NYC’s improv and sketch comedy communities maybe not be as large or as famous as the city's standup realm, but the shows are without a doubt some of the best in the nation. With a combination of local and regional talent, there's no way you can get through one of these December and January improv shows in New York without laughing hysterically.
1. ASSSSCAT 3000
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, Sundays at 7:30pm and 9:30pm
As one of the most famous NYC improv comedy shows, expect to see familiar faces like Amy Poehler and Louis CK making cameos here. Every week hosts a different group of improvisers, and in one of the great charms of improv, you’ll never see the same show twice. Bring your high energy and loud laughter to the 7:30 show for $10 or wait in line for a couple of hours to get into the absolutely free 9:30 show.
2. North Coast
People’s Improv Theater, Saturdays at 8pm
North Coast is a one-of-a-kind experience, bringing together comedic and musical talent to produce completely improvised hip-hop songs based on audience suggestions. You will have to figure out how to balance your laughter with how impressed you are at the quick wit and perfect timing that come together so beautifully here. And the best part: all of it is made up on the spot!
3. Road to the White House
People’s Improv Theater, Dec. 13, 18; Jan. 12
Watch David Carl, an exceptionally talented impersonator and impressionist, play all of the 2016 presidential candidates and debate moderators on his own in this silly one-man show. If you love political humor, this performance is for you. If you don’t, you will still love the amazingly spot-on impressions of these familiar names and faces.
4. Impractical Jokers & The Tenderloins: Where’s Larry?
Radio City Music Hall, Jan. 29-31
This sketch comedy troupe stars in the show Impractical Jokers on truTV, where they force one another to play jokes on regular people in a weird combination of Candid Camera and the “Dare” portion of Truth or Dare. In their live show, they will perform some of their specially prepared sketches and share their stories and experiences from their hit TV show.
5. The Friday Night Sh*w
Magnet Theater, Fridays at 8:30pm
Have you ever wanted to anonymously share your current problems, annoyances, or confessions? Now you can, and you can laugh about them too! Watch as the cast reads anonymous submissions from audience members and creates entirely improvised scenes based on them.
