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atsuko okatsuka

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TCB Debriefing 12/7/23: Jacqueline Novak, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Joe Pera/Atsuko Okatsuka, Surrounded
December 7, 2023
News
atsuko okatsuka, donald glover, jacqueline novak, joe pera, maya erskine, mike falzone, mr and mrs smith, surrounded

1. Jacqueline Novak finally puts the frosting on the cake for her long running, critically acclaimed solo show, Get On Your Knees, the most hysterically poetic meditation on blowjobs, with it coming to Netflix as a special on Jan. 23rd.

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2. The trailer for Mr. & Mrs. Smith with Donald Glover and Maya Erskine is here. If you’re Gen-Z, this isn’t your sibling’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith (with Brad and Angelina) and if you’re a Millennial, this isn’t your great grandparents’ Mr. & Mrs. Smith (from Hitchcock). Get ready for a dark, moody, and quietly sassy Mr. & Mrs. Smith on Amazon Prime on Feb. 2nd.

3. Joe Pera and Atsuko Okatsuka are both wonderful and both deserving of your time and money and have just added dates to their upcoming tours. Get tix now at joepera.com or at atsukocomedy.com/#tour.

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4. In case you didn’t know, Mike Falzone went VR with his hit in-the-round crowd work show, Surrounded and it went well enough that they got a second season coming at the end of the month. That gives you enough time to put a VR headset on your Christmas list.

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5. We’ll leave you with this: We might still have free tix for Brett Goldstein on Sun. 12/10 in Pasadena. E-mail us at thecomedybureau@gmail.com to find out.

TCB Debriefing 11/4/23: Jessica Sele, Atsuko Okatsuka, James Austin Johnson, Curb Your Enthusiasm, F Marry Kill
November 4, 2023
News
atsuko okatsuka, blonde medicine, comedy album, curb your enthusiasm, james austin johnson, jessica sele, lucy hale, seth meyers, stand up comedy, weird vibes

1. Nailing a comedy album title is often a quietly difficult challenge. Many a comedian try sidestepping it by just going the “Live at…” route while others fall short of the mark with a goofy name coupled with a corny pose for the album cover. For our money, the deeply funny Jessica Sele not only comedically lives up to the pitch perfect album title of Weird Vibes, her brand new record from venerable comedy record label Blonde Medicine, but she embodies it. Sele never ceases to surprise and has us snickering throughout the whole hour in fully embracing her own strangeness in every aspect of her life and presenting so frankly, but doing so with a gleeful awkwardness. All told, Weird Vibes radiates pretty sweet vibes. Weird Vibes is now streaming and available now wherever you get your comedy albums.

2. Not only is Atsuko Okatsuka full grown, but she is a bonafide comedy star. Just look at this tour schedule and sold out dates (and those added dates that you should get tix for if you’re anywhere around those cities).

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A post shared by Atsuko Okatsuka (@atsukocomedy)

2. James Austin Johnson, yet again, proves that he’s the perfect weapon at SNL on his Late Night with Seth Meyers appearance this week.

3. Season 12 of Curb Your Enthusiasm is set for Feb. 2024. Perhaps, it’ll be an early Valentine’s gift on 2/12?

4. Turns out F*ck Marry Kill will be the latest game to be adapted into feature film (THR). This adaptation will, of course, not shy away from the nature of the game and, instead, lean into it with star Lucy Hale trying to figure out which of the three guys she’s dating is a local serial killer and which are F or marriage material. With all of that in mind, we are curious as to who owns the trademark to F Marry Kill if anyone.

5. We’ll leave you with this: Yes, this TCB Debriefing is a day late because we run this site all on our own and book a theater, so apologies for this and any future delays (and thank you kindly for reading).

TCB Debriefing 9/7/23: Quiz Lady, Atsuko Okatsuka, Sam Jay, Dreaming Whilst Black, Fallon
September 7, 2023
News
atsuko okatsuka, dreaming whilst black, hbo, jimmy fallon, quiz lady, sam jay, tonight show

1. Awkwafina and Sandra Oh join forces for what could be a very, very fun buddy road comedy that vaguely echoes Little Miss Sunshine in Quiz Lady. Take a gander with the trailer here, then look out for it on Hulu starting Nov. 3rd.

2. The marvelous Atsuko Okatsuka is about to go back out on the road for her Full Grown Tour. So, you better go get your tickets ASAP before they sell out.

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3. If you’ve been wondering what Sam Jay has been up to since it has been a minute since Pause with Sam Jay, you have your answer in the trailer for her brand new hour special, Salute Me or Shoot Me, the long awaited follow-up to 3 in the Morning. Look for it on Max starting Sept. 23rd.

4. Your favorite new British dramedy might be right around the corner with Dreaming Whilst Black from Adjani Salmon. Take a full look with its first full length trailer here, then look for it on Paramount+ (yes, this is where Showtime Anytime was headed) starting tomorrow.

