This weekend offers a full slate of shows (unlike last weekend) and a wide range of performers. From larger theaters to small clubs, comedy is happening somewhere most nights.
Here's the best of what's happening in the world of stand-up comedy:
Theaters and Special Events
Paula Poundstone at The Capitol Theatre. Poundstone has been making people laugh from stand-up in the 1980s, to award-winning cable specials, to today. These days she's a regular on the public radio news game show Wait! Wait! Don't Tell Me! Her wit and sharp observational comedy has served her well throughout her career. The show is sold out, but it doesn't hurt to check of last-minute tickets come available. Showtime is Saturday at 8 p.m. $34.50-$44.50. 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Info: atthecap.com or 727-791-7400.
Comedy Clubs
Eat the Apple comedy show at Tampa Improv. Four funny local women take the stage at this Wednesday night show. Ashley Mostoller, Jennifer Hensleigh, and Mary Tischbein warm up the crowd, while the acidic and clever Catherine Maloney closes things out. Expect plenty of adult content; these ladies aren't always ladylike with their material. Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. $7. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Joe Torry at Tampa Improv. Torry's comedy goes beyond his television and movie credits. His infectious energy sets the stage for over-the-top adult topics that will resonate as long as you're not too easily-offended. In any case, his fans definitely won't mind. Showtimes are Thursday at 8 p.m., 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. $17-$20. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
John Caparulo at Side Splitters. With his trusty cap, Caparulo almost seems shy on stage at times. But don't be fooled. It's just a method of delivering his well-timed punchlines and deceptively-creative humor. Showtimes are Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. $16-$24. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Ian Gutoskie at Side Splitters. Gutoskie's life seems to be a stream of premises for his comedy. It's all delivered with the clever wit of an experienced stage vet, and the authenticity of a guy who's actually lived a lot of it. Showtime is Saturday at 6 p.m. $10. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Final Four at Side Splitters. The comedy club's long stand-up competition has whittled down 64 hopefuls to the last four comedians. Bill Zapf, Paul Soleo, Ragel Thys and J. B. Ball will all compete in the final round of the contest to be declared the winner and earn additional work, entry into a comedy festival and $500. Ian Gutoskie (Saturday's early show headliner) closes the show. Showtime is Sunday at 7 p.m. $10-$12. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Andrew Norelli at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Norelli takes the stage with plenty of confidence and creative sarcasm. Everyday topics become fodder for endless mockery wrapped in funny premises. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $12. 36657 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: SnappersGrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Mike "Mad Dog" Adams at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Adams mixes music and comedy in his show. While many comedians have music elements in their set, Adams is equal parts musician and comedian, with decades on stage. Fans should get the best of both talents this weekend. 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.
Bull at 2 Palms Bar & Bistro. Bull has a serious look to him, but the family man is actually a self-deprecating, warm comedian. His comedy isn't very dirty, either. So remember what mom said about judging books by their covers, and have a good time. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: TampaBayComedy.com or 727-741-8014.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
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. Showtime is Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $15. 17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach. Info: 727-596-6725.
This article appears in Jan 29 – Feb 4, 2015.