Beyond Broadway: Downtown Comedy You Don't Want to Miss
Prepare for a texting dog and other hilarious antics at Blogologues. (Photo: Blogologues)
The last time I saw Allison Goldberg, she was dressed as a poorly behaved dog with attachment issues on a dusty downtown stage on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Goldberg and her partner, Jen Jamula, are the creative force behind Blogologues, a ridiculous, hourlong sketch comedy show in which an ensemble of actors performs the Internet, word-for-word, inventing unlikely and outrageous characters and scenarios to match the material they find. Their current show, based on our Web obsession with animals (Grumpy Cat!) closes this weekend, Aug. 2. It’s a great example of why you need to hop on the subway and sneak away from Times Square to experience some of New York City’s downtown show scene. We asked Allison and Jen for a few recommendations.
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Comedian John Early curates this raucous variety show at Ars Nova with performances ranging from “hilarious to titillating to utterly inappropriate,” as Ars Nova puts it. Each month, Showgasm features new music, comedy, theater, burlesque, and vaudeville acts. The next Showgasm will take place Aug. 14 at 8 p.m.
This chanteuse is a product of NYU and has been creating her own music and deconstructing old favorites for years in downtown New York City. In Grace McLean’s own words, “With a sound that combines Regina Spektor’s quirkiness, Nellie McKay’s jazz sensibilities, Fiona Apple’s irreverence, Kimbra’s sass, and Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs’ rhythm, McLean adds up to one beautiful weirdo.” Catch her at a variety of venues, including Rockwood Music Hall on July 31, around town.
Grace McLean performs. (Photo: GraceMcLean.com)
Bridget Everett is getting well-known in certain circles, but we bet that tourists haven’t heard of her. Meanwhile she’s a powerhouse! She reminds us of what it means to be a performer: Her presence fills the room, and she puts on a show. Plus, her voice is phenomenal and her antics are outrageous. (But she’s not for families.) Her Tumblr isn’t updated often, so follow her @bridgeteverett for updates. Her next show is Aug. 6 at Joe’s Pub.
Bridget Everett is truly amazing — and outrageous! (Photo: Bridget Everett)
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Employee of the Month/Catie Lazarus:
Employee of the Month is how we discovered the amazing Bridget Everett. This is a live talk show in which host Catie Lazarus hilariously interviews minor and huge celebs from an array of industries. Past guests include Julie Klausner, Jill Abramson, Joy Behar, Dave Attell, and more. Next show: Sept. 18th.
Catie Lazurus is at the head of the comedy class. (Photo: Catie Lazarus)
Parallel Exit specializes in physical comedy inspired by the films of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. It’s old school meets new school — and totally worth a visit. The New York Times wrote: “They can get laughs simply by breathing.” Visit their website for more information.
Parallel Exit is one funny comedy crew. (Photo: Parallel Exit)
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