The New York City comedy scene is kind of a fluky bandwagon. There is an overwhelming amount of access to amazing standup and improv shows, but embarrassing and off-putting comedy acts are still a dime a dozen. It’s kind of impossible to know for sure if a show is a worthwhile investment, but it’s also usually cheaper than buying a movie ticket. To the theater, then!
Two shows particular have caught our eye—and our funny-bone—recently, and we cannot wait for March to roll around so we can go see them again:
I’m New Here—Can You Show Me Around? is a monthly storytelling show co-hosted by Irish writer and comedian Maeve Higgins and Welsh writer Jon Ronson. Each installment features guests who are (mainly) NYC transplants, telling tales about their new experiences in the City With Way Too Many Nicknames. This month, data journalist Mona Chalabi spoke about her culture shock with Americans’ conflicting attitudes towards cursing, not caring in particular that she majorly offended a co-worker who wears Crocs. Emily Gould also graced the stage to talk about her infamous on-air run-in with Jimmy Kimmel (don’t worry, it didn’t turn into a group therapy sesh). If you’re still unconvinced, go see it for the old school multimedia tie-ins. So many PowerPoints. And for goddess’ sake, get there early and get yourself a seat. You’ll thank me when intermission rolls around and you’re happy not to be squished standing up in the back.
Maeve Higgins
The Shame Game, hosted by Ginny Leise and Soojeong Son, is a bit more absurdist; three guests tell their most shameful stories, the audience votes, and a winner is crowned King or Queen of Shame. The stories are interspersed with Ginny’s and Soo’s duo comedy routine, wherein you might see them acting out that one scene from Jerry Maguire dressed as someone who used to wax and her newly grown-in bush, respectively. They talk about pubic hair and related ilk so often, they’re actively giving “ladylike” conversation the middle finger—and they’re so funny while they do it. They also dance around dressed in head-to-toe leopard print. There’s just so much dancing. It’s effing delightful. And that’s not even speaking of the guests: this month featured Phoebe Robinson, Michelle Wolf, and Eliot Glazer. Shame stories included auditioning for Rent at age 13, texting a guy weird things to get him to stop responding, and throwing up mid-BJ. You’ll have to guess for yourself which story belonged to whom (and which won).
I’m New Here will play next March 3rd and The Shame Game on March 28th, both at the lovely Union Hall in Brooklyn (tickets here and here).
Images c/o The Shame Game and British Summer Time