5. Several of the rumblings and rumors you’ve heard from former Tonight Show staff over the last several years were effectively confirmed following a personal apology from Jimmy Fallon himself in response to a damning article published in Rolling Stone. We’re guessing that there’s more to the story of the “freak accident” of how he broke his finger and had to have a huge cast on his hand while hosting for several weeks. If you’re not already listening to Strike Force Five, now is probably a good time to get into it.

6. Apologies for missing out on a debriefing yesterday. We’re putting on two shows this month, one of which is our 13th anniversary (it’s invite only, but let us know if you want to come!).

Atsuko Okatsuka’s The Intruder Is So Good That It Should Change Up Some Already Released Year End Lists
December 12, 2022
News
atsuko okatsuka, comedy special, hbo, stand up comedy, the intruder

It’s kind of a grand error by several publications that year end lists often get published in late November/early December (i.e. not the actual end of the year). As such, there is always something that’s worthy of mention that gets unjustly left off and, for 2022, that glaring omission might be Atsuko Okatsuka‘s first HBO special, The Intruder.

Atsuko has meticulously and carefully honed her entire comedy act and brand as well as her audience in a way that’s pretty undeniable. Her unstoppable charm and warmth combined with a thoroughly fresh and fascinating story (unknowingly getting moved to the U.S. from Japan as an undocumented immigrant and living as such for 7 years) and perspective (and a marvelous splash of style) have led her from being a beloved LA comedy staple to headlining across the country (and then there’s her Tik Tok fame). All of these qualities are dazzlingly on display in this HBO special, The Intruder, Atsuko’s most high profile work to date.

Atsuko exudes such great magnetism in this hour that it’s clear that she has been ready for this stage of her career for quite some time now. Her presence and command of the stage holds several narrative threads involving being undocumented and getting lost in pandemic hobbies, all stemming from the main one about a home intruder and how and her husband attempt to deal with him. In fact, there’s a hopefulness, a word rarely juxtaposed to stand-up comedy, to Atsuko’s observations and stories that might be a beacon of what stand-up comedy can (and maybe should) be (rather than re-hashings of what it has been since the 80s with updated references).

Undoubtedly, it’s one of 2022’s best specials and one can only hope that the new HBO keeps Atsuko around for more to come despite being on a cancelling spree.

Here’s Your First Look at Atsuko Okatsuka’s First HBO Hour Special “The Intruder”
November 15, 2022
News
atsuko okatsuka, comedy special, hbo, stand up comedy

Wherever Atsuko Okatsuka goes, she is a very joyful, very stylish breath of fresh air on top of being one of the funniest comedians taking the mic these days. Okatsuka is finally getting her due this year from being such a performer with the debut of a whole hour long HBO special entitled “The Intruder”.

At the risk of tipping off too much, especially if you haven’t seen Atsuko before, we will just say that her story of immigrating to America is one of the most fascinating ones we’ve heard in comedy (and, of course, so very timely). The journey, the self-styled vibrant aesthetic, the moves, and the carefully honed observations and stories of a former undocumented immigrant turned dancer turned comedian, as you’ll see, should leave an indelible mark on this year’s comedy special landscape.

See for yourself with this first look at Atsuko Okatsuka: The Intruder here, then look to stream it on HBO Max on Sun. Dec. 10th.

Pick of the Day: Atsuko Okatsuka HBO Taping (in NYC) 10/11
September 12, 2022
News
atsuko okatsuka, brooklyn, elsewhere, hbo, live taping, nyc comedy

2020 was supposed to be the year that Atsuko Okatsuka rose into being the household name she so deserves. All this time and several global catastrophes later, Atsuko is back on track with taping her very first HBO comedy special next month.

Taking over the uber-hip venue Elsewhere in Brooklyn on the night of Tues. Oct. 11th, Okatsuka will bring her tireless charm, sharply drawn observations from her gorgeously unique perspective, and, of course, her moves to two shows that you really should not whatsoever if you’re in the NYC area a month from now.

Tickets are going for $32.55 with pre-sale promo code: GRANDMA here. Go get ’em now.

Atsuko Okatsuka Set for Second Hour Special at HBO
July 20, 2022
News
atsuko okatsuka, hbo

(via Variety)

The rise of Atsuko Okatsuka in LA to becoming a beloved nationally touring headliner/viral sensation has been a distinct pleasure over the years. Atsuko is, without one of the funniest comedians working right now, and such a delight to see on any and every stage, especially with her playful, yet sharply observed comedy and incredible story of how she got to where she is right now.

So, we’re thrilled to hear that the hour special to follow up her first one at Hulu will be at HBO and is set to tape this Fall. The prospect of the whole world (the part with access to HBO/HBO Max) getting to see Atsuko’s bits that we’ve doubled over laughing at dozens of times makes us pretty damn happy.

There are no details as to when/where the taping will be, but you absolutely should be there when it happens.

