CBS.
Guide to picking up a comedian
March 24, 2016
'Comedian' is obviously the hottest and sexiest of all professions (we have to believe this) which is why Lauren Bok has generously decided to help you normals out with a guide (which is definitely NOT a self serving attempt to get ourselves out of singledom) on how to best win them over in this year's Melbourne Comedy Festival.
Comedian Quincy Jones is laughing in face of cancer
March 24, 2016
By Nick A. Zaino III GLOBE CORRESPONDENT MARCH 23, 2016
Last July, comedian Quincy Jones was diagnosed with stage four mesothelioma cancer and given a prognosis of one year to live. On Monday, he lay in bed in Los Angeles, conserving energy and talking on the phone. “I just had chemo on Tuesday,” he said. “I feel nauseous. I feel sore. I feel tired.”
Comedian Arden Myrin making Alaska debut with four Fairbanks performances
March 24, 2016
Gary Black gblack@newsminer.com
FAIRBANKS — The first thing you need to know about Arden Myrin is she has mad love for “The Bachelor.” So much, in fact, she has her own podcast dedicated to the popular realty TV series in which women compete for the affections of one man, where hopes are elevated or dashed depending on the dispensing of a singular rose.
The Laugh Tract: Bay area comedy
March 24, 2016
Do you think you'll still be working at 90 years old? Most people are counting the days until retirement, and hope to spend a few years relaxing and putting work behind them.
Don Rickles is not one of those people.
No Flipping: Remembering Garry Shandling
March 24, 2016
By JEREMY EGNERMARCH 24, 2016
Garry Shandling, a deadpan comic’s comic who found his great fame playing a fake talk show host with real insecurities, died on Thursday. He was 66.
Stage and comedy events, Mar. 24-30
March 25, 2016
Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase: Jim McHugh, 8 p.m. Thu., 8 & 10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 212 S. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-996-9080. www.aacomedy.com. $9-$14.
Portland's Comedy Exodus
March 25, 2016
Local Stand-Ups Are Increasingly Decamping for New York and LA. What Does That Mean for the Future of Portland Comedy?
by Robert Ham
THE CAREER TRAJECTORY of a stand-up comedian follows the same path as a musician or band. You start off taking whatever small gigs you can find to build up confidence and performance skills. As you improve and more people hear your work, you can start performing in bigger and bigger places, and, if you're lucky, doing shows on the road. Eventually, the hard work pays off and you can headline at home and beyond, and nab an opening spot for a touring artist with little effort.
This Week in Comedy Podcasts: T.J. Miller on ‘Don’t Ever Change’
March 25, 2016
BY MEGH WRIGHT MARCH 24, 2016
The comedy podcast universe is ever expanding, not unlike the universe universe. We’re here to make it a bit smaller, a bit more manageable. There are a lot of great shows and each has a lot of great episodes, so we want to highlight the exceptional, the noteworthy. Each week our crack team of podcast enthusiasts and specialists and especially enthusiastic people will pick their favorites. We hope to have your ears permanently plugged with the best in aural comedy.
Comedy Listings for March 25-31
March 25, 2016
Des Bishop (Thursday through April 3) Mr. Bishop is a native New Yorker who began his successful comedy career in Ireland, then moved to China in an attempt to perform stand-up in Mandarin. Now he’s moved back to Queens and his comedy explores his evolving identity in a variety of cultures.
Shandling’s ‘The Larry Sanders Show’ changed comedy
March 25, 2016
By Jake Coyle | AP March 25 at 3:45 AM
NEW YORK — From 1992 to 1998, the six-season run of Garry Shandling’s “The Larry Sanders Show” was little-watched, little-rewarded and yet became one of the most influential TV shows of the last 25 years.
Late comedy legend Garry Shandling 'collapsed while calling 911 for help'
March 26, 2016
The comedian died on Thursday aged 66 and no official cause of death has been announced
US comedian Garry Shandling collapsed while on the phone to emergency services, it has been reported.
The late comic and actor passed away on Thursday at the age of 66.
Assistant LA County Chief Coroner Ed Winter told People magazine the star called 911 for help before collapsing at his home.
He was then taken to St John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California, where he later died.
Thirty years of the Melbourne Comedy Festival
March 26, 2016
What “tests boundaries, explores horizons and is about having fun. Is for all people, all ages and all walks of life. Is made in Melbourne and defines our city?” According to seasoned Festival Director, Susan Provan, it’s theMelbourne International Comedy Festival. And it’s just turned 30.
