December is the time of year when workplaces tend to slow down. There are more parties and food, and less productivity.
Unless you work at a place that hosts comedy shows, that is. Then it's full steam ahead for most of the month. There's a full slate of fun shows on the calendar, including some big names, so try to mix in some laughter in between office parties.
Here's the lineup:
Theaters and Special Events
Brian Regan at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Regan's clean, clever comedy resonates with fans, and the longtime performer has a lot of them. That includes fellow comedians, who can be a tough bunch to impress. Regan's set (and career) is proof that you don't have to be dirty to be recognized by crowds and peers as a premier talent.
Showtime is Saturday at 8 p.m. $48.75. 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Info: rutheckerdhall.com or 727-791-7400.
Carrot Top at The Capitol Theatre. Carrot Top takes a break from his longtime Las Vegas residence to tour, and he'll be bringing his trunk of crazy items with him. When most people think of "prop comedy," they think of Carrot Top, and for good reason. Nobody's ever done it as successfully as he has, and he's still going strong.
Showtime is Sunday at 7:30 p.m. $45-$55. 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Info: atthecap.com or 727-791-7400.
Comedy Clubs
Gary Conrad at Tampa Improv. Comedy hypnotism relies on volunteers and the power of suggestion to create a unique, organic show each time out. Conrad's a seasoned pro, molding each cast into an entertaining show for everyone. His Wednesday show is the more traditional one, with the Thursday appearance adopting a special holiday theme.
Showtimes are Wednesday at 8 p.m. and Thursday at 8 p.m. $5-$10. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Cristela Alonzo at Tampa Improv. Alonzo's one of the premier Hispanic female comedians, but don't pigeonhole her into an ethnic comedy category (like we just did). She's clever and relatable, with deadpan punchlines that resonate with anyone in possession of a sense of humor.
Showtimes are 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.
Nikki Carr at Tampa Improv. The "Last Comic Standing" finalist hits the stage this weekend at a special Sunday late show. Carr's unapologetic comedy should prove just as popular live on stage as it did on television.
Showtime is Sunday at 9:30 p.m. $20. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Robert Kelly at Side Splitters. Kelly should already be familiar to television audiences and podcast listeners. And on stage, the comedy vet doesn't pull many punches. His material is often adult-oriented, sometimes abrasive and almost always witty. But it's his no-nonsense demeanor that keeps audiences entertained.
Showtimes are Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $10-$16.50. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
J.B. Ball at Side Splitters. Ball is Florida's Funniest Comedian (according to the annual competition) and the winner of Side Splitters' March Madness comedy contest as well. Oh, and he was our Best of the Bay critic's pick for Best Comedian.
But judges aren't the only ones who appreciate his casual style and pop culture references. His personality keeps audiences engaged and laughing through a set that varies each night, weaving together established favorites, newer material and maybe some funny stuff that popped into his head on the way over.
Showtime is Saturday at 6 p.m. $10. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Sweet Sixteen Comedy Tournament at Side Splitters. Side Splitters' annual contest begins with 64 hopefuls before determining a champion. They're down to 16, and half will move on when the shows over. Last year's winner, J.B. Ball, will also perform.
Showtime is Sunday at 7 p.m. $10-$12. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Eddie Brill at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Brill is an internationally known performer with more than 35 years in the business, including turns as a talk show comedy booker and warm-up act. If you enjoy seeing longtime comedy vets doing their thing, you won't find anyone with more stand-up tenure than Brill this weekend.
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.
Doug Canney at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Canney has an experienced stage presence and isn't afraid to share his fast-paced opinions on stage. Fortunately, those opinions on everyday life happen to be funny as well. Expect plenty of frank talk about sex, relationships and whatever else comes to mind.
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.
Trish Keating at 2 Palms. Keating's at a point in her life where she she's still looking for Mr. Right, but his credit score will probably determine his sex appeal. Her material is sarcastic, witty and entertaining.
Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $10. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: 2palmstampabay.com or 727-400-6920.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
Chris Gorges at Niagara Tap (free show). Gorges is constantly busy on stage, moving around to accentuate a premise, pacing through banter with the crowd or gliding through his set jokes. You might have to catch your own breath after this show.
Showtime is Friday at 7 p.m. Free. 11950 Seminole Blvd. in Largo. Info: theniagaratap.com or 727-581-5331.
Kava Komedy Improv show at Red Tiki Bar. Kava Komedy's improvisational show will undoubtedly feature audience participation and off-the-cuff humor. It's a creative, unpredictable format. And this one is free!
Showtime is Wednesday at 9 p.m. Free. 7361 46th Ave N., St. Petersburg. Info: 727-914-8928.
Kava Komedy at Bula Cafe. This regular show often features local up-and-comers to warm up the crowd, and a more established closer to cap things off. This week it's Unprofessionals Improv taking the spotlight.
Showtime is Thursday at 9 p.m. Free. 2500 5th Ave N., St. Petersburg. Info: 727-498-8913.
This article appears in Dec 3-9, 2015.