With the doom and gloom of an election, a dodgy World Collection and oncoming seasonal melancholy, New Yorkers want fun badly proper now. Fortunately, the New York Comedy Competition returns for its twentieth 12 months this week, spreading cheer throughout all 5 boroughs from November 7-17. As per common, the fest boasts a number of the largest names in comedy, however it additionally showcases a number of the greatest and brightest making their method up within the trade. With over 100 exhibits to select from, the New York Comedy Competition is chock filled with comedic expertise.
A Legacy of Comedy and Care
Headliners and heavy hitters are positive to get butts in seats at a number of the metropolis’s most iconic theaters, from Judd Apatow on the Beacon (with proceeds going to the American Pink Cross in North Carolina) to Gabriel Iglesias at Kings Theatre. Competition regulars like Tracy Morgan and Invoice Maher make their return, as do the likes of Dave Atell, JB Smoove and Ms. Pat.
Together with the large names, one of many New York Comedy Competition’s largest attracts is its charitable Stand Up for Heroes occasion, honoring veterans and that includes performances from Jon Stewart, Jerry Seinfeld and Bruce Springsteen. If these tickets are too arduous to come back by and you continue to want your repair of the Boss, Hank Azaria and the EZ Road Band are enjoying in the course of the fest too.
And for long-time comedy lovers, this 12 months’s competition may even characteristic the Upright Residents Brigade. The Amy Poehler-founded improv troupe went via a tough patch throughout COVID, closing its NYC theaters and seemingly shutting down for good on the east coast. Fortunately, although, the group threw a grand reopening in September, and UCB members characteristic closely within the fest’s lineup. From their “signature improv juggernaut” ASSSSCAT to their viral Characters Welcome, the Upright Residents Brigade has tons to supply.
As Seen on TV
The New York Comedy Competition can also be the place to see a few of tv’s funniest skills, be them late evening stars or sitcom breakouts. Within the former class stand present SNL solid members Devon Walker and Andrew Dismukes, in addition to former Day by day Present correspondent Jaboukie Younger-White, who’s performing three exhibits on the Arduous Rock Resort. Followers of Jury Responsibility can enjoyment of seeing author and actor Mekki Leeper doing a set on stage too (James Marsden in all probability not included).
A star-studded tribute for the late Joan Rivers is about too, benefiting the New York Metropolis-based charity God’s Love We Ship. The lineup is one thing even Joan would have a tough time scoffing at, with the legendary Sandra Bernhard, Emmy winner Rachel Brosnahan and roast queen Nikki Glaser available.
Plus, loads of acts promise to poke enjoyable at TV’s most enduring figures. There’s Adam Ray’s tackle Dr. Phil, and Joan Rivers will get much more stage time with Jiaoying Summers’ present, “Jiao Rivers: Ode to Joan.” Actuality TV faithfuls can get pleasure from themselves too, because of a Actual Housewives themed comedy and drag musical selection present that includes Drag Race alum Thorgy Thor and former New York housewife Kelly Killoren Bensimon.
Social Media Stars
Comedy has taken on new varieties within the age of social media, and the New York Comedy Competition has been sensible to embrace all of it. Musical comedy is all the trend recently, and viral duo A Twink & A Redhead shall be strutting their stuff and sharing their songs on stage. These on the lookout for some wall-to-wall bops can tune into Kyle Gordon’s present, the place the comic shall be performing his new album and biggest hits.
Elsewhere, YouTuber Chris Klemens shall be bringing his specific model of unhinged commentary to the competition, and the I’ve Had It podcast shall be stopping at City Corridor on their Folks Suck tour. Plus, comedians like Nicole DuBois and Tom Hearns shall be on stage with their many characters (and wigs).
Up-and-Coming Comedians
Lastly, one of many New York Comedy Competition’s largest occasions is the New York’s Funniest Stand-Up competitors. Earlier winners embrace Michael Che, Nate Bargatze and Josh Johnson, so this 12 months’s finalists have so much to reside as much as. Every of the 9 comedians vying for the title carry their very own model and brashness to the stage, however how are these stand-ups anticipating to face out? John Henry Kennedy tells Observer that he has an edge as a result of “not one of the different comedians are from North Dakota,” whereas Soo Ra explains that she’ll stand out “by sporting [her] tallest platforms”—and that her “stamina is fairly good so [she] ought to be capable to get up” for everything of her ten-minute set. It’s a stiff competitors already!
A number of of the stand-ups shared some sentimental ideas on the competition and competition as an entire, with Nick Viagas telling Observer “it’s gratifying to be acknowledged by shadowy coastal media elites in a tangible method.” In the meantime, Chloe La Branche speaks to only how a lot of an establishment the competition, which emerged from the success of Carolines on Broadway, has turn out to be: “This competition is extraordinarily particular to me as a born and raised New Yorker. Carolines was the primary membership to offer me an opportunity. I shall be ceaselessly grateful. I’ve seen this competitors go on for over a decade and eagerly awaited my flip to compete in it.” Twenty years and counting, and the New York Comedy Competition—and New York’s comedy scene—goes sturdy.