Officially launched on Monday at the Melbourne Town Hall, guests were treated to a smorgasbord of comedic talent in between addresses by Festival Management, Wurundjeri Elder, Aunty Diane Kerr, The Minister for Creative Industries, The Hon Martin Foley, The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Robert Doyle and Dave Hughes (co-incidentally celebrating his 21st festival birthday) as MC.
Garry Shandling’s doctor refuses to sign death certificate, coroner’s office to investigate cause of death
March 26, 2016
BY MEERA JAGANNATHAN
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Saturday, March 26, 2016, 10:42 AM
Garry Shandling’s doctor is reportedly mystified as to why the beloved standup died — and his refusal to sign the death certificate has spurred the coroner’s office to investigate.
Shandling’s physician has “repeatedly refused” to sign the document because he believed the “Larry Sanders Show” creator — whom he hadn’t examined in more than a year — to be in fine physical condition, TMZ reported Saturday.
The Comedian’s Comedian’s Comedian
March 28, 2016
BY
AMY WALLACE
PHOTOGRAPHS BY
DANIELLE LEVITT
August 11, 2010
He’s a boxer, a Buddhist, a hoops junkie, and a kind of Yoda to every funny person born since 1965 (Sandler, Silverman, Apatow, Gervais, Baron Cohen…). Amy Wallace survives a rare sparring session with Garry Shandling, the reclusive master of American comedy.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival review: Rich Hall takes a skewer to us and them
March 28, 2016
Craig Platt
Travel Editor, Digital
Reviewer rating:Rating: 3.5out of 5stars
COMEDY FESTIVAL
RICH HALL Melbourne Town HallUntil April 4More Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2016 coverageAmerican comedian Rich Hall, a festival veteran and former 2013 Barry Award winner, has always found plenty to get cranky about in his comedy. But the current state of US politics has perhaps made him even crankier. In his new show, he skewers Donald Trump, the Bush family (in a long-con joke that confuses the audience until the punchline arrives), gun owners as well as plenty of other targets. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/comedy/melbourne-comedy-festival/melbourne-international-comedy-festival-review-rich-hall-takes-a-skewer-to-us-and-them-20160328-gns9mf.html#ixzz44CNJk5WN Follow us: @smh on Twitter | sydneymorningherald on Facebook
Comedy review: America Stands Up, Glasgow
March 28, 2016
It was standing room only for America Stands Up, the Glasgow Comedy Festival’s date with a trio of upcoming New York-based comics, helpfully programmed in ascending order of funniness.
America Stands Up | The Stand, Glasgow | Rating ***
A comedian's comedian talks about comedy
March 28, 2016
Chris Varias, Enquirer contributor
Kathleen Madigan is often described as a comedian’s comedian – the type that other comedians name as their favorite. Lewis Black, Ron White and Jay Leno are among her biggest supporters. During an interview with The Enquirer earlier this month, Jeff Foxworthy named Madigan among his two or three favorite contemporary comics.
Margaret Cho loses it on stage
March 29, 2016
By Jessica Sager
Rape is no laughing matter to Margaret Cho or to the audience that walked out of one of her performances on Saturday night.Cho, 47, performed at the Stress Factory comedy club in New Brunswick, NJ, on Saturday to a sold-out crowd, but not a happy one. Witnesses tell Page Six that Cho opened her set by talking about Garry Shandling’s death and her own rape instead of telling jokes.
Your Chicago comedy calendar for March 28-April 3
March 29, 2016
By Teme Ring, Monday at 3:53 pm
Visitors to Chicago this week include Alonzo Bodden, Steve Gillespie, Daniel Clowes, and the Silly People's Improv Theater of the Philippines. It's a short list, but it's an interesting one.
Chicago's stars shine bright this week, as always.
Ticket alert: SNL's Colin Jost will be at Zanies from June 15 to June 18. Tickets here.
The Week Ahead In Comedy: Philly Gets Sketchier Than Usual
March 29, 2016
Philly Sketchfest is here! Between Thursday and Sunday this week, an entire SLEW of sketch comedy groups will be performing at a various shows across Philadelphia in what is sure to be one of the festivals in the entire known universe. This is a great opportunity for fans of having hoagie-mush-mouth in their comedy to catch local groups like Secret Pants, The Incredible Shrinking Matt and Jacquie, Goat Rodeo, and Your Mom, as well as acts from Baltimore (Brick Penguin), Toronto (2 Humans), Chicago (Pure & Weary) and even as far as Edmonton, Alberta (Success 5000) which I am made to believe is like, really, really far away. Who knows what their accent sounds like?! Find out for yourself! Thursday-Sunday, all shows $10. Various times and venues.
