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Pick of the Day: Mentioned You. (in NYC) 7/13
July 6, 2023
News
adam gilbert, andrew casertano, caroline hanes, daniela mora, dating show, john kennedy, nyc comedy, ray devito, ryan long, the stand, tommy bayer

A competitive dating show is a tried and true formula. From The Dating Game to F Boy Island, the entertainment value is kind of undeniable, especially in regards into unintentional (or maybe intentionally “unintentional”) comedy that gets run through the gauntlet on the Internet and lives on forever in meme vernacular.

So, why not up the ante with having comedians competing against each other in a dating show format? Well, that’s exactly what is happening with Ethan Terzi’s “Mentioned You.” where 5 comedians square off to win the love (or more accurately, momentary attraction?) of 1 bachelorette. NYC comedy’s Ryan Long, Andrew Casertano, Adam Gilbert, Caroline Hanes, Ray DeVito, and Tommy Bayer will be the suitors with John Kennedy and Daniela Mora presiding over what should be the best version of a Dating Game/Bachelor format.

So, look out for Mentioned You. @ The Stand on Thurs. Jul. 13th at 10PM. Tickets are $18.69 and you can (and should) go get them here.

 

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 171: Matt Catanzano & Six Degrees of Comedy
July 5, 2023
News, The Comedy Bureau Field Report

Matt Catanzano, not unlike us, does a lot of wonderful stuff in comedy. Perhaps, too much? Both Matt and TCB’s Jake Kroeger are too busy to really ruminate on that, but they do have time to talk how Matt amazingly balances doing and running stand-up and sketch shows on top of making his own short films and writing anything else in order to have every other comedy base covered (and the essentially genetic connection between comedy and horror).

Also, “hot” takes on the search for the British “Simpsons”, an A24 take on Barney, and more.

Follow @mattcatanzano and @protectedunderparody and @illpreparedcomedy all on IG

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by @dusty.zone

Pick of the Day: You’re Cordially Invited (in LA) 7/7
July 5, 2023
News
lexie koss, lilliana winkworth, los angeles comedy, ucb, wedding season

We’re in the thick of wedding season and this is a great opportunity to not only see the nuptials of a couple sanctifying their love under the eyes of the government, but also hear a bunch of speeches from, very likely, a whole host of people who have public speaking as one of their greatest fears.

With that in mind, a bunch of UCB folks led by Lexie Koss and Lilliana Winkworth will be highlighting the comedy gold that so often is presented with earnest, but misguided attempts at celebrating newlyweds with improvised wedding speeches (based off suggestions) at a new show at UCB Franklin, You’re Cordially Invited. Speakers/players include Andrew Knox, Skarlett Redd, Elizabeth Andrews, Damon Royster, Sophie Delaney, Jess Uhler, Ellie Race-Moore, Paul Heredia, and Matt Newman and you should save this Fri. Jul. 7th at 10PM (and $10) to join in this improvised wedding party.

You can (and very much should) get your tickets for this momentous occasion here.

Pick of the Day: Root for Farm2Power: Music & Comedy Fundraiser Show (in LA) 7/21
July 3, 2023
News
danielle perez, demi adejuyigbe, ellory smith, glendale, joel kim booster, junior high, los angeles comedy

The winds of change seem to have quite the mean bite to them these days. Whether it be SCOTUS, inflation, mass shootings, etc., it feels like a world that needs more of everyone trying to take care of one another.

One small thing you could do for community (as well as yourself) is going to a very, very special fundraiser music and comedy variety show for South Central Farmers Co-Op‘s Farm2Power. Not only will it be a very fun hip evening of amazing LA-sourced comedy and music at the splendid, all-inclusive arts space, Junior High, but it will be a night supporting a crucial LA org that gives free produce to those in need in the Greater LA area.

Thus far, they’ve got a fantastic line-up including LA comedy luminaries Danielle Perez, Joel Kim Booster, Demi Adejuyigbe, and Ellory Smith as well as sweet sounds from Adjenai, Rosie Tucker, and Amber & Max of Moonchild.

