Comedy entertainment in San Francisco
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A
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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B
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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C
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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D
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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E
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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F
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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G
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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