4 comedy shows heating up Lafayette in April
March 29, 2016
Spring is here. Birds are chirping. Bunnies are doing what bunnies do. You know … you know.
April will be a busy month for stand-up comedy in Lafayette, as we welcome the 3 Headed Moron Tour on April 17 at JP’s Bar. The 3 Headed Moron Tour consists of Dave Stone ("Last Comic Standing," "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson," "Adult Swim"), Ryan Singer (WTF Podcast) and Andy Sandford ("Conan," "Aqua Teen Hunger Force").
Standup acts throughout downtown at Comedy Crawl
March 29, 2016
Binghamton’s first Comedy Crawl will take place on April 1 with standup comedy events at three downtown venues.
More than a dozen total comedians will perform during the event, formatted similar to a bar crawl, with the first show at Water Street Brewing Co. (168 Water St.) at 6 p.m., The Place on Court (73 Court St.) at 7 p.m., and Atomic Tom’s (196 State St.) at 8 p.m. An after-party featuring more standup comedy and karaoke takes place at 10 p.m. at Matty B’s (116 Glenwood Ave.).
‘The Muslims are coming!’ US comedians fight hate with comedy
March 29, 2016
It’s the ugly truth no one saw coming: Muslims have great frittata recipes. Shocking, right? They also invented coffee, the toothbrush… and algebra. These facts and many more are part of a series of banner advertisements designed to fight prejudice and promote a greater tolerance of Muslims in the United States.
The brainchild of Muslim-American comedians Dean Obeidallah and Negin Farsad, the subway posters were created initially to support the 2013 theatrical release of their documentary, ‘The Muslims Are Coming!’ – a film centered around Muslim comedians visiting US cities to dispel preconceptions about the faith. Ironically, the adverts were banned after the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) deemed them political in nature. What’s even more ironic is that the MTA had approved anti-Islam adverts a short time before that.
Boston Calling launches third stage with local music, comedy
March 29, 2016
By Joe Incollingo GLOBE CORRESPONDENT MARCH 29, 2016
Shaking things up for its seventh outing this May, Boston Calling is doubling down on its namesake. The three-day music festival is adding of a third stage for its May 28 and May 29 programs, which will feature local musicians and comics alongside the festival’s slate of international talent.
Adam Sandler, David Spade, Rob Schneider launch comedy tour
March 29, 2016
Last year, Adam Sandler joined forces with Netflix for a four-movie deal, the first of which, The Ridiculous 6, came out late last year.
Utrecht International Comedy Festival
March 29, 2016
Let’s face it: stand-up comedy just sounds better in English. We from the Utrecht International Comedy Festival couldn’t agree more. That’s why on Friday April 1st and Saturday April 2nd we’ve invited some of the hottest English-speaking comedians to perform at our festival in concert hall TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht.
Comedy Central announces slew of renewals, extensions for series into 2016
March 29, 2016
By Sean L. McCarthy
Comedy Central officially announced renewals or episode extensions for much of its current programming slate, just two days ahead of its annual Upfronts presentation to advertisers.
Kevin Nealon Looks Back on His 35+ Year Friendship with Garry Shandling
March 29, 2016
BY MEGH WRIGHT MARCH 29, 2016
SNL alum Kevin Nealon has a wonderful piece out today at The Hollywood Reporter that’s a followup of sorts to yesterday’s news that a ton of Garry Shandling’s friends played one last basketball game at his house as a tribute to the late writer and comedian, and it’s a brief but sweet remembrance of Nealon’s 35+ year friendship with Shandling. Here’s Nealon on Sunday’s basketball game:
PALM SPRINGS: Online comedy channel Jash deploys dozens of comics to the desert
March 30, 2016
Dozens of online comedians will show up for Jashfesht, web-based comedy channel Jash’s foray into Palm Springs
By FIELDING BUCK / STAFF WRITER
In the Coachella Valley, where events like the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival have made international headlines, a new start-up event just wants to make people laugh.
The 202 Comedy Festival is a homecoming for D.C.’s funniest
March 31, 2016
By Sadie Dingfelder
D.C. native and future television sitcom star Jermaine Fowler is headlining the 202 Comedy Festival.
