November is a fantastic month with a special holiday that keeps people thankful.
We mean Black Friday, of course. At the very least, be thankful you're not in the mob camping out for $50 televisions.
Oh, yeah. There's Thanksgiving, too. But not everyone is eager to spend an entire day with immediate and extended family. Fresh off a contentious presidential election, you might have more screaming than sweet potato pie, and more cranky attitudes than cranberry sauce.
So why not schedule some laughter as well? It might be just the remedy you need to survive a day-long family engagement. And fortunately, there are some funny acts headed to town this month.
Note: "Special engagement" means no passes accepted for those specific shows. Reservations recommended.
Here are your best bets:
Gilbert Gottfried. Gottfried has plenty of credits and a storied comedy career. But really, it's that voice: The voice that makes it seem like he's screaming when he's whispering. The voice that makes every sentence seem like a punch line. The voice that puts emphasis where it doesn't belong, and puts his stories on steroids. It's what makes Gilbert Gottfried an in-demand comedian after decades in the business.
On stage he'll be unrestrained by limitations found in television or commercials. The stories and comedy will take a decidedly-adult twist. But you'll hear it all through that shrill, comedic voice, which will keep audiences laughing through a run of special engagement shows.
Here's a bit of Gottfried on stage at his dirtiest.
Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Nov. 10, 8:30 p.m.; Nov. 11, 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.; Nov. 12, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. $20-$25. 813-960-1197. sidesplitterscomedy.com.
Tracy Morgan. A feel-good comedy show? Yeah, this kind of fits the bill. It's amazing that Morgan, who survived a serious collision in 2014 with a tractor-trailer that claimed the life of his friend, is even touring. It's been a slow rehabilitation, but Morgan has worked past the broken bones and mental trauma, and is back in front of audiences doing what he and his fans love.
And what they love is straight talk, mature content, out-of-left-field insights and the comedic timing that's befitting a guy with about a quarter-century in the business. You could (and should) applaud Morgan for his return to comedy. But you'll be laughing by what he still brings to the stage each night.
As long as you don't mind controversial topics like this.
Read our interview with Tracy Morgan.
The Mahaffey Theater, 400 1st St. S., St. Pete. Nov. 11, 8 p.m. $35-$65. 727-893-7832. themahaffey.com.
Pauly Shore. Shore's run of nineties comedies (Encino Man, Jury Duty, Son in Law, Bio-Dome) didn't interest the Academy when it was time to dole out Oscars, but it generated a sizable fan base that remains loyal to this day. And his name still invokes memories of the MTV veejay "Weasel" persona for anyone who remembers MTV playing music videos.
He's not the same guy, of course. But his personality and love of stand-up comedy keeps him in demand on the touring circuit. Shore isn't a former actor who's trying to keep his fame going by trying stand-up comedy. He's a stand-up comedian who had a brisk acting career several years ago. However you see him, his fans will turn out either way for this special engagement weekend.
Here's a sample of Shore on stage.
Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Nov. 11, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. $22-$25. 813-864-4000. improvtampa.com.
Florida's Funniest Comedian. This annual contest crowns a new winner each year, but it starts with a large number of satellite competitions designed to separate the wheat from the chaff. At those shows you'll see some funny people, some hopefuls, some performers with promise, and a good amount of filler.
This isn't one of those shows.
This is a semi-final round of the competition, which means each performer had to be selected out of the first round and earn their way onto this show. Not every comedian is destined for stardom, but they all have good material and represent the state well. And they're all gunning for a spot in the finals, so they'll bring their A-game as well. For five bucks, you should have no problem getting your money's worth in laughs.
Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Nov. 16, 8 p.m. $5. 813-864-4000. improvtampa.com.
This article appears in Nov 10-17, 2016.