Upcoming Shows - May 23, 2013 8:00 pmLaff Therapy Thursdays
- May 23, 2013 8:00 pmPete Holmes
- May 23, 2013 8:30 pmFigment Theater's The Vagabond Sessions
- May 23, 2013 8:30 pmThe Flat Earth
- May 23, 2013 10:00 pmA Few Answers Short
- May 24, 2013 7:00 pmThe Comedy Works
- May 24, 2013 7:30 pmPete Holmes
- May 24, 2013 7:30 pmThe Good, The Bad, and The Funny
- May 24, 2013 8:00 pmThe N Crowd
- May 24, 2013 8:30 pmThe Flat Earth
- May 24, 2013 8:30 pmKing of Prussia Comedy Cabaret
- May 24, 2013 9:30 pmThe Good, The Bad, and The Funny
- May 24, 2013 10:00 pmThe Grimacchio Variety Hour
- May 24, 2013 10:00 pmPete Holmes
- May 25, 2013 7:30 pmPete Holmes
- May 25, 2013 7:30 pmSarcasm Comedy Club
- May 25, 2013 7:30 pmComedy Sportz Philadelphia
- May 25, 2013 7:30 pmThe Good, The Bad, and The Funny
- May 25, 2013 7:30 pmLast Saturdays Comedy Show
- May 25, 2013 8:00 pmThe Captain Action Comedy Show
- May 25, 2013 8:30 pmPHIT House Team Night
- May 25, 2013 9:30 pmThe Comedy Works
- May 25, 2013 9:30 pmSarcasm Comedy Club
- May 25, 2013 10:00 pmComedy Sportz Philadelphia
- May 29, 2013 8:00 pmConklin's Comedy Night
AEC v1.0.4
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By Aaron Hertzog, on April 15th, 2013
Former Philly/current LA comedians Brendan Kennedy, Luke Giordano, and Mike Weinstein have started a new podcast, Remember Remember the Titans. The show says to be “the only podcast dedicated specifically to discussing the Disney high school football movie, Remember the Titans.” Actually, the guys tell stories, do bits, and have fun based on the topics, themes, and actors from the movie. In the first episode they are joined by former-former Philly comedian Aaron Hertzog.
Philly Improv Theater has announced the cast for their new Spring theatrical run, The Bat. The show runs from on Tuesday, April 30th through Sunday, May 19th. For a full schedule and tickets check the PHIT website show calendar or visit the TicketLeap page for the run.
This Tuesday Polygon Comedy returns to L’etage for their monthly variety show. This month, the show will feature stand-up from Christian Alsis, sketch from ManiPedi, musical improv from Interrobang, and music from Iliana Inocencio.
A Bunch of Improv at the Grape Room returns this Tuesday to The Grape Room in Manayunk.
The High Five Comedy Showcase debuts at Voltage this Wednesday. The show will be hosted by Jay West and will feature stand-up comedy from Aaron Hertzog, Dan Scully, Andre Johnson, Mikaela Hamje, and Joe Bell.
Stand-up/Improv show Comedian Deconstruction returns to L’etage this Thursday with a show featuring improv from Bed Savage and stand-up from Howard Algeo, Dave Temple, Geoff Jackson, Kerryn Feehan, and Frank Liotti.
The second round of Figment Theater’s Troika Tournament continues this Friday night at The Sideshow. The show will feature teams comprised of: Becca Trabin, Charles Rosen, Sean Landis; Alex Newman, Andrew Stanton, Nicole Labrecque; and Jim Burns, Maggy Keegan, Rachel Whitworth.
Something Witty at The Dive returns to the East Passyunk Ave. bar this Friday for a stand-up comedy showcase hosted by Alex Pearlman.
Tongue & Groove’s “That Time” will play this Saturday and Sunday at The Kimmel Center. The show will ask the audience “If you could go back in time to any moment in your own life’s story, where would you go and why?” to inspire “a collage of improvised theater, dance, and music.”
If you have any Philly comedy news worth mentioning – send it our way with an email to contact@witout.net
By Aaron Hertzog, on March 8th, 2013
Follow Witout on Twitter for updates from our site, as well as retweets of more of the best 140-character-or-less jokes from Philly comics.