Detroit Stage And Comedy Events March 31 -April 6
March 31, 2016
Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase: Gary Gulman, 8 p.m. Thu., 8 & 10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 212 S. Fourth Ave. , Ann Arbor. 734-996-9080. www.aacomedy.com. $12-$16.
Andy Kindler On The State Of Stand-Up Comedy And His New Gig On ‘Coming To The Stage’
March 31, 2016
BY ALEX GAROFALO
Comedian Andy Kindler will become the new host of the Comedy Dynamics stand-up series "Coming to the Stage," available on Hulu, beginning with Season 4 later this year. The show is about giving the spotlight to newcomers on the scene; and while Kindler is not the focus, he is still excited to be the emcee.
Steven Wright brings his deadpan ‘80-minute tightrope’ of comedy to S.A.
March 31, 2016
By Hector Saldana
Steven Wright sums up his acclaimed comedy career like this: “I was born. When I was 23, I started telling jokes. Then I started going on television and doing films. That’s still what I am doing. The end.”
British comedian Ronnie Corbett, half of ‘The Two Ronnies,’ dead at 85
March 31, 2016
British comedian Ronnie Corbett, half of much-loved duo The Two Ronnies, has died at the age of 85.
Comedian Louis C.K. to compete on ‘Jeopardy’ in May
March 31, 2016
BY MICAELA HOOD
What is ... funny?Louis C.K. will appear on "Jeopardy!" during its Power Players week, airing May 16-20.
Jeff Ross 'Roast Battle,' 'Police Roast' Headed to Comedy Central
April 01, 2016
BY JON BLISTEIN
Roastmaster General Jeff Ross will bring a new roast competition and special to Comedy Central as part of the network's 2016 - 2017 developmental slate.
Amy Schumer, Jeff Ross & Emcee Trevor Noah Crack Up Comedy Central’s Ad Crowd – Upfronts
April 01, 2016
by Jeremy Gerard
Underscoring just how high the stakes are in the competition for advertising dollars in the cable market, Comedy Central threw a monster party Thursday evening following a most-hands-on-deck presentation of its wares to buyers.
Nick Swardson gets another shot with Comedy Central
April 01, 2016
By Neal Justin
Nick Swardson/photo by Tom Wallace
If at first you don't succeed, mug, mug again.Minneapolis native Nick Swardson will star in and develop a new digital series for Comedy Central called "Typical Rick," a five-episode comedy about a Midwesterner (Swardson) whose Hollywood aspirations are consistently sabotaged by the party-boy antics of his childhood friend Rick (Simon Rex).
This Week in Comedy Podcasts: Lambardo and Webber on ‘Earwolf Presents’
April 01, 2016
BY MEGH WRIGHT
The comedy podcast universe is ever expanding, not unlike the universe universe. We’re here to make it a bit smaller, a bit more manageable.
Comedy Listings for April 1-7
April 01, 2016
April Fools Comedy Show (Friday) After a near-fatal car accident in 2014, Tracy Morgan has been making a welcome return to stand-up comedy over the last six months.
New Humor Magazine The American Bystander Returns For Issue #2
April 01, 2016
The American Bystander. Issue #2 is out now
First 'Comedy Crawl' draws large crowds in downtown Binghamton
April 02, 2016
Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Friday was April Fools Day, and while some were pranked -- others told jokes.
On Friday, that's exactly what took place in downtown Binghamton during the first ever Comedy Crawl.
US show Comedy Central runs sketch remarkably like one from 'Funny Girls'
April 02, 2016
US show Comedy Central has run a sketch that looks uncannily like one that was on TV3's Funny Girls several months ago.
TV personality Matt Gibb spotted the similarities, tweeting: "Comedy Central have completely ripped off a@funnygirlsnz sketch."
Lionsgate and Kevin Hart team up for a comedy-only streaming service
April 02, 2016
By Ananya Bhattacharya
Kevin Hart is gearing up to serve comedy all day, every day. Canadian-American entertainment company Lionsgate announced today that it is entering a partnership with Hart's company Hartbeat Digital to launch Laugh Out Loud — a video-on-demand service just for comedy content.
Q&A: Back in Annapolis, comedian Robert Klein reflects on career, comedy
April 02, 2016
By Meredith Newman
At age 74, comedy legend Robert Klein — a man Jerry Seinfeld calls his hero — has no intention of slowing down.
Freddie Prinze Jr. Joins Dana Carvey Comedy Competition Series at USA
April 03, 2016
Steve Carell and Jay Leno have also signed on to make guest appearances on the unscripted series, which will launch this May.
