Familiar faces from television, touring headliners and local talent are all part of the comedy offerings this weekend. It's another week with a full, healthy stand-up schedule. So don't get lazy and just sit at home. Get out and start laughing at live entertainment.
Here are your best bets:
CL Pick: Jim Breuer at The Straz Center. Breuer provides a varied comedic experience to the delight of his many fans. Who else can go from stand-up comedy to a spot-on impression of your favorite heavy metal band? It's a one-man show, but there will be plenty of characters on display Saturday night. Showtime is Saturday at 7:30 p.m. $25-$35. 1010 N. MacInnes Place in Tampa. Info: StrazCenter.org or 813-229-7827.
Comedy Clubs
CL Pick: Al Romas at Tampa Improv. Romas has more than a quarter-century in the business and recently released a book about his experiences called "How About a Hand for the Next Guy." On stage, the "Best of the Bay" winner will supplement his own clever material with audience interactions that often steal the show. Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m. $10. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
CL Pick: Anthony Jeselnik at Tampa Improv. Jeselnik's deadpan approach netted him his own Comedy Central show and a multitude of fans. He brings his intelligent misdirections to Tampa Improv for a run of special engagement shows this weekend. 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. $25. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Gary Conrad at Tampa Improv. Conrad's comedy hypnosis show puts volunteers into unusual situations, to the delight of the audience. It's not long before the power of suggestion is producing plenty of laughs. Showtime is Sunday at 7 p.m. $10. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: ImprovTampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Andy Woodhull at Side Splitters. With an understated presence, Woodhull proves himself to be an effective storyteller. His act isn't really a setup-punchline format; it's more about building layers of absurdity and creating a steady rhythm of humor from them. Showtimes are Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. $10-$16.50. 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Info: SideSplittersComedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Scott Novotny at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Novotny has an animated personality and a good sense of timing. His stand-up set covers a variety of topics. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $12. 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: SnappersGrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Dave Heenan at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Heenan looks like he could be an old-school politician in the fashion of Tip O'Neill (remember him?), but he's actually a skilled comedian. He delivers a straight-forward set of premises and punchlines. 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.
Carmen Ciricillo at Coconuts Comedy Club (at MJ's). Ciricillo doesn't perform with a hard hat, but the "Construction Comic" provides plenty of blue-collar laughs with the no-nonsense attitude of a general contractor and the comic timing of an experienced stand-up vet. Showtime is Sunday at 8 p.m. 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Info: CoconutsComedyClubs.com or 727-360-5653.
CL Pick: Steve Arik at 2 Palms. Arik doesn't use clean material, isn't clean-cut and isn't politically correct. But he definitely is funny, with a knack for finding the humor in sex, smoking and other naughty habits. 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.