By Alison Zeidman, on February 5th, 2013
Guilty Pleasures is a monthly found comedy show created by former Philly comedian and self-described silly misanthrope Brendan Kennedy, and co-hosted by beloved local comedian Roger C. Snair. Each month, a group of comedians is assembled for dramatic readings of the worst in scripts, YouTube videos, poetry and more. Roger often also submits his own plays.
This past December, Brendan handed over the hosting reins for the show in preparation for a January move to LA. Who’s the lucky dude who’s taking over for Brendan? Why, it’s Joe Moore, of “Pizza Pals with Joe Moore” and Dog Mountain fame! How’d he get the job? A grueling interview process, of course! Here’s a transcript of Brendan putting Joe through the ringer.
Brendan Kennedy: Are you familiar with what we do here at Guilty Pleasures?
Joe Moore: Of course! You get really talented comics from Philadelphia and have them read bizarre pieces of fiction, poetry or plays. Then, they bring it to life. It’s one of the strangest things I have ever seen done on stage. It’s about taking something that maybe wasn’t very good and turning into something hilarious.
The show is unique in that it has sketch comedians, improvisers and stand ups all on one stage interacting. I actually saw a LOT of performers for the first time on stage at Guilty Pleasures who I may not have seen otherwise.
The X-Factor is Roger C. Snair. Roger is one of the most talented individuals in the city, and the fact that he is on the show says a lot about how remarkable the show is.
Guilty Pleasures and TV Party was the one night of comedy I knew I could bring friends who had never been exposed to Philly Comedy and they could walk away satisfied and interested in seeing more.
Brendan Kennedy: How did you hear about Guilty Pleasures?
Joe Moore: You told me about it once, probably about 2 and a half years ago. I don’t remember when I first went but I haven’t really missed a show since. I think once when I had a migraine, but that was it.
Brendan Kennedy: What makes you qualified to host Guilty Pleasures?
Joe Moore: I’m pretty sure there is going to be free beer there. So that makes me qualified, I think. Besides it never looked like you were doing anything too difficult up there. Just get funny people on, and stand on the side of the stage laughing. I can do that.
The real leg work is finding the crazy stuff to read, and as a guy who spends a lot of time reading crap online, I can take care of that.
I also may be completely under-qualified. But let’s not get off track here. Free beer.
Brendan Kennedy: What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Joe Moore: I don’t feel too guilty about many things I like. For instance, I have Ace of Base’s “The Sign” in my car. I also eat a lot of pizza and chocolate. Some might say I should feel guilty about that, but I don’t. All of those things are great.
I also subscribe to a monthly digest of amateur science fiction/horror authors. It feels a little weird to say that out loud. So that might be it…
Oh boy, yeah, that’s it.
Brendan Kennedy: I understand you have experience working with the soon-to-be-prize-winning WitOut.net feature “Pizza Pals with Joe Moore.” What skills from that position do you think you will be able to bring to Guilty Pleasures?
Joe Moore: “Pizza Pals” is an ongoing adventure I take with WitOut.Net where I talk to very funny people about pizza instead of comedy. Talking about pizza can reveal more about a person than where they went to school, or what their first car was or whatever.
I am excited at the prospect that I might win an award for doing it, though I haven’t heard anything about that. That’s not why I do it. I like comedy and I like pizza. It’s also a great guise to use to just meet performers I really like.
It was through “Pizza Pals” that I first met Roger C. Snair. I’ve got to meet more of my heroes by talking about pizza since then.
But to answer your question, I will probably have pizza before the show.
Brendan Kennedy: Will you bring pizza to Guilty Pleasures?
Joe Moore: That’s a great idea that is also an expensive idea… so maybe someday. I also don’t know if I want people with their mouths full while there is funny stuff going on.
But, if someone was sitting in the audience and wanted to go in on a pizza with someone they just met who was also in the audience, I think that’s a beautiful thing and ought to be encouraged.
Brendan Kennedy: What aspects of your personality do you think will mesh well with Roger C. Snair’s style of working?
Joe Moore: Roger and I have eaten pizza together, taken the PATCO back to New Jersey together and talked on the phone a couple times. He’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and is one of the most dynamic performers I’ve ever seen.
None of those are aspects of my personality. But hey, I think I’m a pretty cool dude. Roger seems to think so too, and that’s good enough for me.
Brendan Kennedy: What’s your five-year marketing plan for expanding the Roger C. Snair brand?