Root for Farm2Power is set for Fri. Jul. 21st with doors at 7PM. Tickets are only $10 and you can (and very much should) get them here.

 

John Early Wonderfully Gives All Sides of Himself on “Now More Than Ever”
June 30, 2023
News
comedy special, hbo, john early, max, now more than ever

A comedian on the threshold of doing an hour special can take a look at the landscape of comedy today and very easily get the notion of doing something, anything different, since the majority of comedy specials are still predominantly comprised of a single person on stage talking for an hour in front of a full theater or club. Then, comedians like John Early opt to let their imagination run wild and give us a rollicking pastiche of all facets of themselves as Early did with Now More Than Ever.

On paper, there are several different levels to Early’s hour on Max (notably referenced as HBO Max in this special, which will be a fun deep cut reference the more time that passes). Early couches his genuine, painstakingly crafted stand-up as interstitials within a sort of rock-doc/concert film for his fictional band The Lemon Squares (though they’re pretty damn fun as a cover band). So, that’s technically two sides of Now More Than Ever.

Then, there’s the meta/mockumentary element where John has the sort of chaotic fun that he has done so long with his long time comedy collaborator, Kate Berlant, showing comedic discord behind the scenes with The Lemon Squares. On top of those three layers, there seems to be final topping of Early being satirically self-aware of himself, his material, the concept of a comedy special, etc. Early doesn’t recuse himself from “being part of the problem” when calling it out in jokes and takes a mischievous pleasure in shouting out his parents out in the crowd with a spotlight and dragging them at the same time. In some schools of comedy thought, there might be “too many hats on hats” here, but Early’s magnetism, shrewd observations, and impeccable Britney voice does really ties everything together.

Suffice it to say that there’s a lot that’s packed into Now More Than Ever, but it all meshes together in a dreamlike fashion, blurring between varying levels of verisimilitude of John, but resulting in a special that’s a hilariously delightful greeting card to waking up in the awkwardness-fueled, tech-obsessed, new-new lost generation of the 2020s. It might be the choice special to watch on July 4th weekend.

John Early: Now More Than Ever is now streaming on Max, formerly HBO Max.

Pick of the Day: Edinburgh Fringe Preview Day (in LA) 7/22
June 30, 2023
News
cam gavinski, claire woolner, edinburgh fringe, elysian theater, greta titelman, griffin kelly, izzy gerasole, jessy morner ritt, los angeles comedy, sara schaefer, sophie santos

Summer is officially in session, which means that the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is just around the corner. While it’s always enticing to take up an opportunity to watch as many of hundreds upon hundreds of shows, most of us don’t have the money to fly to Scotland, find a place to crash for a month, and THEN pay to see shows. At least performers have a shot to make some money maybe (though, more realistically, hoping to break even).

That’s why The Elysian Theater’s annual tradition of putting a whole day of their favorite LA comedy folks that are bound for the Edinburgh Fringe and presenting their shows back-to-back-to-back-to-back.

This particular Edinburgh Fringe Preview Day at The Elysian will run through 8 shows from 12:20PM to 11PM on Sat. Jul. 22nd. We’ve actually seen most of these shows already and tell you that it would be worth your night to catch any of them.

On the slate are:

Sophie Santos… Is Codependent
Joy’s Bed & Breakfast w/ Jessy Morner-Ritt and Izzy Gerasole
Two Cats on a Date by Griffin Kelly
Claire Woolner: A Retrospection
Going Up w/Sara Schaefer
Greta Titelman’s Exquisite Lies
BONHEUR by Cam Gavinski

It’s so much great show without having to get airfare or room and board and it will only cost you $12-$20 per show or $60 for a day pass to watch all 8 and make it a whole day at The Elysian. Get tickets/details/more here. Do it now!

Upright Citizens Brigade Is Officially Reopening in NYC (Gramercy Park) This Fall
June 29, 2023
News
ucb, upright citizens brigade

It was only a few years ago when the fate of comedy juggernaut, The Upright Citizens Brigade, seemed vastly unsure. The COVID-19 Pandemic wreaked havoc throughout the comedy world, but it definitely forced UCB to reckon with how it extended itself and with its very own structure and integrity as a comedy institution/brand/school. In 2020, UCB was reduced to one physical venue, their original LA location in Franklin Village, then, subsequently, sold off as entire brand from the original UCB 4 to its current multi-party ownership.

