5 shows to see at the New York Comedy Festival
The offer at the annual New York Comedy Festival, which takes place in the city from Friday to November 12, is big enough to be overwhelming. Stars like Bill Burr, Anthony Jeselnik, Nicole Byer and Michelle Wolf stand out. Then there are New York club veterans like Sam Morril and Matteo Lane who move up a class by playing big rooms at Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall. And if you study the schedule, you will also find many smaller acts. The best way to enjoy the festival is to see some familiar names, but also take a few photos in the dark of comics you don’t know or only know a little about. That’s the fun part for me. If you’re looking to get started, here are a few promising options.
Nathan Macintosh
November 11 Gramercy Theater
“Money never wakes up”, Nathan Macintosh’s YouTube special, was one of the funniest hours I’ve seen this year. His new show, “Down With Tech,” should provide comfort to anyone exhausted by our current digital overlords.
Triumph the insulting comic dog
Monday, Murrr Theatre
Who says the borscht belt is dead? Inspired by the great insult comics of the Catskills, this cigar-chomping glove puppet, controlled by the masterful Robert Smigel, is one of the most hilarious long-running characters of the past half-century. He will appear in Brooklyn to show clips, sing songs, do a game show and discuss his arrest in Washington, DC There will be guests, not yet announced. And the name of the show, which is based on a tagline, is: “Let’s Make a Poop.” Do it.
Margaret Cho
Wednesday, City Hall
An absolute legend of stand-up, Margaret Cho is a touchstone for many artists. This new show celebrates her 40 years in the industry, but while that number may surprise some people, don’t confuse gaining experience with going soft. She says she went through several titles, including “Absolutely Angry,” before settling on “Live and Livid.”
Sagher and Gethard
Thursday, Brooklyn Comedy Collective
Judging by the institutions moving or returning to the city, like Second City and UCB, improv may be on the verge of a comeback in this city. Then expect a role from the talented duo Tami Sagher and Chris Gethard. They have worked on both coasts and collected many television creditsbut they will operate from a leading improvisation house.
Alex English
November 12 Chelsea Music Hall
Alex English, a veteran sketch television writer, is a reliable killer on stand-up sets. His new show, “Alex English Prays the Gay Away,” finds him in longer form, and there should be an abundance of hard-hitting punchlines.
For more details about the shows, visit nycomedyfestival.com.