BOCA RATON – As the Snowbird Season quickly approaches, the South Florida comedy scene is seeing some of its best rooms emerge from hibernation.
Two weeks ago, Jennifer Hellman’s Lettuce Laugh monthly shows at the Farmer’s Table in North Palm Beach awoke from their summer slumber.
This week, two other venues return – highlighted by one of the best places to see a show in all of South Florida.
The Sadman Comedy Speakeasy Lounge, located above Arturo’s Ristorante in Boca Raton, re-opens its doors on Wednesday with yet another impressive lineup. Frank Del Pizzo continues Sadman’s trend of placing Italian comics in one of the best Italian restaurants in South Florida.
Del Pizzo has appeared on American’s Funniest People and Comedy Central, and is a veteran of cruise ships. As a feature comic, he’s performed ahead of Damon Wayans, Drew Carey, Dom Irrera, Andrew Dice Clay, Sam Kinison and, earlier this year, Steve Trevino.
Local favorite Perry Sak will be the feature for this show, with David Sadman serving as host. There’s also the possibility of a special guest. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., with tickets costing $25.
The Applause Planner recommends arriving early to sample some of South Florida’s best pasta.
Applause Planner – Plan On It
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19
Improv Town Hall – Dania Improv, Dania Beach
This isn’t a show, but it still merits an appearance here. This is a free information session for comics looking to one day perform at any of the three South Florida Improvs. Comic/booker Jay Guy, Palm Beach Improv co-owner/general manager Rene Harte and comic/comedy instructor Ramon Garcia will give a presentation detailing what they are looking for when booking perspective comics. There will also be a question and answer session. For those interested in a comedy career, this is a must-attend event. The town hall begins at 6 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20
Crafts and Comedy – Brass Tap, Pembroke Pines
Nileja has produced quite a few solid shows of late. Here’s another. Gene Harding headlines this Broward County show, with Ryan Scott, Zach Bugarin, Josh Rosen and Ed Colbourne also scheduled to perform. Nileja will host the free show, which begins at 8 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21
Blue Jean Blues Comedy Show – Blue Jean Blues, Fort Lauderdale
Nik Macik is bringing one of South Florida’s favorite headliners to one of Fort Lauderdale’s better bars. Matt Bellak headlines this Thursday night show. Ginger Kelly, C-bas Mattar, Vincent Patierno, Jared Stein, Max Haubenstock, Orlando Gonzalez and Victoria Haig will also perform, with Macik serving as host. The free show begins at 8 p.m.
Dan Wilson – Biergarten, Boca Raton
David Sadman tapped Dan Wilson, a former performer at the Sadman Comedy Productions Arturo’s show, to headline for the first time at the Biergarten. John Loveless, Lee Beagleman, Drew Illa and Paul Perez are also on the bill, with Sadman hosting. This twice-monthly show always delivers a good time. Plus, what better place to celebrate Octoberfest than in a German restaurant? The free show begins at 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22
Esther Ku – Pompano Beach Brewing Company, Pompano Beach
The Pompano Beach Brewing Company is another venue bringing back comedy following a summer hiatus. Charly Esturilho remains the producer and host of this show, booking Esther Ku to headline. Hennessy Williams, David Sadman and Ryan Scott round out a strong lineup. The free show begins at 8 p.m. Try the milk stout.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22 – SUNDAY OCTOBER 24
Gilbert Gottfried – Dania Improv, Dania Beach
Owner of one of the most distinctive voices in comedy, Gilbert Gottfried has been headlining shows nationally since the 1980s. He’ll bring his angst-ridden whine to the beautiful new Dania Improv for four shows over three days (two shows on Saturday). Tickets are $25.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23
Matt McClowry – Sunrise Theatre, Fort Pierce
First time headliner Matt McClowry, who’s appeared on Fox Laughs and Live at Gotham, is heading to one of South Florida’s best venues for comedy. Originally from Detroit, McClowry was voted “Best Local Comic” by the Metro Times. Casey Peruski and Spaz McGoorty are also scheduled to perform. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are $20.
For a complete listing of this week’s shows, visit the Applause Break Events calendar.