Pick of the Day: FRIENDLY HOUSE LA Comedy Benefit (in LA) 7/16
June 9, 2022
News
atsuko okatsuka, beth lapides, fonda theatre, friendly house la, gina yashere, kathy griffin, los angeles comedy, rosie o'donnell
If the CA primary election this week was any indication, there is a lot more work we’ll need to do for those in need, especially in LA. It’ll be organizations like Friendly House LA that offer “a safe, structured and supportive home-like environment that fosters recovery for women seeking recovery from alcohol and other substance abuse disorders,” that will pick up the crucial slack that either the LA city or county government might not be picking up.
As such, Rosie O’Donnell is putting on a big comedy benefit for Friendly House LA at The Fonda Theater on Sat. Jul. 16th at 8:30PM PT with a stellar line-up of Atsuko Okatsuka, Beth Lapides, Gina Yashere, and Kathy Griffin. Honestly, you might not see this particular collection of great female comedians crossing several generations ever again (i.e. don’t miss out). Tickets are on sale starting at $80 and you can (and should) go snag them here.

Pick of the Day: Stand Ups For Ukraine! (in LA) 6/5
June 2, 2022
News
Andrey Belikov, atsuko okatsuka, Carol Leifer, charity benefit, chris porter, craig robinson, Dan Kinno, kira soltanovich, los angeles comedy, nova ukraine, todd glass, ukraine, ukraine war, zainab johnson

Over 3 months ago, an unprovoked, yet hostile Russia invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine and have subjected the people of Ukraine to an untold amount of death, destruction, and senseless havoc. Ukrainians have valiantly stood their ground and defied any initial expectations of Russia steamrolling through their country.

That said, Putin is still pushing on with his efforts and, thusly, Ukraine needs all the aid that it can get in any way that it can. That’s why you can and should support Nova Ukraine, an org providing emergency humanitarian aid and relief to those in need in Ukraine’s borders, by going to the Hollywood Improv this Sunday, Jun. 5th at 7PM PT for Stand Ups for Ukraine.

All proceeds from the show will be going to Nova Ukraine on top of the fact that you’ll get to see a superb LA comedy line-up in Craig Robinson, Kira Soltanovich, Atsuko Okatsuka, Chris Porter, Todd Glass, Zainab Johnson, Carol Leifer, Dan Kinno, Andrey Belikov.

Tickets are $25 (plus 2 item min.) and you can (and should) get tickets here.

Pick of the Day: Picture This! Anniversaries (in NYC & LA) 4/30 & 5/ 21
April 28, 2022
News
anthony atamanuik, ashlyn anstee, atsuko okatsuka, brandie posey, brian bahe, Bryan Brinkman, Chrissy Fellmeth, Dan Pinto, dima drjuchin, experimental comedy, greta titelman, Jerald Lewis II, joel kim booster, julia shiplett, Karolena Theresa, live animation, los angeles comedy, mike hollingsworth, mike mayfield, mo welch, naked comnedy, nyc comedy, picture this, Ray Alma, rob haze, sam taggart, samantha ruddy, Spike Einbinder, stand up comedy, Ty Goodwin

It has been both 10 years and 6 years for one of the most innovative live comedy shows out there today, Picture This!

Combining the best artists in animation with the best comedians, Picture This! has brought us so many unforgettable stories that are punctuated with the drawings of cats, genitalia, and actual illustrations of a story that was being told.

It has been 10 years since it became a regularly recurring show in LA thanks to Naked Comedy and host Brandie Posey and 6 years in Brooklyn out in NYC (also thanks to Naked Comedy). They’ll be celebrating both anniversaries with shows respectively at Union Hall on Sat. Apr. 30th at 7PM ET and Permanent Records Roadhouse on Sat. May 21st at 7:30PM PT.

Per usual, they’ve gathered the best of both worlds in animation and comedy with :

(for NYC)

Comedy from : Spike Einbinder, Julia Shiplett, Sam Taggart, Karolena Theresa, Rob Haze, Anthony Atamanuik

Artists: Bryan Brinkman, Chrissy Fellmeth, Jerald Lewis II, Dima Drjuchin, Dan Pinto, Ray Alma

Hosted by Samantha Ruddy

(for LA)

Comedy from: Joel Kim Booster, Atsuko Okatsuka, Greta Titelman, Mo Welch, Brian Bahe

Art from: Mike Mayfield, Mike Hollingsworth, Ty Goodwin, Ashlyn Anstee & more!

Hosted by Brandie Posey

Get tickets for the 6 Yr. NYC Anniversary here and the 10 Year Anniversary (in LA) here.

Who Else Could Have Been Nominated (and Maybe Win) for Best Comedy Album at The Grammys Besides an Undeserving Louis C.K.?
April 4, 2022
News
atsuko okatsuka, ben roy, beth stelling, chad daniels, chris gethard, dan soder, dave helem, ester steinberg, grammys, ian edwards, lil' rel, lisa curry, louis ck, michelle buteau, recording academy, robin tran, rory scovel, sam tallent, sean devlin, tim heidecker, ziwe

As much as we’d love to dissect C.K.’s lack of a proper mea culpa for being an admitted, repeated sex pest, how that has soured his comedy since his return, and how he’s wholly undeserving of his third Best Comedy Album Grammy win (he’s artistically regressed with his last couple of hours), we’re pretty sure that such words would only be affirmed by those already demoralized by his latest success or tossed to the metaphorical curb by his diehard acolytes. We could even spend hundreds of words on how The Recording Academy, the governing body responsible for The Grammy Awards, has long since been out of touch with what would supposedly be the “Best Comedy Album” having largely succumbed to Netflix and HBO and the like putting out audio versions of highly produced and promoted specials that end up edging out other purely audio comedy albums from ever even getting nominated.