By the end of the year, UCB will have two mainstay locations as they’ve officially locked in a lease at 242 E. 14th St., New York, New York. Yes, UCB NY will be a thing once more and brighter days are ahead (especially with UCB LA already having returning to their stacked 7-night-a-week programming and configuring a way to pay performers). That puts this new UCB in Gramercy Park, which is on a whole other side of Manhattan from Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen, former UCB locations. The old spot of UCB East won’t be too far as will NYC comedy havens, The Stand (just four blocks away) and Club Cumming (9 blocks away).

UCB aims to have shows going by this Fall and, with that in mind, are already taking submissions for their house teams including Harold (improv), Maude (sketch), and Betty (characters). Deadlines/dates are as follows:

Harold:
deadline to submit: 8/16
auditions: 9/21-24
callbacks: 9/29-10/1

Maude & Betty:
deadline to submit: 7/26
auditions: 8/23-8/27
callbacks: 9/8-9/10

Get more details and submit at ucbcomedy.com/auditions.

Otherwise, look forward to Manhattan getting a little less clubby in a few months.

Pick of the Day: Kenice Mobley: Don’t Kill Yourself Yet (in NYC) 7/29
June 29, 2023
News
kenice mobley, nyc comedy, solo show, union hall

Of the messages that are crucial to get out to folks these days, “don’t kill yourself yet” is a pretty important one. Thankfully, the hilarious Kenice Mobley has a whole solo show that has that message as its title (and, ostensibly, as the takeaway/moral for the show) coming to NYC soon.

Centered on her experience of having to deal with a near death experience while working through depression and inherited trauma (amongst other wells that comedians often go to for their comedy), Kenice is going to bring her exacting comedic lens to why we should keep staying around on this mortal coil. Opening for Kenice will be NYC comedy favorites Zach Zimmerman, Brittany Carney, and Rohan Padhye.

Kenice Mobley: Don’t Kill Yourself Yet is set for Union Hall on Sat. Jul. 29th at 5PM. Tickets are $11.55 a pop and you really ought to have a formative experience/a great time at a comedy show by buying some here.

The Next Adult Swim Festival Is Headed to San Diego and Will Be Free of Charge
June 28, 2023
News
adult swim, adult swim festival

When it comes to upping the ante on TV, Adult Swim is often first to do so with some of the most edgy programming available on TV. The same goes with doing live festivals as the network has done a few editions of mixing the bleeding edge comedy and music festival where other networks seem to be mostly OK with just doing a companion podcast for their hit shows.

The Adult Swim Festival is actually upping the ante on itself as it will take place, for the first time, in San Diego, right outside of the San Diego Convention Center, home to the world famous Comic Con, and be completely free so long as you’re 18+ (we’re assuming no kids are allowed rather than having to buy a ticket for them?). Thurs. Jul. 20th-Sat. Jul. 22nd will see headliners Eric Andre, Flying Lotus, and Sarah Squirm, just to name a few, take over what should be a wildly colorful outdoor genre-bending comedy/music/performance festival/experience. In fact, there will even be a Smiling Friends experience and a”Pop-Tarts Dining Experience” in the mix in addition to many other offbeat delights that have yet to be announced.

Though LA has gotten to enjoy The Adult Swim Festival the past few go arounds, at least all you have to figure out for this 2023 edition is how to get to San Diego that weekend and where you’ll sleep (or, conversely, how you’ll keep the party going for all three days).

Get more info and details at adultswimfestival.com

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 170: Isaac Landfert & Keeping Orderly Chaos in the YARD
June 28, 2023
News, The Comedy Bureau Field Report
isaac landfert, los angeles comedy, yard theater

This week’s TCB Field Report invites The YARD Theater’s GM and overall “guy at the YARD”, Isaac Landfert, to talk shop with TCB’s Jake Kroeger. Landfert explains the ins and outs of being a small, but very crucial theater in the LA comedy scene, specifically one that caters to folks trying to do something different/experimental/wild, especially when Fringe season comes around. It’s this sort of wondrous strangeness and cavalier experimentation that really has us coming back to the YARD all the time.