Joe Moore: I don’t want to bog this interview down with all the details, but “CBS” and “RCS” share two out of 3 letters. Look into that what you want, I’m just saying…
But lets think small for now. We could start by getting some more likes on the Facebook page for the show. It’s at 33 “likes,” I say we can get it to 70!
Brendan Kennedy: How soon can you start? I’m trying to ditch this town.
Joe Moore: Available immediately. Thanks for your time.
The next ‘Guilty Pleasures’ is this Wednesday, February 6th at Philly Improv Theater @ The Shubin Theatre (407 Bainbridge Street). Show starts at 8:30PM. Tickets are $10 at the door, $8 online in advance.
By Aaron Hertzog, on December 26th, 2012
As the year winds down, WitOut collects lists from comedy performers and fans of their favorite moments, comedians, groups, shows, etc. from the last year in Philly comedy. Top 5 of 2012 lists will run throughout December–if you’d like to write one, pitch us your list at contact@witout.net!
I love seeing comedy in Philly but with a day job outside of the city it’s difficult to make it to too many shows. Since I’m a writer/performer on The Monthly Hour, I usually try to make it to that show, and since it’s a variety show, I get to see a lot of different acts there. So here is my list of the top 5 guest appearances on The Monthly Hour that I’ve actually seen (I missed a couple shows—sorry, ManiPedi—and was not allowed out of the basement at the Shubin Theater for others).
5. Brendan Kennedy
Some may call it a sentimental pick, but I thought his stand-up at the November show was great. Brendan is heading to LA in January to eventually park cars for a living, but in the 2 months before his departure, he has graced us with a number of great performances. The Philly Comedy scene is going to miss Brendan Kennedy. Minus the drunken slurring, he is what funny people in this city should strive to be. A great stand-up, a member of a spectacular sketch group (Camp Woods), host of an awesome show at the PHIT (Guilty Pleasures) and a member of a crappy improv group (Hate Speech Committee—and for the record, I’m not saying all improv is crappy, just Hate Speech), Brendan embraces all things funny. Plus, he discovered Roger Snair.
4. Tommy Pope
Picking a Tommy performance seems like cheating, but I remember this one as particularly funny. Tommy had a great year in comedy and getting the chance to see people like him perform in an intimate theater like the Philly Improv Theater at the Shubin Theater is a really cool thing.
3. Omar Scruggs
When Darryl Charles couldn’t perform at Philly Sketchfest due to a hole in his neck, Omar stepped in at the last minute and performed Darryl’s part. We asked Omar to act like a warm-up comedian from Def Comedy Jam which was completely incongruous with the wholesome “Morning Show” that he was opening for. Omar came out and yelled so many profane things at the audience that he ran out of breath. Later he came back out and ended the show with an amazing ad lib, “All right, you muthaf’ers, I’m back!” The crowd went nuts. Really one of the funniest moments I saw live this year.
2. Christian Alsis
Christian came on the show and performed stand-up. If you’ve only ever seen Christian be a Feeko Brother and have never seen him do stand-up, you’re missing out. Billy Bob Thompson might be the good looking one in the duo, but Christian is definitely one of the top two funniest members of the Feeko Brothers. What made Christian’s performance even better is that he stayed onstage after his set and performed as himself in a pun-based game show sketch. He learned his lines in the 30 minutes before the show and really did a great job of “acting” confused.
1. Chip Chantry and the Chip Chantry Players
This was such a simple bit, but one that still makes me laugh. Chip and the Players (aka Carl Boccuti) came out as a new improv group. Upon taking a suggestion from the crowd, they took a few notes on paper and then promised to come back the following month to perform some “improv” based on that suggestion. So simple, but so incredibly funny.
Thanks to everybody that was a part of The Monthly Hour this year and thanks to everyone in the Philly comedy community. Keep it funny and friendly.
Mikey Gleason is a stand-up comedian, a filmmaker, and a writer/performer on The Monthly Hour with James Hesky at Philly Improv Theater. Follow him on Twitter at @mikeygleason and subscribe to his YouTube channel. It would help him cry less.
By Aaron Hertzog, on December 24th, 2012
This video from Jason Messina (formerly of The Sixth Borough, current New York comedian) is a holiday reminder your aunts and grandmothers would be sure to thank him for.