Hmph. We digress.

Rather than delve into that endless rabbit hole or go into the systemic issues at The Recording Academy that reduce this particular Grammy category, amongst others, to mostly a popularity contest (the voters for this category, like any major awards, have no real incentive to listen to every single album and often just go with what they know ahead of time), we’ll instead show you the folks that met all the qualifications to even be in the running to be nominated (ostensibly, who was left out of the equation against C.K.’s lackluster Sincerely Louis C.K.)

You already know that the other nominees for Best Comedy Album were Kevin Hart: Zero F***s Given, Nate Bargatze: The Greatest Average American, Lewis Black: Thanks For Risking Your Life, Chelsea Handler: Evolution, and Lavell Crawford: The Comedy Vaccine. One could make the argument, if you’re already OK with CK returning to stand-up, that he is most definitely in the running against the five other nominees (especially Kevin Hart’s very tone-deaf special done in his basement that’s bigger than most apartments anywhere).

However, there are plenty of folks that, because of lack of fame, prestige, etc., were already doomed to not get any recognition from the Recording Academy despite their comedic prowess (and explicit lack of sex crimes). Amongst those that could have been nominated for Best Comedy Album this year were Beth Stelling, Rory Scovel, Michelle Buteau, Chad Daniels, Sean Devlin, Ester Steinberg, Ziwe, Tim Minchin, Atsuko Okatsuka, Ben Roy, Robin Tran, Tim Heidecker, Ian Edwards, Lisa Curry, Chris Gethard, Dan Soder, Sam Tallent, Dave Helem, and Lil’ Rel. Those names represent some of the very funniest people in comedy right at this moment, but only a fraction of who could have been nominated for a Best Comedy Album Grammy this year (and possibly beat out Louis CK).

Thanks to an industry source, we’ve got a list of pretty much everyone else that was in the running for a Grammy nomination this year, but ultimately was left out for the aforementioned reasons above and many others. Even though you might think major awards ceremony are largely overly self-important and indulgent, we hope that you can get some perspective on who is left out (and much more likely has the actual Best Comedy Album of this past year).