The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger

Pick of the Day: CityWalk the Musical (in LA) 7/15 & 8/22
June 28, 2023
News
citywalk the musical, los angeles comedy, musical, ucb

CityWalk, adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood, is one of the stranger haunts of LA in that one can’t be quite sure if it’s designed for tourists or for those Angelenos that are looking for a off-beat corporate-ish shopping experience that’s outside of Universal Studios.

It’s this strangeness that is tapped for the engrossing and hilarious musical from UCB house team Moon Goon that dives head first into the real life uncanny valley of retail that is CityWalk (through the lens of a rom com to boot). The very first run of CityWalk the Musical sold out at UCB and, thankfully, Moon Goon and UCB are doing a couple more performances in the coming months.

Specifically, you can catch what might be the most LA-centric musical on Sat. Jul. 15th & Tues. Aug. 22nd at 7PM. Tickets are $20 and you best snag them up quick before they sell out again.

Take a Gander Into the New, New Futurama
June 27, 2023
News
futurama, hulu, trailer

Though it’s not without precedent, TV series hardly ever get revived twice, let alone once. That said, the enduring timeliness of Futurama being a hyper-clever, adult-animated commentary on the present day has brought the beloved cartoon back from the dead one more time. After all, one of the most foundational memes of the entire Internet, Fry demanding “SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY”, does come from Futurama.

Originally starting out at Fox in 1998-2003, then being having a 5 year second life at Comedy Central from 2008-2013, this latest era of Futurama will now be at Hulu, as subliminally flashed in the titles briefly saying “Hulurama” in the first trailer. While, this is yet another dive back into established, beloved IP rather than networks and streaming services putting their money on something completely original, we’re sure Futurama is going to have a pretty great meta joke about it (several of them, probably).

All that said, take your very first look at Futurama 3.0, coming to Hulu on Jul. 24th, here

Pick of the Day: Reggie Watts: Great Falls Tour (in NYC) 10/17
June 27, 2023
News
bell house, nyc comedy, reggie watts

Before taking on the bandleader gig at The Late Late Show, Reggie Watts galavanted across the globe doing his groundbreaking mixture of uncanny musical verve, stream-of-consciousness improv comedy, and undeniable warmth to mesmerized and delighted audiences. It was then that Watts was mainly based out of NYC and you might seem him pop up in around the five boroughs, but it has been quite some time since New Yorkers have gotten to enjoy a full evening with Reggie.

Well, now that The Late Late Show has come to an end, Watts is going out on the road for his Great Falls Tour and stopping at the hallowed NYC stage at The Bell House on Tues. Oct. 17th. Tickets will absolutely sell out, even at $45 a pop, which is why we’re telling you that they will go on sale this Thurs. Jun. 29th at 12PM ET/9AM PT.

Bookmark this page and set a reminder if you’re anywhere near Brooklyn in October, so you can snag a ticket.

Pick of the Day: Comedy Nook Closing Party (in LA) 6/28
June 26, 2023
News
comedy nook, los angeles comedy

Well, it turns out 7456 Melrose Ave. is closing its doors (well, part of its doors since it’s kind of a theater complex) once again for a full time comedy venue. The Comedy Nook rose out of the ashes of what the pandemic hath wrought on local businesses, especially live performance venues that had go darker far longer than many other places. Many open mics and intimate shows took the stage at The Comedy Nook over the years thanks to the hard work and dedication of Nthenya Ndunda and Alexis Bradby.

Sadly, after two years and some change, The Comedy Nook is indeed closing down, but they won’t do so without a big party this Wed. Jun. 28th from 7:30PM-10:30PM where you can (and should) pay your respects (as well as enjoying DJ’ing from Bri Giger and some tasty tacos that you can get via donation).

It’s free to attend, but you should probably RSVP (so they make sure they can make enough tacos).

