UPDATE – Nov. 23, 9:10 a.m.: Tonight’s Dania Improv Turkey Contest has been canceled. The Palm Beach Improv Turkey Contest will continue as scheduled.
DELRAY BEACH – The shortened week caused by the Thanksgiving holiday isn’t affecting the number of quality South Florida comedy shows.
If anything, there appears to be more shows packed into fewer days.
The most fun of those shows occur simultaneously in two different places.
Every year local Improvs hold their Turkey Contest, in which comedy newbies vie for first place prizes of $100 and the coveted frozen Turkeys.
Yeah, but they are fledgling comics, so is the comedy any good? Honestly not all of it is, but that’s to be expected. But some of the comedians rise to the occasion. Last year Seetha the won first-ever Dania Improv Turkey Contest. This year he earned a spot in the Florida’s Funniest Comedian semifinals. In the span of a year, he’s become one of South Florida’s busiest comics.
The contests at the Palm Beach Improv and Dania Improv were originally scheduled for separate nights, but Hurricane Nicole bumped the Nadeem Awad and Friends show back a week, forcing the PB Improv to then push its Turkey Contest to this Wednesday.
Comics wishing to compete need to bring 10 guests, otherwise they won’t be allowed to take the stage. Those guests receive free admission, but there is a two-drink minimum per guest. Showtime for both shows is 8 p.m.
The only question remaining: Will the turkey thaw in time for dinner the next day?
APPLAUSE PLANNER – Plan On It
FRIDAY, NOV. 25, 2022
Bret Ernst – Farmer’s Table, Boca Raton
The Florida return of quasi-native Bret Ernst is always highly anticipated. This show figures to be one of best of the year. Ernst, a veteran comic with a recurring role in the Netflix series “Kobra Kai,” headlines the Lettuce Laugh show that also includes local favorite Nadeem Awad. After a couple years of holding the Lettuce Laugh shows in North Palm Beach, show producer and host Jen Hellman is moving the series back to the original Boca Raton location. One aspect that’s not changing – the show still benefits her Comics Crushing Cancer charity. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $30. It’s a great way to start the holiday season.
Brewhouse Comedy Show – The Brewhouse Gallery, Lake Park
Fresh off two sold-out nights where he recorded a forthcoming comedy special, Danny Fallon is ready to take the stage at the Brewhouse and show why he’s ready for his next comedy chapter. Freddy Finnerty and Corey Cognac are also scheduled to perform, with producer Daniel Ferrer serving as host. The Brewhouse is offering happy hour prices on craft beers. There will be a food truck or a restaurant to order from and the walls are filled with awesome paintings from local artists. The 9 p.m. show is free.
FRIDAY, NOV. 25 – SUNDAY, NOV. 27, 2022
Marlon Wayans – Dania Improv, Dania Beach
A little more than a year ago, the Dania Improv booked Marlon Wayans as the headliner for its opening weekend. It was a smashing success. Now Wayans returns for a Thanksgiving weekend performance as part of his The Microphone Fiend tour. Wayans is an actor, producer, comedian, writer and film director. His films have grossed more than $736-million in domestic box office and $1-billion in global box office. As a stand-up comedian, he is selling out nationwide and adding shows every weekend. Wayans performs twice on Friday and Saturday, with an additional show on Sunday. Tickets are $45.
SATURDAY, NOV. 26, 2022
Tom Segura – Seminole Hard Rock Casino, Hollywood
Actor, comedian and writer Tom Segura recently performed to sold-out audiences on his Take It Down tour, hitting more than 100 cities. He is best known for his Netflix specials “Ball Hog” (2020), “Disgraceful” (2018), “Mostly Stories” (2016) and “Completely Normal” (2014). Paste Magazine described him as, “having a natural and capable storytelling ability, one that lifts his narratives out of average anecdote fare and plants them firmly in hilarious ground.” Ticket prices for the 8 p.m. show begin at $45.
To view a complete listing of South Florida comedy shows, visit the Applause Break Events page.
