WEST PALM BEACH – Usually in this space the Applause Planner picks the top South Florida comedy show of the coming week.
This week is a little different.
With so many quality shows coming to the Palm Beach Improv, the Applause Planner is picking a venue rather than one show.
Russell Peters is the big name performing at the Palm Beach Improv this week. Named one of Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Comics of All Time, Peters has been awarded Gemini, Peabody, Emmy and Canadian Screen Awards for his hosting, producing and acting talents. He’s set attendance records at Madison Square Garden, The Sydney Opera House and London’s O2 Arena.
Peters is performing two shows on Friday night and two more Saturday night, with tickets going for $50.
Peters’ appearance alone would signify a good week for the PB Improv, but there’s more – especially for South Florida comics.
New Faces of Comedy returns on Wednesday, giving local comics a chance to win $200. The contest is for open micers (a comic who doesn’t have paying gigs on a weekly basis), and the only requirement is that comics bring 10 fans, all of whom receive free admission. The winner will be determined by audience vote, and that winner will have the opportunity to return as host of an upcoming New Faces show.
The following day marks the monthly Jacked Up comedy show produced by and featuring Jackie Sanchez. J.J. Curry and JoJo Casillas are making the short trek to West Palm Beach to perform, with Lalo Rodriguez hosting. It’s a free show that begins at 8 p.m.
Following two nights of Peters, the PB Improv concludes the week with two Sunday shows headlined by Corey Holcomb, who has appeared on Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show,” among numerous other television credits.
Overall, this week at the PB Improv offers something for every comedy fan.
Applause Planner – Plan On It
Speakeasy Chronicle – Wednesday, Aug. 25, Gatsby’s
Vital Dieujuste is one of South Florida’s funniest young comics, and he’ll headline this show in Fort Lauderdale. Kevin Javier and Grant Toliver are also scheduled to perform, with Nileja handling the host duties. This is a free show, but there is a one-item minimum. Fortunately, there’s a full bar and dinner menu available. The show begins at 8 p.m.
Boca Bier-Bash – Thursday, Aug. 26, Biergarten.
Casey Peruski treks south for his first performance at the Biergarten in Boca Raton. This show comes a few weeks before the drop of his Dry Bar comedy special. Local favorite Nadeem Awad is featuring and the return of comic Matt Durndak to South Florida performances is an added plus. Josh Rosen will bring his impressions of politicians, performing in the showcase along with Peggy Ching and Greg Grillot. David Sadman produces and hosts this free show, which begins at 8 p.m.
Last Friday’s with Flip Schultz – Friday, Aug. 27, Gatsby’s
Flip Schultz began his comedy career in South Florida before spending the past couple decades in Los Angeles, becoming a favorite at the Hollywood Improv and the Comedy Store. Schultz returned to South Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now using South Florida as his base of operations, Schultz still headlines the top comedy clubs across the nation, but on Friday he’ll be performing at one of Fort Lauderdale’s best bars for comedy. Back from New York, Zach McGovern will feature, with Pauley McPaulerson, Zach Bugarin and Danny Fallon also slated to perform. Nileja produces and hosts this show, which on many weeks would have been the Applause Planner Pick of the Week. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10.
Steve Lamm – Sunday, Aug. 29, Monroe’s Red Light
Steve Lamm – and, we believe, his ukulele – headline this weekly show at Monroe’s Red Light. Jessie “Jpaw” Pawlish will feature, with Christopher Proia, Andrew Johnson and Allie Goodwich also scheduled to perform. Bobby Mac produces the show, which serves as a strong finish to a week of comedy, and also serves as host. The free show begins at 8:30 p.m. Be sure to bring your ID. They check everyone at the door.
