Have you ever laughed your pants off? Neither have we.
But we have had some pants-on, knee-slapping experiences in NYC, and we couldn’t live with ourselves if we didn’t share some of our absolute favorite, currently-running comedy shows.
So, without further adieu, here are 8 can’t-miss extravaganzas that will hit you and yours right at the gut of your comedic bullseye!
Distorted Diznee (The Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 West 42nd Street)
It’s the classic Disney experience! Performed by drunk drag queens in a basement.
It’s also one of the most entertaining shows we’ve seen in years. These literal queens destroy the stage with their energy and hilarity, tearing it up with your favorite Broadway numbers, pop songs, and pop culture moments.
The show goes up select Friday nights, so be sure to check their website for details—missing out on this show would be the biggest drag of all!
BlackLight Comedy Show (Brooklyn Moon Cafe, 745 Fulton Street, March 19 @ 7:30 PM)
If you haven’t heard by now, ladies run the world. They also run this all-ladies standup comedy show the 3rd Monday of each month, and boy is it a doozy.
Featuring some of the funniest ladies on the east coast, this show is getting bigger by the minute. Ps. They also have spice mac & cheese on the menu. Just saying!
Super Free Sketch Tuesdays (The Peoples Improv Theater, Tuesdays @ 7:30 PM)
The Peoples Improv Theater has three different stages—the mainstage, the underground, and the attic. And, praise be, there’s also a bar!
So there’s basically zero reasons not to go see some of the best and brightest NYC comedians perform this *free* sketch comedy show every Tuesday.
Teams include Steve’s Hard Milk, Run DMV, and Victory Cereal—and the performances are equally as wild as the names.
Blank! The Musical (Broadway Comedy Club, Saturdays @ 8 PM)
Ever dream of telling actors on stage exactly what you want to see them do? Well, dreams become reality at this interactive musical improv comedy experience.
This show allows the audience to choose the name of the show, song titles, and musical notes. Then, using smartphones, the audience votes on their favorite suggestions. The wildly talented ensemble then emerges from behind the curtain to improvise an entire musical to your liking (loving).
Don’t blank on this unique and hysterical show opportunity!
Shot 4 Shot (The Tank, March 16, 24, 31 @ 9:30pm)
Have you ever seen The Big Lebowski? Have you ever seen it performed line-by-line as a drinking game with the gender of each role swapped? Well, that’s the kind of mayhem you’ll be in for if you attend one of these hilarious evenings.
Drinking rules are announced before the show begins, but, by the time it’s over, rules are all but irrelevant as inhibitions and decorum are thrown to the wind. The cast includes an ever-evolving door of talented improv comedians, always led by comedy queen Leah Evans, creator and curator of the ever-rising comedy community called The Armory.
Roast Battle NYC (NY Comedy Club, Thursday, March 22 @ 10:30 pm)
Originated in LA, this show features two comedians going head-to-head with (mostly) abrasive insult jokes until the audience ultimately decides the winner.
It’s basically like Sunday night family dinner, except it’s on stage and there are winners. If you’re into knock-down, dragout comedy battles, this is for sure the place to be.
Whiplash (UCB Hell’s Kitchen, 552 West 42nd St, Mondays @ 11pm)
Often referred to as the best standup comedy show in NYC, this weekly event features an awesome lineup of some of the finest up-and-coming comedians the city has to offer.
And while the shows are booked in advance, it’s the drop-ins that tend to grab people’s attention—Amy Schumer, Judd Apatow, and John Mulaney have all been known to pop in and do a set at the last minute.
Heads up—the show will be moving to 10 pm at Union Hall in Park Slope beginning April 9th!
Golden Girls Bingo (QED A Place To Show And Tell April 12 @ 7:30 pm)
Folks, it just doesn’t get any better than this. Hosts Courtney Antonioli and Chris Chan Roberson fulfill your life-long dream of simultaneously playing bingo while showing your favorite episodes of the classic TV show.
Costumes are encouraged, so be your best Dorothy, Rose, Blanche or Sophia and prepare for a wild night of cheesecake and future memories!