The Elysian Is Taking Pitches for Original Shows for Their Next Spaghetti Festival
June 23, 2023
News
open call, spaghetti festival, submissions, the elysian

Last year, The Elysian took on its very first festival, which is daring as is in a city with a veritable festival’s worth of comedy on a nightly basis, The Forget About Spaghetti Festival debuted so many amazing, original, never before seen shows that included some of the very best things that we saw on stage in 2022.

The Elysian is doing it all again with what their now calling The Spaghetti Festival and going through the whole beautiful process once more by opening submissions to any and all for shows that are, “…interactive, solo or group performances that are driven by an interesting or unique concept or story.”

They’ll be picking ten shows to make up this year’s Spaghetti Festival and all shows selected, “…will receive a performance slot, promotional support, creative development assistance from our committee of artists and producers, & more.” Also, if picked, your show will be part of what is pretty much still the ground floor of what could very well become a much needed lightning rod in the LA comedy scene.

Get more details and submit at elysiantheater.com/spaghetti. Oh yeah, the deadline is Jul. 9th at 11:59PM PT. Hopefully, if you don’t have an idea already, the fireworks on the 4th will kick your frontal cortex into high gear.

 

Pick of the Day: Carmen Lynch Special Taping (in NYC) 6/26
June 23, 2023
News
carmen lynch, nyc comedy, stand up comedy

The Comedy Cellar and all its famously associated rooms, The Village Underground and The Fat Black Pussycat, don’t let just anyone tape their special on their hallowed stages as they together represent a few of the most revered stages in all of stand-up comedy.

Carmen Lynch is one such special comedian that is going to get to tape her latest special on such stages. Carmen is endlessly fun to watch and so slyly clever and has been so for many years, making her into an undeniable NYC comedy staple. Lynch also has perfected her act en español as well making her into truly international comedy sensation.

With that in mind, you’re really not going to want to miss the taping of her latest special, the English language version (the Spanish one will be taped in Barcelona in mid-July) at the Village Underground on Mon. Jun. 26th at 8PM & 10PM. Tickets are only $25 (+ 2 drink min.) and you can (and very much should) go get them here.

Pick of the Day: Open Up/Little Secret LA New Location Opening 6/23
June 22, 2023
News
film screening, little secret, los angeles comedy, queer

If you somehow don’t know where Frogtown is in LA, you best learn already. Not only is that the home to one of the LA comedy’s newest and brightest shining venues, The Elysian, but, as of this Friday, it’ll be the new neighborhood of Little Secret. Born in between the cracks of Netflix Valley in Hollywood, Little Secret is getting a bigger space that will be a little more free (which is kind of unbelievable if you’ve ever been to Little Secret before).

As part of setting foot in their new home, No Storage Productions will be premiering their new queer comedy short “Open Up” as well as throwing a marvelous little comedy show. The comedy stylings of Taylor Ortega, Rachel Pegram, Sarah Schauer, Madi Hart, and Rishi Mahesh will be on display all leading into the very first an afterparty at the new Little Secret.

Tickets are available for $5-$15 donation here or at the door. Get more info/tickets/etc. here.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 169: Chris Fleming & The State of Silly
June 21, 2023
News, The Comedy Bureau Field Report
chris fleming

When it comes to be an untethered “silly goose” on stage, few comedians do it quite as well (and as satisfyingly for folks of all kinds) like Chris Fleming. With as much flexibility as those wavy arm inflatable tube men and the panache and comedic verve to match, Fleming orchestrates his comedic performances in such a thrilling way that he deserves to play such renowned places like Largo on a regular basis.

TCB’s Jake Kroeger talks to Fleming about what it’s like to preserve a spirit of silliness at such gritty, dark times as we continue to live in and even get in a bit of what it’s like bouncing around the scenes betweeen LA, Boston, and NYC for this week’s TCB Field Report.

