If you like television, you'll love your stand-up comedy offerings this week. From older programs to current shows, many of the comedians in town are well-known to fans of the small screen. But they tell jokes, too, so you'll get to enjoy familiar names in a new setting.
Here's this week's stand-up schedule:
Theaters and Special Events
Howie Mandel at the Capitol Theatre. Before "America's Got Talent" and before "Deal or No Deal," Mandel was an accomplished stand-up performer. His signature bit involved putting a glove over his head, but fans can expect more clever, thoughtful material from the talented comedian in Clearwater.
Showtime is Friday at 8 p.m. $50-$75. 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Info: atthecap.com or 727-791-7400.
Paul Reiser at The Palladium. Reiser is a longtime comedian who might be better-known for a successful acting career than stand-up. But he's a stage veteran, and will bring his witty observations to St. Petersburg this weekend.
Showtime is Saturday at 8 p.m. $29-$49. 253 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Info: 727-822-3590 or MyPalladium.org.
Comedy Clubs
Double Special Live at Tampa Improv. Tiffany Barbee, Jordan Lee and Chris Gorges go from their "Double Special Show" podcast to the comedy stage. With Tiffany's stand-up comedy background, and Jordan and Chris' significant improvisational chops, the entertainment should go from planned to completely spontaneous at a moment's notice.
Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. $7. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Steve Byrne at Tampa Improv. Byrne's well known for "Sullivan & Son," but there's more to him than that. He's been doing stand-up for nearly 20 years, and his observations and life experiences provide the backbone for a confident set.
Showtimes are Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. $15-$17. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Stand-Up Guys at Tampa Improv. Orlando-based comedians Myke Herlihy and Carmen Vallone take the stage on Sunday night. Herlihy is known for both magic and stand-up and Vallone's a long time stage veteran, so they should have an easy time keeping the crowd engaged thrughout the evening.
Showtime is Sunday at 7 p.m. $8. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
J.B. Ball at Side Splitters. Ball is a recent winner of two local comedy competitions: Florida's Funniest Comedian and Side Splitters' March Madness contest. He headlines this special Wednesday show, which features other finalists from their competition.
Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. $10-$12. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Maurice Jovan at Side Splitters. Better known as "A Cat Named Mo" on The Bone, 102.5 FM, Jovan steps in front of a different kind of mic Saturday night. The same casual-but-clever demeanor that resonates with listeners is used to deliver punchlines in a live audience setting.
Showtime is Saturday at 6 p.m. $10. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Rod Man at Side Splitters. Rod Man turned back some sharp talent on the most recent season of "Last Comic Standing" to become the show's most recent winner. Now he gets to perform full sets (unrestrained by television limitations) in clubs all over the country. Expect more of his witty observations delivered with a comfortable stage demeanor.
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. $18-$20. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Paul Venier at Snappers Grill. Venier calls himself the "Comedy Tornado," so you should expect an energetic, diverse set. He mixes comedy, music and audience participation to create something different each time on stage. His Thursday show is already sold out, so get tickets while you can.
Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $15. 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: SnappersGrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Roy Haber at Coconuts Comedy Clubs (at MJs). Haber looks funny. Not that he's funny-looking; he looks like a guy who would be funny doing stand-up. And he delivers on stage with an energetic personality and creative material.
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.
Larry Myles at 2 Palms. Myles is a no-nonsense type of comedian, offering his observations without regard for political correctness or thin skin.
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.
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.
