Page 352 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - New York City
P. 352
350 TR A VELERS ’ NEEDS
Comedy, Cabaret, and
Literary Events credit cards. Cabaret aimed at
a predominantly gay scene
From Jack Benny and Woody Allen to Chris Rock and Jerry can be found on pages 348–9.
Seinfeld, New York has spawned almost as many comics as Triad, on the Upper West
it has jokes about itself, including the requisite quips: on Side, hosts a variety of shows,
crime – “In New York crime is getting worse. When I was there from standup comedy
the other day, the Statue of Liberty had both hands up”; and, and burlesque to modern
cabaret acts. A mixed crowd,
on driving – “Always look both ways when running a red light.” including the talented staff,
Comedy is a cut-throat business here. This is good news for croons along at Brandy’s
punters, because it means that no matter what comedy club Piano Bar, on the Upper
you walk into, you’ll be crying with laughter. NYC is also a East Side, while the “long
consummate romancer, judging by its plethora of classic distance hummer” award
cabarets and lounges. An unforgettable New York experience goes to the late Bobby Short,
who played his piano for over
is to be serenaded by a lounge singer in a dusky piano bar. 25 years at the Café Carlyle
New York also boasts a booming literary scene, with superb in the Carlyle Hotel. Now
weekly readings and lectures. Woody Allen plays there on
select Mondays with Eddy
Davis’s New Orleans Jazz
Comedy Showcases improvisation on various days Band. Also in the Carlyle is
Many of New York’s best of the week. Bemelman’s Bar, with its
current comedy clubs or Many of the UCB’s weekly whimsical murals; it attracts
showcases have evolved from late shows are free. The a relaxed crowd who enjoy
earlier “improvisational” comedy. Gotham Comedy Club, in the firstclass crooners.
Part of the allure of New York Flatiron District, presents a Ars Nova, in Hell’s Kitchen,
comedy clubs is that you wide range of comics in an is an informal, anything
never know who might get elegant setting. Comic Strip goes cabaret where you
behind the mic to deliver their Live, on the East Side, has may see show tunes and
spiel. Anyone from Louis C. K. hosted a slew of talent, experimental comedy, and
and Roseanne Barr to Chris Rock including Eddie Murphy, and has attracted the likes of Liza
could show up. A word of continues to introduce many Minnelli and Tony Kushner.
caution: if you don’t want to new comics to the scene. The For a memorable evening
be singled out and made fun basementlevel Comedy Cellar of song and music, head to
of, sit away from the stage. in Greenwich Village presents Feinstein’s/54 Below, in
Many of the larger comedy a nightly lineup of new and Midtown West, where top
clubs offer meals, and at the established comics. Also good oftheline performers
more popular clubs, it’s always are Stand-Up NY and New York entertain an appreciative
a good idea to make reser Comedy Club, which offer crowd. Near the Flatiron, the
vations to ensure admission. multiple comedy shows a Metropolitan Room’s intimate
Leading the comedy club night, as well as reasonably performance space hosts a
pack is the Broadway Comedy priced cocktails. The West wide range of shows,
Club in the Theater District, End Lounge and The Laugh including cabaret acts and
which has formed from a Factory are also good value. international jazz artists.
merger of Chicago City Limits The biggest names often play
and NY Improv. As the city’s multiple nights at places such Literary Events
largest club, it draws big as The Theater at Madison
names nightly. Caroline’s also Square Garden and Radio City and Poetry Slams
has bigname comics perform Music Hall. As the birthplace of some of
in elegant surroundings. The the greatest American writers,
famous catchphrase of the from Herman Melville to
bugeyed New York comedian Classic Cabarets and Henry James, and the adopted
Piano Bars
Roger Dangerfield was “I home of countless others,
get no respect,” but judging Cabarets are a New York New York City has long been
from the lasting fame of his institution, synonymous with a writer’s city. The literary
Dangerfield’s Comedy Club, times gone by. Such cozy, just tradition is celebrated through
which draws top acts from forlistening places are often out the year, with readings
around the country, he seems called “rooms” and are located and talks that take place at
to have gotten a fair amount in hotels. Most operate from bookstores, libraries, cafés,
of respect after all. The Upright Tuesday to Saturday (usually and community centers
Citizens Brigade Theatre has with a cover charge or a drink across the city. Read ings
sassy, Chicagostyle minimum), and most take are usually free, but expect
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