Just because tomorrow is Christmas does not mean that Open Mic at the Headhouse Cafe will be taking the day off. A Very Funny XMAS at the Headhouse will start at 8pm and continue throughout the night for those comics finished with their celebrating, or the ones that aren’t celebrating at all.
This Friday The Sideshow presents: Know When to Leave, a show hosted by Brendan Kennedy and Shannon Brown featuring performances by ManiPedi, Fastball Pitcher Bob Gutierrez, Bing Supernova, Tim Butterly, Carolyn Busa, Sam Narisi, Kait & Andrew, and more.
Saturday the New Year’s Party at HodgePodge (1212 South St.) will feature “music greats: John Francis, James Klueh, GRIZ and a hodgepodge of standup, improv and sketch comics.”
Delaware Today magazine ran a series of short features on native comedians Ian Fidance, Mikey Gleason, Todd Chappelle, and Shari Short. The article also covers emerging venues for comedy in Delaware and shares some jokes from each of the comedians.
Improv duos can mark your calendar as Duofest has announced registration dates for their 2013 festival. Submissions open February 2, with submission deadlines of February 22 for early submissions and March 2 as the final deadline. Applicants will be notified on March 22 and the lineup announced on April 2. The 2013 Duofest will take place from June 6-9.
If you have any Philly comedy news worth mentioning – send it our way with an email to contact@witout.net
By Alison Zeidman, on December 21st, 2012
As the year winds down, WitOut collects lists from comedy performers and fans of their favorite moments, comedians, groups, shows, etc. from the last year in Philly comedy. Top 5 of 2012 lists will run throughout December–if you’d like to write one, pitch us your list at contact@witout.net!
5. Seeing Robert X perform live for the first time at Noche
I had actually seen Robert X perform on YouTube via Reddit, and then a few months later he moved to Philly. Blew me right away.
4. All of the new mics.
Tight Six, Accidents Will Happen, Number 2 and more have all been incredible. Seeing new talent take the reigns and support each other has really lit up the scene.
3. Brendan Kennedy Week
I’ve known Brendan for years, and now he’s moving to LA. In the first week of December he was on a bunch of shows that concluded with his roast. It was the most fun I’ve ever had at a three-hour show.
2. Noche’s last mic night
I always looked forward to Noche every Tuesday. But it was time to put that baby to bed. And it was done with a bang. For two years we entertained strangers there, and I’m sad to see it go.
1. Hosting Laughs on Fairmount
I hosted laughs on Fairmount the Monday before Valentine’s Day. The day of the mic, I didn’t want to go. But I sucked it up and did it anyway. Around the 35th comic I decided I wasn’t going to do jokes anymore and started hitting on this woman in the front row. I’ve been dating her ever since.
Alex Pearlman is a local Philadelphia comedian and host of Something Witty at the Dive Bar. The next FREE showcase there is this Friday, Dec. 21st at 9pm. To watch him slowly die during most open mics, follow him on twitter: @alexpearlman
By Aaron Hertzog, on December 14th, 2012
By Joe Moore, on December 10th, 2012
Lots of people will be talking about the things that went down at last night’s roast of Brendan Kennedy. Brendan is leaving for LA soon, and the roast provided an opportunity for the Philadelphia comedy community to air out their dirty laundry live and on stage.
Speaking of laundry, below is a description of what everyone was wearing during the roast last night.
