By Staff

Ongoing

Tim Minchin
A performer of crushing talent, Minchin has racked up major comedy awards on three of seven continents. His hair is big and famousy, his humor is intelligent and accessible and he can put the rock in Sergei Rachmaninoff in a way the cultural zeitgeist hasn’t seen since Ben Folds. (Nate Sloan)
Through April 12. New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-239-6200; Mon.-Thurs. 8; Fri. & Sat. 9, $35-$50.


Thursday, April 3

Cage Match
The WWE is pretty hilarious on its own, but the UCB Theatre’s wrestling federation, the UCBW, pays such good attention to the details of the genre, it feels less like a satirical mockery and more of a hyper hilarious homage to the dramatic sport. Just like real wrestling, there are shocking heel turns, referees who are distracted by shiny objects, and promos that get you pumped. The announcers, Ben Rodgers (The Captain) and Eric Scott (TT Billingsworth) are so easily excited by all the action, it’s impossible not to get caught up in their hysteria too. Leave the Papa Roach Special Edition iPod at home, the UCBW is the only distraction you need. (Nate Sloan)
UCB Theatre, 307 W. 26th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-366-9176; Thursdays 11pm, $5.

Hot Comix
Seth Herzog, Jamie Kilstein, Rachel Feinstein, Brian Kiley, Kyle Grooms and other naughty comics give the best of their dirty standup.
Comix, 353 W. 14th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-524-2500; 8, $15/$20.


Friday, April 4

Naked Boys Improvising & The Girly Girl Burleskapades
The PIT has put its pole in the hole and staked its claim as the premier comedy venue for clothing optional performers and crowds. The boys are really a striptease with improv games but by the end the balls are flying. Both shows are exactly what they sound like, but the silly burlesque comedy may take more getting used to. Naked Boys Improvising & The Girly Girl Burleskapades March 21 at The Peoples Improv Theater, 154 W. 29th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.) 212-563-7488; 11, $10.

Death by Roo Roo: Your Fucked-Up Family
You might recognize Brett Gelman—he’s the man whose face is plastered all over subways and televisions as part of an ad campaign for Take Five lotto tickets. You can watch him and his improv group in action every week at UCB Theatre, where they riff on dysfunctional families from a single audience interview.
UCB Theatre, 307 W. 26th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-366-9176; 11, $8.
 
 
Saturday, April 5

Janeane Garofalo
The ultimate Gen-X comedian (we still think of her in Reality Bites, not that horrible The Truth About Cats and Dogs) still stings with her acerbic wit.
Comix, 353 W. 14th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-524-2500; 8:30 & 10:45, $30/$35.

Mother: The Soundtrack
Your mother told you to turn down that music. Mother tells you to hand over your iPod and CDs for some improv inspired by your taste in music. You better do what Mother says.
UCB Theatre, 307 W. 26th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-366-9176; 9, $8.


Sunday, April 6
 
ASSSSCAT 3000
The most popular show in town continues on with Amy Poehler and pals combining their comedic talents for a kooky evening of improv.
UCB Theatre, 307 W. 26th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-366-9176; 7:30 ($8), 9:30 (free).

 
Monday, April 7

Ritalin Readings
Sometimes when you’re anonymously sinking into a dark space, listening to the soothing readings of some new media phenom or screenwriter, everything feels more dignified and arty. No pressure; just sit there and soak in funny bits of brain candy from emerging talents.
The Slipper Room, 167 Orchard St. (at Stanton St.), 212-253-7246; first Mondays 8, $5.

Shoot the Messenger
Lizz Winstead creates parody with the skill and precision of an ice sculptor, skewering the myriad ways morning talk shows demonstrate their uselessness and overuse of teeth whiteners, via live sketches and video, along with a wide and varied cast, including Lucas Held and his incandescent Tucker Carlson. Tonight’s guest is Luc Sante author of Kill All Your Pieces. (Maggie Serota)
Green Room Theater, 45 Bleecker St (at Lafayette), 212-239-6200; 8, $12.50.

It Is It
Fun times hosted by Adam Lowitt of The Daily Show. And great burgers. Yum.
Pianos, 158 Ludlow St. (at Stanton St.), 212-505-3733; 8, $8.

 
Tuesday, April 8

The Comic Book Club
One of the more successful themed shows in town because it found its niche and took off running both offline and on. Comic book superfans, Pete LePage, Alex Zalben and Justin Tyler moderate a discussion on the week in funnybooks and host a panel of the top talents in the Marvel and DC Universes. I quit comics when the New
Warriors ended its run in the ’90s—it just seemed futile to go on, you know? The few times I’ve checked out the
CBC, I’ve felt welcome amidst both the sizable crowds and the icons who drop by like Joe Quesada and Brian Michael Bendis.
The Peoples Improv Theater, 154 W. 29th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.) 212-563-7488; Tuesdays at 8, $5.
 
 
Wednesday, April 9

I Eat Pandas & Shockwave
Eliza Skinner and Glennis McMurray of I Eat Pandas take musical improv to all new levels, creating three completely different musicals (25-, 15- and 5-minutes) before your very eyes, complete with dramatic glances, dancing, passion and suspense.
Comix, 353 W. 14th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-524-2500; 8, $15/$20.