Follow Chris Fleming @chrisflemingfleming on IG

The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via Patreon or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and Jake Kroeger
Photo by Jill Petracek

Pick of the Day: James Austin Johnson: The Age of JAJ (in LA) 7/29
June 21, 2023
News
james austin johnson, largo, los angeles comedy, stand up comedy

We remember James Austin Johnson, now a Saturday Night Live star, once went up at an open mic we used to host in Little Tokyo, eons ago, and crooned out Eagles songs done in full-on Scottish accent to raucous laughter. That was the very first time we saw him and, even then, we had a pretty good idea that he’d end up where he is now from just that set (and the same goes for pretty much every subsequent set we saw after that).

Having multiple seasons under his belt, JAJ is far from that open mic in a Mexican bar and restaurant that’s now a Metro LA station and on to touring all around the globe. Fortunately, one of those stops is back here in LA at none other than the venerable Largo at the Coronet Theatre.

Indeed, JAJ will stop at Largo for his Age of JAJ tour on Sat. Jul. 29th at 8PM. You can (and should) go get your tickets now for $46 a pop here.

 

Solar Opposites Is Replacing Justin Roiland’s Character with Dan Stevens (and, Yes, That Means Korvo Sounds British Now)
June 20, 2023
News
dan stevens, hulu, solar opposites

For decades, networks have tried switching up the talent of specific characters on their popular series, but futilely tried to do so without fans and viewers alike noticing too much. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air tried it with Aunt Viv and, more recently, Ayo Edebiri replaced Jenny Slate for the voice of Missy on Big Mouth. Solar Opposites is trying a whole new tactic, complete transparency, since the ousting of series co-creator Justin Roiland and his disturbing domestic abuse charges unveiled just months ago.

Korvo, the lead alien in Solar Opposites that used to be voiced by Roiland, will now be voiced by UK phenom Dan Stevens (who has done everything from Legion to a Beauty and the Beast remake) with his actual British voice. Even though Stevens is talented enough to nail Roiland’s often hardened American cadence, Solar Opposites has opted to have a clever plot device to essentially retcon Korvo as a posh, yet still angry, alien.

For our money, it kind of really works (though, we’re not sure what sort of precedent this is setting for other series down the line?) Get a taste of what’s to come for yourself with the new new Solar Opposites coming to Hulu on Mon. Aug. 14th here.

Pick of the Day: Jess Salomon: Sad Witch Album Recording (in NYC) 6/29
June 20, 2023
News
album recording, jess salomon, live taping, nyc comedy, stand up comedy

One of the most thoughtful (and, of course, undeniably funny) voices in NYC comedy belongs to one, Jess Salomon. Hailing from both Canada and a career as a U.N. war crimes lawyer, Salomon has a knack for keeping a cheery vibe while very cleverly satirizing the world around her. She has become a staple of the NYC comedy scene and a true joy wherever else she plays (certainly, a bright spot on any line-up we’ve seen her in whenever she’s in LA).

Jess will be taping a full length comedy album next week, Sad Witch, at the revered Brooklyn comedy theater, Union Hall, and you really ought to be in attendance for what should be a damn fine hour of stand-up comedy. There are two shows on Thurs. Jun. 29th, 7:30PM & 10PM, with an opening set from DeAnne Smith. Tickets are only $11.55 and you best go get them here and here, respectively right now.

Pick of the Day: The Couples Therapy 5th Anniversary Spectacular (in LA w/Livestream) 7/7
June 19, 2023
News
andy beckerman, laci mosley, live podcast, los angeles comedy, naomi ekperigin, nori reed, permanent records roadhouse, shantira jackson

As far as comedy power couples go, there should be a lot more love and admiration for Naomi Ekperigin and Andy Beckerman, also known as the two hosts of the amazing podcast Couples Therapy. For five years, Ekperigin and Beckerman, both wonderful comedians/writers on their own (don’t forget that Naomi is one of the best parts of Mythic Quest) and guests have shared the humorous beauty of working things out between relationship partners, especially when quarantine hit.

This podcast isn’t the hit Showtime series of the same name, but, honestly, both things are so amazing, FYI.

To celebrate the occasion, they’re throwing a big 5th Anniversary for Couples Therapy outdoor shindig at one of LA’s new comedy hot spots, Permanent Records Roadhouse (that you can also live-stream if you’re still very much into not leaving your home like Naomi and Andy) on Fri. Jul. 7th at 7PM. Joining them will be the stories and comedy gems of Laci Mosley, Nori Reed, and Shantira Jackson.