Nicole Burch: Never Been Kissed
Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia
Colin Cook: This Won’t Work
Affion Crockett: Mirror II Society
Lisa Curry: Alive for A While
Chad Daniels: Twelfth Night
Sandy Danto: Daddy Boy
Jim David: Gay Jokes for Straight Cruisers
DC Benny: Adrift in Predicaments-Stories of Shoulda Known Better
Mark DeMayo: Bangers
Sean Devlin: Airport, Animals
Eleanor Kerrigan: Lady Like
Paul Kim: The Lion Kim
Raul Kohli: All My Heroes Are Dead, in Jail, or Touched Up Your Nan
Nish Kumar: It’s In Your Nature To Destroy Yourselves, Parts 1 & 2
Preacher Lawson: Get to Know Me
Lewberger: Live at Lincoln Hall in Chicago
Orlando Leyba: Adorable
Lil’ Rel: Humbly Vulnerable-I Said What I Said
Joe List: I Hate Myself
Ignacio Lopez: EspañYOLO
Jonny Loquasto: The In 3-D
Levin McCachen: Illuminati
Ed Hill: Candy and Smiley
Melinda Hill: Inappropriate
Katie Hughes: Queen of the Castle
London Hughs: To Catch a D***
Taylor Hughes: Chasing Wonder
Katie-Ellen Humphries: Ladyfinger
David Huntsberger: Big Nothingness
Eddie Ifft: Sweet Home Malibama
Ryan James: I’m Fine
The Jerky Boys (self-titled)
Maz Jobrani: Pandemic Warrior
Danny Jolles: Six Parts
Jamie Kaler: Homeschooled
Noah Gardenswartz: New Fodder
Arthur Gaus: Nice Jokes for Smart People
Chris Gethard: Half My Life
Harrison Greenbaum: Live at Madison Square Garden
Nick Guerra: Love Me at My Worst
Joey Guila: Ringleader
Nathan Hansen: I Was Supposed To Get Married Today
Kevin Hart: Zero F***s Given
John Hastings: Float Like a Butterfly, John Hastings Like a Bee
Tim Heidecker: An Evening with Tim Heidecker
Dave Helem: D.J. the Chicago Kid
Amy Hill: Shades
Kevin Yee: One Boy Band
Ziwe: Ziwe-A Famously Iconic Soundtrack
Kevin Doyle: 30 Year Old Virgin
Scout Durwood: Comedy Electronica Vol. 1
Jeff Dye: Dumb Is Gooder
Mat Edgar: Take the L
Ian Edwards: Bill Burr presents IanTalk-Ideas Not Worth Spreading
Mark Ellis: Dog Stepfather
Felipe Esparza: Bad Decisions
Matt Falk: Optimistical
Randy Feltface: The Book of Randicus
Adam Ferrara: It’s Scary in Here
Glen Foster: Unchecked
Jen Fulwiler: The Naughty Corner
Jerry Garcia: It’s Not My Weekend
Tryf Da Comedian: Symphunny, Vol. 1
Bill Burr Presents the Ringers
More Funny Women of a Certain Age
Ron Vaudry: Talking on Thin Ice
Joey Villagomez: Jokes, Drugs, Rock & Roll
Paul Virzi: I’ll Say This
Phil Wang: Philly Philly Wang Wang
Jeremiah Watkins: Family Reunion
Daniel Webb: Hoe’s Parade at The Rose Bowl
Aaron Weber: Shirts and Skins
Jacob Williams: Unemotional Roller Coaster
Lance Woods: Undeniable
Glenn Wool: Viva Forever
Heather McDonald: Juicy Scoop
Harmony McElligot: The Struggle Continues
Michael McIntyre: Showman
Sean McLoughlin: Hail Mary
Doug Mellard: I’m Worried About Me
Garrett Millerick: Smile
Tim Minchin: Apart Together
Ginger Minj: Gummy Together
Daniel Muggleton: Unprecedented
Atsuko Okatsuka: They Call Me Stacey
Natalie Palamides: Nate – A One Man Show
Brian Parise: Last Wishes
Eddie Pence: The (Un)Special Comedy Special
Rojo Perez: Words
Nick Rado: On-Trend
Adam Ray: I’ll Take It From Here-The Crowd Work Album
Brian Regan: On The Rocks
Erica Rhodes: La Vie en Rhodes
Erik Rivera: Super White
Shayla Rivera: It’s Not Rocket Science
Darrin Rose: Wearing a Suit
Ben Roy: Take the Sandwich
Bob Rubin: Oddities & Rarities
Amber Ruffin: The Amber Ruffin Show-Music from the Original Series
Marc Ryan: The Clean Album
Brendan Sagalow: Not Now More Than Ever
Andrew Schulz: Brilliant Idiot
Rory Scovel: Live Without Fear
Harry Shearer: The Many Moods of Donald Trump
Dan Soder: Son of a Gary
Gianmarco Soresi: Shelf Life
Ester Steinberg: Burning Bush
Beth Stelling: Girl Daddy
Fatimah Taliah: Nice to Meet Me
Sam Tallent: Waiting for Death to Claim Us
Erik Terrell: Live at Helium Comedy Club
Robin Tran: Don’t Look at Me
Jesus Trejo: Stay at Home Son
Steve Treviño: I Speak Wife

Pick of the Day: Pack Theater Reopening (w/TCB Presents) (in LA) 3/5
March 3, 2022
News
april clark, atsuko okatsuka, ayla glass, cait raft, Grace Freud, heather anne campbell, joan ford, los angeles comedy, madison shepard, malcolm barrett, miles stroth, nori reed, percy rustomji, zavior phillips

The Pack Theater, one of LA’s most innovative and boundary pushing comedy theaters, has survived the pandemic, seemingly, more than a few times. Right at the outset, they had a big fundraiser that raised enough money to cover their rent for several months, though we truly didn’t have any idea how long the pandemic would last (especially as it’s still not completely over two years later). In that time, they built one of the most robust offerings of virtual comedy from any venue almost anywhere in the world. All of that has kept them alive enough (even having to temporarily give up their original space in The Complex) through all the variants.

This Saturday, March 5th, The Pack Theater will be finally opening its doors for in-person shows and as a matter of it being a grand reopening, they’re going to have a grand evening curated from every corner of comedy (including with a bit of an assist from us here at TCB.

Right now, the Pack Theater Reopening has a line-up of:

7PM PT-improv from Heather & Miles (one of the all time, best improv duos)
8PM PT-sketch from Joan Ford & Cait Raft (one of the most fun sketch duos in LA)
9PM PT-The Comedy Bureau (that’s us) Presents (w/Girl God, Atsuko Okatsuka, Zavior Phillips, Nori Reed, Percy Rustomji, Malcolm Barrett, Madison Shepard, and host Ayla Glass

Just come around this Saturday, Mar. 5th to 6476 Santa Monica Blvd. to celebrate another comedy institution making it to this side of the pandemic. Get tickets for the evening’s festivities here.

Pick of the Day: NYE Mega Comedy Show 2022 (Live-stream) 12/31
December 23, 2021
News
andrew michaan, atsuko okatsuka, brent weinbach, Caleb Hearon, maria bamford, moshe kasher, natasha leggero, nye, virtual comedy

Welp, the normal big Bay Area NYE comedy bash put on by Natasha Leggero and Moshe Kasher won’t happen again in person because of Omicron, but, at the very least, it’ll still happen. Natasha and Moshe are opting to do it virtually and have yet another amazing line-up of some of the best comedians in the entire country.

