There are two reasons why you should laugh it up before Thanksgiving.
One, you need the good humor before you deal with your family.
Two, the comedy schedule will be different next week, with most rooms going dark on Thursday.
Fortunately, there are plenty of good comedians in town to deliver whatever kind of material you most enjoy. So pick a stage and have a good time before facing family members you don't really want to see.
Here's the lineup:
Ninth Annual Crack-Up Cancer Comedy Benefit. This is comedy for a good cause, with a really good lineup. Dean Napolitano, Helen Keaney and Al Romas are respected headliners in their own right, but they'll all be on stage that evening, as well as others.
Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. $25. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Got Jokes? at Tampa Improv. Got Jokes? is a long-running, award-winning local improvisational troupe, with talented actors and comedians on its roster. Every show is a little different, but that's what improv comedy is all about. Expect a fast-paced, creative show.
Showtime is Thursday at 8 p.m. $10. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Heather McDonald at Tampa Improv. McDonald has a fast-paced style, which allows her to pack plenty of humor into her stories. She takes societal trends and family situations and skewers them until you can both recognize them and enjoy mocking them at the same time.
Showtime is Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $20. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Luenell at Tampa Improv. Luenell is brash, outspoken and takes no prisoners on stage. Think Redd Foxx from a woman's perspective. If you like adult comedy, this is a good show for you.
Showtime is Sunday at 9:30 p.m. $25-$35. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Lynne Koplitz at Side Splitters. You might not know her name, you'd probably face or voice from numerous television and radio credits. Koplitz has been a headliner for several years, touring the country with her sarcastic outlook on family, relationships and other clever material.
Showtimes are Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $10-$16.50. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Chris Monte at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. At times self-deprecating and critical, Monte's comedy comes with plenty of twists and turns. Sometimes it's the tag at the end of the joke that gets the biggest laugh, which shows both clever writing and a good sense of timing.
Showtimes are Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $12. 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: snappersgrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Helen Keaney at Coconuts Comedy Clubs (at MJ's). Keaney's well known for her regular spots on the Home Shopping Network, but she's an accomplished comedian as well. On stage she offers her observations about life and relationships with a quick wit, clever opinions and the same likable personality that moves merchandise on television.
Showtimes are Wednesday through Saturday at 9:30 p.m. $18-$22. 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Info: coconutscomedyclubs.com or 727-360-5653.
Duncan Jay at 2 Palms. Jay has a direct, New York style and a relatable stage presence. His everyday observations are recognizable, but filtered through a comedian's sharp perspective and turned into funny material.
Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. $10. Info: 2palmstampabay.com or 727-400-6920.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
Kava Komedy at Bula Cafe. This regular show features local up-and-comers to warm up the crowd, and a more established closer to cap things off. This week it's Anton Kuervo.
Showtime is Thursday at 9 p.m. Free. 2500 5th Ave N., St. Petersburg. Info: 727-498-8913.
Kava Komedy at Red Tiki Bar. This show follows the Kava formula of up-and-comers providing support to an experienced closer. For this one the audience will be entertained by BC Murphy.
Showtime is Saturday at 8 p.m. Free. 7361 46th Ave N., St. Petersburg. Info: 727-914-8928.
G. David Howard at Sporty's On The Beach. Howard's weekly residence at Sporty's features the longtime comedian drawing from his decades of stage experience. He mixes his regular material with plenty of crowd work to provide the kind of set only a true stand-up veteran can provide.
By the way, there's a $5 coupon for this show on Howard's website under "special offers."
Showtime is Friday and Saturday at 9:05 p.m. $20. 17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach. Info: 727-596-6725 or gdavidhoward.com.
