Comedy entertainment in California
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Teatro Zinzanni
Inside a 19th-century Spiegeltent (an opulent Belgian traveling-circus tent), top circus talent flies overhead, a celeb-diva croons, and clowns pull wacky stunts as you dig into a surprisingly good five-course dinner. This ain’t no B-grade dinner theater: a ‘clown-wrangler’ seeks out world-class talent in Europe and Asia, and the acts, menu and performers are refreshed quarterly. Former stars have included Joan Baez and Broadway’s Liliane Montevecchi. Dress for dinner, and arrive early to see the over-the-top harmonium and boutique selling tiaras and ostrich-feather opera gloves (ideal if you’re underdressed). Be prepared for audience participation – especially if you’re …
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Upright Citizens Brigade
Where do up-and-coming LA comedians go for chuckles? This popular club, founded in NYC by SNL alum Amy Poehler and others, is a top choice. The club sits on a short but bustling block noted for sociable restaurants frequented by screenwriters, Hollywood assistants and young TV stars. It’s technically in Hollywood but the vibe is more Los Feliz.
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Comedy & Magic Club
Carlin, Foxworthy, Seinfeld – his puffy shirt is on display – have all paced the boards at Hermosa’s Comedy & Magic Club. For big names, get here before 6pm to nab a good table and be ready to share your job or hometown with the ever-inquisitive opening acts. Always hot is Jay Leno, who tests out jokes most Sunday nights.
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Purple Onion
Such legendary comics as Woody Allen and Phyllis Diller clawed their way up from underground at this grotto nightclub. Recently, comics took back the stage from lackluster lounge acts, and the club’s been rejuvenated – Robin Williams has even stopped by to test material. Bookings are sporadic; call ahead.
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iO West
Toss out the phrase ‘giant mushroom’ and watch the cast spin a 45-minute skit. Long form is the specialty at this cozy corner theater – the LA branch of Olympic Improv Chicago – where you might catch familiar faces from The Office or SNL honing their comedy chops. Cocktails served.
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Bats Improv
Bay Area Theatersports explores all things improv, from audience-inspired themes to wacked-out musicals at completely improvised weekend shows. Or take center stage yourself at an improv-comedy workshop (held on weekday nights and weekend afternoons). Think fast: classes fill quickly.
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Downtown Comedy Club
Saturday Night Live alumnus Garrett Morris is the man behind the curtain of this weekend club at the divey Charlie O's cocktail lounge in the Alexandria Hotel. Tickets come with a unique money-back guarantee: you don't laugh, you don't pay. Isn't that funny?
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Punch Line
Known for launching promising talent (think Robin Williams, Chris Rock, Ellen DeGeneres and David Cross), this historic standup venue is small enough for you to see into performers’ eyes. Strong drinks keep you laughing, even when jokes sometimes bomb.
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Cobb’s Comedy Club
There’s no room to be shy at Cobb’s, where bumper-to-bumper shared tables make for an intimate (and vulnerable) audience. The comfy little club loves its local talent, but sometimes hosts big-name national acts. Check the website for shows.
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M Bar
LA's epicenter of alternative, offbeat und underground comedy, this minimall supper club has over-the-top decor, a casual vibe and crazy-funny nightly shows, including the unmissable Uncabaret, which is on every other Saturday.
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Groundlings
From sketch to improv, the much-kudosed Groundlings comedy troupe conjures up the funny every night. Surprise guests who’ve gone on to Saturday Night Live and Mad TV often drop by Thursday nights.
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Mock Cafe
Open mic from 19:30 till 22:00 is followed by comedy showcases, offering promising up-and-coming comics and seasoned talent. Robin Williams himself has mounted this stage... and we mean that in a good way.
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Acme Comedy Theater
Three sketch-comedy and three improv companies magically spin everyday material into comedy gold at this recently renovated, high-tech space that counts Alex Borstein and Fred Goss among its alumni.
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Laugh Factory
The Marx Brothers used to keep offices at this long-standing club with multicultural programming: Asian Thursdays, African-American Sundays and Latino Mondays. Over 18s.
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Warfield
Famous names play this former vaudeville theater, including the Beastie Boys, PJ Harvey and the Dead. Get tickets at the Fillmore box office.
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