You’ll actually, probably to ring in 2022 with more comedy fans than you would have gotten to if you were to see this in person.

This edition of NYE Mega Comedy Show will have:

Maria Bamford (Lady Dynamite, Big Mouth)
Atsuko Okatsuka (TheLate Late Show)
Caleb Hearon(Variety’s Comics to Watch)
Natasha Leggero (Another Period, Endless Honeymoon Podcast)
Moshe Kasher (Netflix, Endless Honeymoon Podcast)
Andrew Michaan (Podcast But Outside, I Think You Should Leave)
Brent Weinbach (Gangster Party Line, Comedy Central)
You can get access to the livestream on YouTube for $15 and then be part of the VIP Zoom audience for $25, all done through Nowhere Comedy. The festivities begin at 8:30PM PT/11:30PM ET on Dec. 31st and they’ll do a countdown from CST. Get your tickets at tinyurl.com/2022megashow.

Pick of the Day: Fake Birthday with Caitlin Cook and A.J. Holmes (in LA) 11/14
November 3, 2021
News
atsuko okatsuka, langston kerman, liza treyger, los angeles comedy, musical comedy, naomi ekperigin, silverlake, variety show, zach zucker

One of NYC’s most fun variety shows is the comedy and music mash-up at Fake Birthday with Caitlin Cook and A.J. Holmes. Holmes is a Broadway dynamo and Cook has toured the globe with her über clever musical comedy (she did a whole solo musical comedy show based on bathroom graffiti). Together, they have been the duo at the core of Fake Birthday and with their musical comedy powers combined (and a stellar line-up of guests), they’ve made quite the spot for themselves in the thriving NYC comedy scene.

So, Cook and Holmes are stopping into LA for an exclusive show at Silverlake Lounge, which, if you’re in and around LA, you absolutely make your Silverlake to catch. They’ve gathered an exemplary LA line-up with Atsuko Okatsuka, Naomi Ekperigin, Zach Zucker, Langston Kerman, Liza Treyger, and Ethan Kuperberg all joining with their own grand comedy stylings in between original songs from Cook and Holmes.

This LA edition of Fake Birthday is set for Sun. Nov. 14th at Silverlake Lounge at 8PM PT. Tickets are $16.95 and you ought to go snag them right now (especially since it’ll be AJ Holmes’ actual birthday for this Fake Birthday).

Please, Please, Please Enjoy Atsuko Okatsuka’s Terrific Late Night Debut on Corden
November 3, 2021
News
atsuko okatsuka, james corden, late late show, stand up comedy

It’s pretty routine for us to incidentally catch comedians working on their late night sets and, more often than not, have already heard those jokes several times over in different sets, in different orders, over many months or even a few years. So, by the time a set goes to late night, the element of surprise, crucial to comedy, is often absent since we have a decent idea of what’s going to happen.

That said, our mark for truly great comedy is that we still find ourselves heartily laughing even when we have full knowledge of what someone’s jokes are going to be ahead. Atusko Okatsuka is a true gem of the LA comedy scene (and now, across the country) and we have delightfully seen her live dozens and dozens of times and still guffaw vigorously at her marvelously written and delivered material.

That happened yet again with Atsuko’s late night debut on The Late Late Show with James Corden. Please, without further adieu, enjoy it here.

Pick of the Day: Nick and Andrew’s Hellscape 6/25
June 16, 2021
News
andrew michaan, atsuko okatsuka, chelsea peretti, comedy shows, dj douggpound, hannah einbinder, joe mande, kate berlant, la comedy, los angeles, nick thune, ron funches

Jam in a Van has been going for a minute in providing a unique outdoor comedy experience in a secret West LA location. On top of a DIY built, outdoor space, your ticket gets you and your party your own cooler of tasty refreshments (as opposed to waiting around to order two drinks).

Several different shows have come through and come through again in their space, but Nick and Andrew’s Hellscape, set for Fri. Jun. 25th, has one hell of a stacked line-up that could very well be a festival line-up if there were any big festivals happening this month. Chelsea Peretti, Ron Funches, Joe Mande, Hannah Einbinder, Atsuko Okatsuka, Kate Berlant, and hosts Nick Thune and Andrew Michaan are splitting an early show 7PM PT and a late show 9:30PM PT (not everyone will play both shows).

You really ought to not miss this show or, really, both shows if you can swing it. Ticket prices are as follows:

Regular Reserved: $35 (plus $2.50 handling fee)
($75 per pair).
VIP Premium seating and a Mr. Heater heater at your seat: $50 (plus $2.50 handling fee) ($105 per pair).

Go get your tickets as space is very limited for Jam in a Van here.

Pick of the Day: Vidiots Comedy Show Benefit 6/26
June 10, 2021
News
atsuko okatsuka, benefit show, dana gould, georgia hardstark, ify nwadiwe, mary elizabeth ellis, niccole thurman, vidiots

It was so exciting to hear that there was not only going to be a revival of the video rental institution that was Vidiots in Santa Monica all the way on the other side of LA county, but they were also going to open up a live theater in conjunction with it.

