This is a good week to be a stand-up comedy fan. Theaters have shows on the schedule, comedy clubs are filled with national and local talent, and there are even free shows to enjoy. Whatever you like, whether it's traditional stand-up, some magic or a more theatrical performance, there's something for you this week.
Here's what's happening in the world of comedy:
Theaters and Special Events
CL Pick: Kathy Griffin at The Lakeland Center. Griffin enjoys shocking people, and her salty commentary provides plenty of gasps in polite society. But don't expect any politeness in a theater full of her fans. They want her unfiltered, brash observations, and that's exactly what they'll get on stage. Showtime is Thursday at 8 p.m. $41. 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland. Info: TheLakelandCenter.com or 863-834-8100.
CL Pick: One-Man Star Wars Trilogy at The Straz Center (Jaeb Theater). This show is exactly what it sounds like: One guy (Charles Ross) doing all the characters, action and sound effects from the "Star Wars" trilogy (the good trilogy, of course). It's weird, very precise and quite theatrical. We're putting it in comedy because the entire concept and execution is kind of funny. But it's a legitimate thing, and with trailers for the next episode drumming up more interest, it could be the perfect time to revisit the story in an unusual way. Showtimes are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. $25-$35. 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Info: StrazCenter.org or 813-229-7827.
Comedy Clubs
Helen Keaney at Tampa Improv. Keaney is like a good friend who lost her filter somewhere along the way. Her no-nonsense, often-inappropriate wisdom combines with a confident stage presence to keep crowds laughing. Showtimes are Wednesday at 8 p.m., Thursday at 8 p.m. and Friday at 8 p.m. $10-$15. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Mike Speenberg at Tampa Improv. Speenberg has a blue-collar likeability and a casual stage presence. His everyday life premises can be absurd, yet they make sense at the same time. That's what makes them so funny. Showtimes are Friday at 10:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $15. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
CL PIck: Latin History for Dummies with John Leguizamo at Tampa Improv. Leguizamo is known for his acting and theatrical chops; not his stand-up. But he's bringing his one-man show to comedy clubs to create a fast-paced, entertaining performance. This is definitely one of the more unusual shows at comedy clubs this weekend. Showtimes are Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $25. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
John Valby at Side Splitters. An evening with Dr. Dirty is an evening of raunchy sing-alongs and laughter. His fans have come to expect a hgih level of adult-oriented wit, and he delivers every show. Showtime is Thursday at 8:30 p.m. $15-$20. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Joe List at Side Splitters. List looks like he'd be a smart comedian, and it turns out he's just that. His understated presence both complements and puts emphasis on the material, and it's strong enough to entertain crowds all weekend. Showtimes are 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.
The Bong Show at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Johnny Oz, Lazlow and Chris Gorges lead this special show which, not coincidentally, occurs on 4/20. Expect plenty of humorous observations that might have originated in a smoke-filled room, and will entertain a Monday night audience. Showtime is Monday at 8:30 p.m. $10-$12. 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: SnappersGrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Steve Arik at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Arik has the look of a rocker and the sense of humor of an experienced stand-up vet. With more than 25 years in the business, he knows how to keep audiences laughing: A likeable stage presence and an endless supply of dirty jokes and premises. Showtime is Thursday at 7:30 p.m. $12. 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: SnappersGrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Carole Montgomery at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Montgomery has served as producer and director for comedian specials and television shows. But for decades, she's been behind the mic herself. A lot of her clever material seems to come right from life experiences, delivered with the confidence of someone who's lived it. 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.
Joby Saad at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Saad has an unusual stage presence. At times he's energetic and animated. At other times he looks like he might have escaped from somewhere. But it's carefully-orchestrated to maximum comedic effect, and is a strong platform for his stand-up. Showtimes are Wednesday through Saturday at 9:30 p.m. 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Info: CoconutsComedyClubs.com or 727-360-5653.
Elliot Smith at 2 Palms Bar & Bistro. Smith performs a comedy magic show, so this is different than the traditional stand-up set. If you enjoy some sleight of hand with your humor, this is the show for you this weekend. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: TampaBayComedy.com or 727-741-8014.
Cowboy Comedian at The Joke Factory (at Dockside Sports). The Cowboy Comedian is, as you might expect, a cowboy. But he's not the strong, silent type. Instead, his animated personality unleashes a steady stream of clever material, and he goes the extra mile to deliver it. Showtime is Thursday at 7:30 p.m. $5-$7. 5015 US Highway 19, New Port Richey. Info: NPRJokeFactory.com or 727-807-6974.
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. By the way, there's a $5 coupon for this show on Howard's website under "special offers." Showtime is Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $20. 17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach. Info: 727-596-6725 or GDavidHoward.com.
Laughter on the Rocks at 18 on the Rocks Beach Bar & Grille (free show). This new show kicks off with Ally B, Jonas Presendieu and Nina Ramdatt providing support for headliner Mike Rivera, who was dubbed America's Most Hilarious Teacher by ABC's "The View." It's a full night of comedy, and a chance to see a talented local headliner for free (two-item minimum applies). Showtime is Friday at 7 p.m. Free. 2405 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach. Info: 18ontheRocks.com or 727-596-5633.
We're Still Here at CL Space (free show): This is a local comedy showcase presented by Homemade Broadcast. Matt Fernandez, Law Smith and Kyle Ruse are just a few of the talented comedians who will perform at this free event.
Showtime is Friday at 9 p.m. Free. 1911 N. 13th St. Ste. W200, Tampa. Info: Facebook.com/TheHomemadeBroadcast.