Benny Michaels – Black suit jacket over a white and grey vertical-striped shirt unbuttoned at the top, a brown undershirt, black shoes
Rob Baniewicz – Red and white picnic blanket-style checkered shirt, black jacket, black jeans, black shoes
Alex Pearlman – Grey double-breasted cardigan with black buttons, purple dress shirt untucked with a black tie, blue jeans, black shoes
Jess Ross – Green dress, green beaded necklace, black leggings, black boots
Roger C Snair – Black pants, dark brown long-sleeve henley shirt, dark green/brown/light green wide-brimmed hat, black shoes
Shannon Brown – Black blouse, blue jeans, necklace with a locket, black shoes
Doogie Horner – Grey over-shirt with a black untucked T-shirt underneath with the words ‘THE DEAD MILKMEN” in white lettering and a white cartoon of a cow, light blue jeans, aquamarine shoes with white soles
Christian Alsis – Dark blue hoodie sweatshirt zipped three quarters of the way, blue and white checkered undershirt, white T-shirt just visible at the neckline, blue jeans, dark shoes
Michael Rainey – Black henley-style long-sleeved shirt, black jeans, brown shoes with no laces
Joey Dougherty – Red and black untucked checkered shirt, black jeans with cuffs, light brown leather shoes with darker brown laces
Greg Maughan – Blue, black and white plaid shirt, black khakis, black shoes, silver wrist watch on the left wrist
Jim Grammond – Three-quarter sleeve untucked ringer baseball T-shirt with red sleeves, grey chest and back, the words “RED FANG” in red blood-splatter-esque lettering above a white skull of a saber-toothed tiger, sleeves rolled about 2 inches, blue jeans, black shoes
Brian Craig – Blue and white plaid untucked shirt, sleeves rolled to the elbows, blue jeans, brown shoes
Brendan Kennedy – Dark blue jeans, blue button-down shirt (unbuttoned) over a navy blue henley style long-sleeve shirt with a grey T-shirt just visible at the collar, black jeans, black shoes
Joe Moore is a writer for PHIT House Sketch Team Dog Mountain and an online fashion guy.
By Aaron Hertzog, on December 9th, 2012
As the year winds down, WitOut collects lists from comedy performers and fans of their favorite moments, comedians, groups, shows, etc. from the last year in Philly comedy. Top 5 of 2012 lists will run throughout December–if you’d like to write one, pitch us your list at contact@witout.net!
Tonight at 8pm Philly Improv Theater will host The Roast of Brendan Kennedy. Kennedy has been a stand-up comedian, member of sketch group Camp Woods, improviser with Hate Speech Committee, and host of PHIT show Guilty Pleasures in Philadelphia for the past few years and is preparing to move to Los Angeles early in 2013. The roast tonight will be hosted by Benny Michaels and will feature sets from John McKeever, Rob Baniewicz, Jess Ross, Christian Alsis, Jim Grammond, Brian Craig, Mike Rainey, Shannon Brown, Doogie Horner, Roger Snair, Alex Pearlman, Greg Maughan, Joey Dougherty. One member of the dais couldn’t wait for tonight and wanted to dedicate a Top Five list to Brendan. We now present Rob Baniewicz’s Top Five Shows Sabotaged by Brendan Kennedy.
1. Bedtime Stories: Revenge!
2. Guilty Pleasures feat. Fastball Bob
3. Chicago Sketchfest 2012 Sketch Open Mic
4. Kings of Leon v. Soiree
5. Bing Supernova Cavalcade of Fools
Anyone in attendance at any of these shows is sure to know why Rob included them on his list. Do you have a favorite Brendan Kennedy moment? Share it in our comment section or feel free to explain to those who may not know why these are some of Rob’s.
By Aaron Hertzog, on December 3rd, 2012
This Wednesday will mark the Final Guilty Pleasures with host Brendan Kennedy. The show will feature performers Chip Chantry and (most of) Hate Speech Committee along with co-host Roger C. Snair. Brendan will also be revealing his successor as host. This Sunday, we continue our goodbyes with The Roast of Brendan Kennedy.
This Thursday L’etage (624 S. 6th St.) will host The Final Camp Woods Plus. The monthly show produced by the sketch group has been a showcase of brand new sketches every month and will culminate with a show featuring New York’s We’re Matt Weir and Philadelphia groups American Breakfast and Daring Daulton.
This Tuesday No. 2(#2)(Number 2) will debut at St. Stephen’s Green (1701 Green St.) The open mic will be hosted by Robert X and Chris O’Conner. Signups begin at 7:30 and the show starts at 8.
Comedian David Ray Agyekum was recently featured on MTVU’s College Quickies. You can watch his video online.
Bird Text released this teaser video for their upcoming sketch DUI Jesus. Watch it, and be on the lookout for the full sketch on December 12.
WitOut is now accepting submissions from performers and comedy fans for our Top Five of 2012 list series. We are encouraging anyone to write about their favorite moments, shows, performers, sketches, quotes, or anything at all to help us recap and remember the past year in Philadelphia comedy. You can pitch your Top Five of 2012 idea to contact@witout.net
If you have any Philly comedy news worth mentioning – send it our way with an email to contact@witout.net
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WitOut Network Welcome to WitOut, a blog about the Philadelphia comedy scene. Get in touch with us at contact@witout.net.
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