Memphis Is Funny
April 03, 2016
The Memphis Comedy Festival celebrates five years, and the local stand-up scene comes of age.
Is Elon Musk Collaborating with Comedy Central Host Nathan Fielder?
April 03, 2016
By Calla Cofield, Space.com Staff Writer
A tweet sent out by Elon Musk in February set off some social media activity that could indicate a collaboration between Musk and comedian Nathan Fielder. - See more at: http://www.space.com/32438-elon-musk-nathan-fielder-may-collaborate.html#sthash.cWG3qjcr.dpuf
Slingshot Comedy Show hit hard to the sound of uncontrollable laughter
April 04, 2016
Adrienne Andrews
The Slingshot Comedy show on Saturday night was a refreshing oasis of well-timed punchlines amid the sweaty, rushed and sometimes stressful atmosphere of Slingshot’s musical offerings.
Night After Night to @midnight: An oral history of Comedy Central (part 1)
April 04, 2016
By Julie Seabaugh
Comedy was dead.The first stand-up boom began somewhere around the time Ronald Reagan raised his right hand, solemnly swearing to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. It came crashing down around the same time as the Berlin Wall.
Detroit Comedy holds benefit for Flint children
April 04, 2016
DETROIT (WJBK) - A Detroit standup comedy showcase hosted a benefit Sunday evening to raise money for the children of Flint.
Detroit Comedy Underground and other comedy groups are coming together for a good cause.
NEW DOCUMENTARY BLASTS POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IN COMEDY
April 04, 2016
THOMAS FREEMAN
Nowhere has the debate over political correctness been more relevant than in the world of comedy. In recent years, stand-ups like Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rockhave sworn off performing at college campuses, taken aback by the growing power of “outrage culture” among millennials. It’s a fraught issue that is becoming increasingly tricky to talk about.
Here Are the Season 1 Contestants on Dana Carvey’s USA Series ‘First Impressions’
April 04, 2016
Dana Carvey’s new competition series First Impressions premieres on USA this May, and now the network has revealed the full lineup of contestants for the season.
Louis C.K. on ‘Louie’: “I Can’t Feel That Show Anymore”
April 04, 2016
BY MEGH WRIGHT
Now that all ten episodes of Louis C.K.’s self-released series Horace and Pete are out, HitFix published aglowing, comprehensive review of the show that features some quotes C.K. sent over email, and it’s not the best news for fans hoping for more Louie episodes sooner than later:
The Week Ahead In Comedy: Sun’s Out, Guns Out
April 05, 2016
Get your towels, sunscreen, and a third beach-thing out because we’re having a Beach Party! On Thursday, Beach Party Comedy returns to the Ruba Room with a free night of stand up and improv comedy.
Stand-up comedy meets karaoke Tuesday at the Hashtag Bar
April 05, 2016
Remember the old commercial for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, where two beloved favorites accidentally come together to make for one delicious taste experience?
Elizabeth Banks launches website dedicated to women in comedy
April 05, 2016
Actress, director, and comedian Elizabeth Banks has launched a new website dedicated "to [shining] a spotlight on funny women."
'Comedy Tornado' Paul Venier to hit CityStage in Springfield
April 05, 2016
By Keith O'Connor
Ask comedian Paul Venier, who calls himself "The Comedy Tornado," what he will be talking about at his upcoming show at CityStage in downtown Springfield on Saturday, and he will tell you he doesn't know.
‘Dice’ Review: Showtime Rolls Snake Eyes With Andrew Dice Clay Comedy
April 05, 2016
by Dominic Patten
The thing about gambling is sometimes you win, sometimes you break even and often you lose. With Dice, the career resurrection of Andrew Dice Clay has suffered a loss and, as I say in my video review above, gone two steps forward and five steps back in the process.
Laughs aplenty coming next week at Meadowlands Comedy Festival
April 06, 2016
By Lois DiTommaso
Get ready for a big laugh, or several big laughs.The 2nd Annual Meadowlands Comedy Festival is coming to town and will offer shows from Wednesday, April 13, through Sunday, April 17, at several different venues.
Get Your Laugh on at The Bird City Comedy Festival
April 06, 2016
Matt Santos
If you ever wanted to be on the ground floor of something big, like an up-and-coming band, good stock tip, or the next best seller, Friday night, April 8th is your chance.
That’s opening night of The Bird City Comedy Festival, a three-day event packed with some of the best comedians in the country and Phoenix’s first ever all stand-up festival.