This week there's a full range of shows on tap, from theaters to comedy clubs to local businesses putting on a comedy night. Some cost a fair amount and some are absolutely free, so whatever you're looking for should be readily-available this weekend. Here are the best bets:
Theaters
Dana Carvey at Tampa Theatre. Carvey's Saturday Night Live characters are what people remember (Garth, The Church Lady), but they all spring from his animated personality and the facial expressions that accentuate his comedy. Expect plenty of voices to go with the punch lines on Friday night. Local comedian Krishna Reddy opens. Showtime is Friday at 8 p.m. 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa. Info: tampatheatre.org or 813-274-8981.
Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood at The Mahaffey Theater. Whose Line Is It Anyway? is well-known to fans of improvisational comedy. Mochrie was one of the best-known faces of the show, and Sherwood was in several dozen episodes as well. You already know the format, so there will be plenty of absurd scenarios performed on the fly by some of the best in the business. Showtime is Sunday at 7 p.m. 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. Info: themahaffey.com or 727-893-7832.
Comedy Clubs
Aries Spears at Tampa Improv. Spears is well known to fans of MadTV, and his stand-up is a welcome extension of his skills at sketch comedy. Expect plenty of energetic impressions, crossing sports, music, pop culture and even fellow comedians — both male and female. 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. and 9:30 p.m. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Collin Moulton at Side Splitters. Moulton is an energetic storyteller, pointing out life's absurdities with clever material and confidence. 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. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Jim Holder at Snappers. Holder has nearly two decades of stage experience, and it shows with a comfortable stage presence. And the laughs get even bigger when he adds crowd interaction to the mix. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. 36657 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: snappersgrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Danny Bevins at Coconuts Comedy Club (Beachcomber). If you think your crazy family would make a good story, Bevis has made a living off his, revealing the characters that made his childhood what it was. And what it was — when seen through the mind an experienced stand-up comedian — was funny stuff. He might not have been laughing at the time, but he wants you to laugh about it now. Showtimes are Wednesday-Saturday at 9:30 p.m. 6200 Gulf Blvd. at the Beachcomber Resort, St. Pete Beach. Info: coconutscomedyclubs.com or 727-360-5653.
Steve Arik at Jack's Joint. Never mind the hair that recalls the best of 80s metal, local funnyman Arik was performing on stage way back when MTV was actually playing music videos. The comedy vet has a tight set, a likable stage presence, and plenty of adult material to keep the grown-ups laughing. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: tampabaycomedy.com or 727-741-8014.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
Law Smith/Matt Fernandez at Oldsmar Tap House (free show). Smith and Fernandez and local comedy club regulars and members of Cigar City Comedy, a bay area comedy group. Fernandez's clever musings and Smith's laid-back style make for a night of adult comedy for locals, by locals. Showtime is Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. 300 State St. E., Oldsmar. Info: 813-475-5996.
The Funny Diva Show at Carrollwood Players Theatre. Local comedians Mona Chiarizio, Teah and Aniria perform at this benefit show for the Carrollwood Players. In addition to bawdy comedy, a raffle with various prizes will help raise money for the performing arts at this one-night-only event. Showtime is Thursday at 8 p.m. 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa. Info: carrollwoodplayers.org or 813-265-4000.
