Here are some fun and inexpensive shows to check out in NYC. Some of my favorites, in fact.
City Hall Comedy
This group of handsome and classy men always scores big laughs with a mellifluous blend of singing, dancing, puppetry and genuine camaraderie. Their sketches explore the multitude of relationship types, from friendship to customer, captain, criminal and more. Never afraid to let the antics get out of hand or improvise based on audience feedback or the particular setup of the stage that show (”Why does this restaurant have no tables??”). Repeat viewings are encouraged as no two shows are quite the same!
The Raspberry Brothers
Have you ever been interested in watching certain popular movies but been afraid that they might let you down? Well fear no longer, because The Raspberry Brothers are here to elevate each of those films into a legendary experience. These talented comedians have studied classics such as Top Gun, Garden State and The Terminator with impeccable preparation in order to rip apart every ridiculous moment with live commentary, jokes and sound effects. They notice the tiniest details and running themes that wouldn’t emerge unless you had seen the film multiple times through.
On paper, it sounds like just another regular, good NYC comedy show. But trust me, you need to go and see this for yourself. This is THE funniest show I have seen in a very long time. Every time I go (and I have attended all of their NYC shows except when I was on vaction), I laugh solidly for the full 2 hours the movie plays. The show is extremely satisfying and even theraputic for any problems or difficult situations you may be facing at the time.
HERE Arts Center
There have been many times when I’m out with friends downtown, and we’re looking for something fun to do, and we end up strolling over to HERE and discover there’s an amazing show going up, and they happen to have a few open seats left. It also wouldn’t hurt to check out their website and purchase tickets in advance. HERE always puts on wonderfully creative shows in a warm, intimate space. Tickets are quite inexpensive compared to most theater shows in the city. I would hands-down recommend any show that went up there.
Simon Lovell’s Strange and Unusually Hobbies
Simon Lovell is an experienced magician who has perform magic and comedy all over the world. He now does a regular show at SoHo Playhouse. Not only is it magic, but it includes life stories, tales of rebellion, secrets of the trade. Almost more of a one-man show that happens to include a few surprising tricks as well. One of my favorite parts was when he described how to steal a divider from your local grocery store. You get all the glories of the criminal world with none of the disastrous consequences. Plus there is a bar, so drink away.
Andrew Singer performs all over the NYC as comedic rapper “soce, the elemental wizard.” He has toured Europe and the U.S., and been featured on numerous media outlets, including MTV, VH1, Here TV, Logo, The Source, Out, Howard Stern and Sirius Shade 45. He runs a twitter feed that’s specifically focused on the creation and solving of math problems.
Last 5 posts by Andrew Singer
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