You ever notice that most comedy shows have one thing in common? Whether it's a ventriloquist or a hypnotist or a regular stand-up show, they're almost always men. Even when you find a lineup with a funny female, she's just one performer on a bill otherwise dominated by males. There are notable exceptions of course, but finding a lineup with even two women is pretty rare. And finding one where the entire lineup is female seems almost impossible.
Except on Friday, May 30.
Girls Night Out is an annual tradition at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, and this year's lineup features three ladies who each have headlining experience in their own right.
Mary Tischbein (sometimes known as Long Island Mary) is the evening's emcee, and kicks things off with her perspectives on everyday life, from growing up in New York to taking care of her elderly mother. Somewhere in all that sarcasm is a positive outlook and a funny self-awareness.
Catherine Maloney is a working mom, but it's not motherly love she dishes out to audiences. Her dry, honest style would make the local PTA blush (she did win a "Biggest Jerk" contest, after all), but her no-nonsense comedy keeps audiences laughing. Maloney enjoys interacting with the crowd, and having the kind of open girl talk you'd only have with a best friend.
Traci Kanaan is the evening's headliner, and the "Princess of Parodies" brings a keyboard full of hits, twisted to her own unusual style. What happens when you mix music degrees with a warped sense of humor? An original show with sing-alongs, audience participation and a sarcastic spin on famous songs.
Girls Night Out is a fun break from the normal guy-guy-guy lineup you'll find at most comedy shows. But if you want to participate, you should reserve tickets in advance: Kanaan was last year's headliner as well, and that show sold out.
Showtime is Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $12-$18. 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. Info: 813-269-1310.