The pandemic hitting, of course, made us wonder what exactly was going to happen and if this dream new venue, ostensibly a Cinefamily for Eastiders was going to still be a reality.

Well, luckily, it’s still going to happen (the plan aims for a 2022 opening) and you can help that reality coming to fruition by attending a grand comedy show benefit hosted by two wondrous parts of two different generations of comedy in Atsuko Okatsuka and Dana Gould. Also, on the bill will be the great comedy stylings of Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Georgia Hardstark, Ify Nwadiwe, and Niccole Thurman.

Tickets are only $10 for a live-stream for this Vidiots Comedy Show Benefit set to go live on Sat. Jun. 26th at 7:30PM PT/10:30PM ET. Go get your tickets here.

Pick of the Day: Picture This! 6/23
May 28, 2021
News
atsuko okatsuka, brandie posey, live animation, mike hollingsworth, mike l mayfield, naked comedy, picture this, rushtix, stand up comedy, virtual comedy

Yes, live in-person comedy is coming back. That doesn’t mean that worthwhile virtual comedy is going away. In fact, there still is and will be plenty of great shows to be viewed from anywhere so long as you’ve got Internet for a long time to come.

One such upcoming show is the always genuinely fantastic Picture This! that combines splendid animation and stand-up all into one, in real time. It has toured everywhere and featured both many of your favorite comedians and animators from your favorite animated series for years, both pre-pandemic and during lockdown.

This virtual edition of Picture This! is being presented by RushTix on Wed. June 23rd at 7:30PM PT/10:30PM ET. and is set to feature Mike Hollingsworth, Mike L. Mayfield, Bryan Brinkman, Victoria Montes, Rotimi Olowu, comedy from Atsuko Okatsuka, and host Brandie Posey and more! Honestly, as the screen will be shared, you’ll have a better shot of seeing what the animators are up to than you might have if you were sitting in the back in person.

Tickets are only $10 and you can (and should) go get them here.

Pick of the Day: The Good Good Laugh Show (Benefitting #STOPAAPIHATE) 4/29
April 26, 2021
News
atsuko okatsuka, garron chiu, jes tom, julia shiplett, miss shu mai, stand up comedy, stop aapi hate, teresa lee

Sure, there’s an anti-Asian hate crimes bill making its way through Congress and two Asian women won Oscars last night, but that still doesn’t mean the fight against anti-Asian hate crimes is over. There was such an alarming rise of those hate crimes that are very well documented at this point that turning the tide is going to be a long and daunting fight.

So, supporting orgs like #STOPAAPIHATE are crucial to making long, lasting sustainable change and thus enjoying comedy shows benefitting such orgs is a great way to do just that. That’s part of why you should check out The Good Good Laugh Show live-stream that’s raising money for #STOPAAPIHATE this Thurs. Apr. 29th at 7PM PT/10PM ET.

The other part of why you shouldn’t miss out here is that it has a fantastic line-up of Asian and Pacific Islander comedy and drag acts including:

ATSUKO OKATSUKA
GARRON CHIU
JES TOM
JULIA SHIPLETT
MISS SHU MAI
& host Teresa Lee!

Get your tickets for $15 for The Good Good Laugh Show right here.

Pick of the Day: Laughs for LLS 4/18
April 14, 2021
News
atsuko okatsuka, brad wenzel, debra digiovanni, fundraiser, kimberly clark, leukemia lymphoma society, mk paulsen, Troy Walker

A line-up of Debra DiGiovanni, MK Paulsen, Kimberly Clark, Atsuko Okatsuka, Troy Walker, Brad Wenzel, and hosts Lynn Maleh and DJ Paul Antonio is such a fantastic, wide-ranging, hysterical collection of comedians from wire-to-wire that’s very much worth good money, end of story. Just take our word for it if you’re worried about what their “credits” might be.

This coming Sunday, April 18th, you’ll get a chance to see this crackling line-up from wherever you are during this pandemic and you get the added bonus of supporting the critical work of the LLS (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) that has been fighting blood cancer around the world since 1949 via Chelsea Derkacz’s Woman of the Year Fundraiser.

Laughs for LLS will go live on Sun. Apr. 18th at 5PM PT/8PM ET. Tickets are going for $20 and you can (and very much should) go get them here.

Pick of the Day: Border Aid (Humanitarian/Legal Aid Benefit) 3/20
March 19, 2021
News
al otro lado, aparna nancherla, atsuko okatsuka, border aid, chris estrada, christina catherine martinez, opey olagbaju

The issue immigration is yet another pre-pandemic problem (that never really went away) that’s creeping back into the news cycle as things rush to reopen in America. All the organizations that give humanitarian and legal aid to immigrants that are facing separation from their families and deportation due to broken immigration policies are also still alive and well and, coupled with that, are the comedy benefit shows that support said orgs.