Tickets are $10 right now and $10 for live-stream (and $15 for in-person on the day of) and you can (and should) go get them here.

 

Looks Like Randall Park Has a Pretty Damn Good Directorial Debut with “Shortcomings”
June 16, 2023
News
ally maki, justin h min, randall park, sherry cola, shortcomings, sony pictures classics, trailer

If you were in around Channel 101 in the early 2010s, chances are you got to enjoy one Randall Park in any number of absurdist parodies of procedurals or some other genre defying short form series that got voted on week after week.

Park has since hit the big time with fronting Fresh Off the Boat for six seasons and even showing up in the MCU. Now, Park is taking next step up with his very first feature as a director with Shortcomings, an adaption of the graphic novel of the same name by Adrian Tomine. It has all the makings of a delightful, incredibly nuanced rom com, perhaps in the vein of the brilliant Elaine May, by following the romantic quests of three friends, two of whom are supposedly an item, that ponder the blurry edges of Asian American identity.

Park has a cracking cast to play with that includes Justin H. Min, Sherry Cola (who is going to have a banner 2023 with this and Joy Ride), and Ally Maki. See for yourself how Randall Park might just be on to a career in the director’s chair with Shortcomings with the official trailer here.

Pick of the Day: Vidiots (in LA) [Now Open]
June 16, 2023
News
la movies, los angeles cinema, vidiots

This weekend, two big studio releases, The Flash and Elemental, are taking over several screens at your local multiplex. In LA, COVID-19 decimated so many theaters (and theater chains in some cases) that it can feel like, now, that we’re just all going to have to get A-List (which is admittedly very convenient) and watch whatever big thing is playing at an AMC closest to you.

Thank goodness that Vidiots is finally open. Nestled up in a corner of North East LA in Eagle Rock, the long-awaited repertory cinema (once a beloved Santa Monica video rental institution) had us waited on bated breath for its unveiling (no thanks to the permitting process of Los Angeles) and the deluge of cinematic delights that it would screen on a nightly basis. Now, that they just opened up their doors, you can check their calendar for any number of indie and nostalgic jewels to watch on the big screen.

Right now, they’ve got Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Birdcage, The Watermelon Woman, It’s a Party, Best in Show, His Girl Friday, and Desperately Seeking Susan on the docket, just to name a few. You can check their entire calendar and get tickets here and look into becoming a Vidiots member (which has some pretty damn sweet perks) here.

Pick of the Day: Don’t Break (in NYC) 7/11
June 15, 2023
News
brooklyn, comedy game show, danny catlow, david brown, don't break, littlefield, nyc comedy

David Brown and Danny Catlow‘s Squid-Game-ish comedy game show, DON’T BREAK!, wreaked its havoc in LA and is now coming to NYC to put the mettle of comedians to the ultimate test. The very best of the NYC scene will see how far they can go without laughing even one iota.

For this special NYC edition of DON’T BREAK, the likes of Sarah Squirm, Edy Modica, Ike Ufomadu, Rachel Kaly, Nathan Min, Molly Kearney, and William Banks will competitively push each other buttons until there is one stone-faced player left. Oh, it should be noted that the audience is completely free to laugh (and will since comedy doesn’t get much more absurd than this).

Set a reminder for Tues. Jul. 11th at 7PM at Littlefield for this NYC DON’T BREAK! and go get your tickets here at $15.54 before they sell out.

 

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  • The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 279: Mark Vigeant & The Unspoken Inspiration of Getting Your Ass Kicked - When you're someone like the brilliant Mark Vigeant, the road in comedy can be very… Read More
  • The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 278: TCB’s Jake & What Goes Into Making a Year End List - We kick off 2026 at The Comedy Bureau Field Report by giving a big ol'… Read More
  • The 100 Best Things in Comedy We Were Witness to in No Particular Order of 2025 - Even though last year felt like a decade or maybe even a whole century, it… Read More

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