Travel Reference
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so don't expect to sing anything more recent than Huey Lewis). It's available daily from 8pm to 4am. 104 Bayard St.
212/732-2384. Subway: J/N/Q/R/Z/6 to Canal St.
6 Humor Us: Comedy
There's no shortage of frustrating and surreal experiences in New York, ensuring plenty of fodder for the comedi-
ans in our midst. The city is stacked with young comic talent, which means amateur nights are more common
than headliner-thick extravaganzas. Alas, amateur nights can also be express trips to the nether regions of stand-
up hell. Somehow bad comedy is infinitely more painful than bad tragedy. I advise stepping carefully through
the city's improv, open mic, and stand-up minefield. Fortunately, plenty of quick wits can be found in this town.
Small investments can lead to big laughs if you hit the right nights. For all the side-splitting and beer-nose-spew-
ing details, see below.
Showcases, Improv & Other Comedy Antics
Magnet Theater Three burgeoning improv institutions hold down spaces in Manhattan's 20s. This entry learned
its comedic lessons in Chicago and at the UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade, see below). Emphasizing a more theat-
rical feel than its neighbors, the shows here attract student, resident, and pro players, generating laughs 7 nights
a week. Look to Wednesday and Thursday for $7 evenings, where one entry gets you 5 hours of LOLing. Most
shows are $5, some are free, there's no drink minimum, and you can enjoy $2 PBRs during select performances.
254 W. 29th St., btw. Seventh and Eighth aves. 212/244-8824. www.magnettheater.com . Subway: 1 to 28th St.
New York Comedy Club Most nights the comedy here is $15 and a two-drink minimum, but you can get
in for free at an open mic. Sunday, Monday, and Friday at 6pm are the slots, part of the longest-running open
mic in New York. There's no drink minimum, and although it's statistically unlikely, it is possible to see an over-
looked talent just breaking in. For aspiring comedians (most everyone in the audience), it's $5 for 6 minutes on
stage and a drink. (Thurs nights, SuperEgo Comedy also hosts an open mic, $5 cover for performers, plus a one-
drink minimum for all, 6:30-8:30pm.) 241 E. 24th St., btw. Second and Third aves. 212/696-LAFF (5233). www.newyorkcomedyclub.com .
Subway: N/R or 6 to 23rd St.
The Pit This upstart has yet to reach the UCB's level of improv evolution (see below), but they're headed in the
right direction. The Peoples Improv Theater's primary mission is as a school, with an ex-SNL writer and Second
City alum among the faculty. Many shows involve student performers and are priced accordingly (lots of freebies
slotted in to the calendar). Regular tickets run between $5 and $8. Two separate stages mean some 10 shows to
choose from nightly. 123 E. 24th St., btw. Park and Lexington aves. 212/563-7488. www.thepit-nyc.com . Subway: 6 or N/R to 23rd St.
The Upright Citizens Brigade The UCB brings Chicago-style long-form improv comedy to the Big Apple. With
founders that can be found on SNL and in the movies, the talent level is high, which is crucial in the hit-or-miss
medium of improvisation. Plus, the complete lack of scripts saves you money. Sunday night sees two perform-
ances of ASSSSCAT 3000. The extra S is For savings: The 7:30pm show is $10, but the 9:30pm version is free! Tick-
ets for the latter are distributed at 8:15pm, but it's popular (Amy Poehler is a cast member) so try to get there at
least an hour early. Shows on Monday and Wednesday at 11pm are also free, as is the midnight Friday show. The
rest of the schedule runs between $5 and $10 (mostly $5), which is still a steal. The Harold Night's two $5 shows
(Tues at 7 and 9pm) are especially noteworthy, with some rapier wits putting the old Harold technique through
its paces. A second theater (UCB East, or “the Beast”) is now open under Two Boots in the East Village. You'll
find similar fare, with free jams and open mics alongside shows for $5 to $10. Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, 307 W. 26th St.,
btw. Eighth and Ninth aves. 212/366-9176. www.ucbtheatre.com . Subway: C/E to 23rd St. Other location: EastVillage, 153 E. 3rd St., btw. aves. A and B.
212/366-9231. Subway: F to Second Ave.; 6 to Astor Place; N/R to 8th St.
7 Game Night
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