This Sat. Mar. 20th at 6:30PM PT/9:30PM ET, Border Aid will be one such fantastic live-stream comedy show that will be raising money for Al Otro Lado and all the crucial work their do for immigrants and the undocumented. The line-up is filled with comedy’s finest to offer their comedy wares in support and solidarity.

That includes: Aparna Nancherla, Chris Estrada, Atsuko Okatsuka, Christina Catherine Martinez, and Opey Olagbaju. Maddie Connors graciously hosts.

Donations are being accepted for Al Otro Lado here, and details and access to the live-stream can be found here. Do some good and enjoy some really, really good comedy this weekend.

Pick of the Day: Empower HER Presents-Comedy For Education 3/10
March 3, 2021
News
atsuko okatsuka, danielle perez, emma willmann, Erica Switzer, lmu, Malorie Bryant, teresa lee

Whether it’s Women’s History Month or not, the importance to providing a supportive pen pal program, women’s health workshops, and menstrual hygiene products to communities in need around the world cannot be overstated.

So, it’s pretty grand that Loyola Marymount University’s student org Empower HER is presenting a comedy benefit live-stream that will give such support to the Belize Rural High School. It’s a worthy, worthy cause as is the line-up that they’ve assemble for a pretty, fantastic evening of virtual stand-up.

That’ll include the comedy stylings from some of the funniest comics from every part of the country such as Malorie Bryant, Erica Switzer, Teresa Lee, Danielle Perez, Atsuko Okatsuka, and Emma Willmann.

Empower HER Presents-Comedy for Education is set for stream Wed. Mar. 10th at 7PM PT/10PM ET for a $5 suggested donation. Go donate and get tickets here.

Pick of the Day: Valentine’s with Yassir 2/12
February 9, 2021
News
adam pally, al corado, atsuko okatsuka, blair socci, chelsea devantez, chris garcia, christina catherine martinez, garrick bernard, jon gabrus, madison shepard, paul scheer, yassir lester

Believe it or not, there are actually a lot of great choices for comedy live-streams for this Valentine’s Day weekend. Even though that’s the case, one of the best line-ups just also happens to be a fundraiser for a crucial LA City Council.

Truly progressive candidate Al Corado is running to unseat District 13 incumbent Mitch O’Farrell on a platform of defunding the police, housing all unhoused people in Los Angeles, and in a Green New Deal. To raise money for his campaign, the hysterical and one of the all-time-best on Twitter Yassir Lester will be leading of a stellar line-up of: 

Blair Socci
Atsuko Okatsuka
Adam Pally
Paul Scheer
Jon Gabrus
Garrick Bernard
Madison Shepard
Chris Garcia
Christina Catherine Martinez
Chelsea Devantez

See how stacked that is? If you’re going in on one comedy live-stream this weekend, this should be one of your top choices if not your top choices.

Valentine’s with Yassir is set for Fri. Feb. 12th at 8PM PT/11PM ET. Tickets start at $5 and go up to $500+. Go get tickets here.

For more information on Al and his campaign, visit ALforLA.com. 

Pick of the Day: Normalize Everything 1/30
January 21, 2021
News
atsuko okatsuka, byron bowers, jibz cameron, katy french, mental health, normalize everything, sadia azmat, valerie tosi

Some people felt a modicum of relief yesterday as Biden got sworn in as POTUS, but the wounds and scars we’ve endured (and are going to very likely going to continue to endure) need to heal (especially in regards to mental health).

Thus, a comedy live-stream on mental health, specifically great comedians sharing their lives that they’ve lead with parents with mental illness might be something pretty perfect for right now. Atsuko Okatsuka is hosting yet another Normalize Everything that is exactly that, thanks to mental health org Painted Brain.

This round will feature another grand line-up that includes Byron Bowers, Jibz Cameron, Valerie Tosi, Sadia Azmat, and Katy French.

Normalize Everything is set to stream on Sat. Jan. 30th at 7PM PT/10PM ET. All you have to do is RSVP for live-stream access and you can (and should) do that right here.

Pick of the Day: Normalize Everything 12/19
December 16, 2020
News
atsuko okatsuka, benefit show, comedy fundraiser, jeena bloom, johan miranda, kazu kusano, maddie connors, mental health

With or without a pandemic, the issue of mental health is so vitally important and yet, even after all the progress that has been made over the last few years, is still not regarded seriously enough. With COVID-19 still keeping us so isolated, more so than most of us have ever been, the importance of one’s mental health has become more glaringly clear.

So, along those lines, wonderful LA based comedians Atsuko Okatsuka and Maddie Connors are hosting a special benefit show, NORMALIZE ANYTHING, that will raise money for for Painted Brain, a marvelous LA based mental health org.

Joining Atsuko and Maddie will be the very special comedic stylings of Jeena Bloom, Johan Miranda, and Kazu Kusano (FYI, they are all comics whose parents suffer from mental illness and are perfect for a show such as this).

RSVP, donate, and tune in to NORMALIZE EVERYTHING this Sat. Dec. 19th at 7PM PT/10PM ET.

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