The month of October brings with it chilly weather, the onset of holiday shopping stress and the annual possibility that you will eat your weight in bite-sized candy. With all of this going on, you certainly deserve a night out to take your mind off of everything. Thankfully, the Philadelphia area has comedy offerings galore to keep you entertained. Here are 10 shows that are guaranteed to be heavy on the laughs and rare on the scares.
1. This Delinquent Life
Join local comedian Chris Stenta as he and fellow comedians discuss serious topics at this monthly show at Good Good Comedy Theatre in Chinatown. As the night wears on, the discussion promises to break down into “absolute chaos” that could very well involve the audience! Stenta will be joined by show regulars Bino Brogden and Gina Gibbons as well as LUMP Hamilton, Michael Kelly and Tommie Turner. This event also appears in podcast form every Tuesday night.
If You Go:
Oct. 1
10 p.m., $5
Good Good Comedy Theatre
215 N 11th St.
215-399-1279
goodgoodcomedy.com
2. Lewis Black
Ranting on everything from politics to modern day society, Lewis Black made a name for himself on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and has since branched out to success in movies, TV and of course, critically-acclaimed stand-up specials. See his unique on-the-edge-of-a-breakdown style live and in person at the Borgata in Atlantic City.
If you go:
Oct. 6 – 7
(Note: Oct. 7 is sold out)
9 p.m., $65-75
Borgata Music Box
1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ
609-317-1996
theborgata.com
3. Anxie-tease: A Mental health Burlesque
Join local comedians Libby Reindl and Shannon Fahey in this unique show that explores what goes on in the mind of Shelby. The character’s various thought processes and sexual awakenings will be brought to life by comedians and burlesque performers Liberty Rose, Rose Luardo, Molly Hanulec, Sean Devaney Sullivan, Michael Kelly, Rebekah Rickards, and Taylor Plunkett-Clements.
If You Go:
Oct. 10
8:30 p.m., $15
Good Good Comedy Theatre
215 N. 11th St.
215-399-1279
goodgoodcomedy.com
4. Vagina Strong Showcase & Book Signing
Local comedian and storyteller Cecily Alexandria recently self-published her first book, “Vagina Strong: Faith, Sex, and Life Through the Journey of a Virgin.” To commemorate the effort, she will be hosting a book signing, complete with a reading of excerpts from the book’s hilarious and personal pages. Joining her will be renowned area comedians Rachel Fogletto, LaTice and Belynda Cleare.
If You Go:
Oct. 17
7:30 p.m., Pay what you wish
Bourbon and Branch
705 N. 2nd Street
215-238-0660
bourbonandbranchphilly.com
5. Richard Lewis
With numerous stand-up specials and roles in such TV hits as “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Anything But Love,” Richard Lewis has been entertaining audiences since the 1980s. Catch him at Helium Comedy Club in Rittenhouse Square for one weekend only!
If You Go:
Oct.19 – Oct. 21
7:30 p.m. & 10 p.m., $25-38
Helium Comedy Club
2031 Sansom St.
215-496-9001
philadelphia.heliumcomedy.com
6. Nikki Glaser
Up-and-coming comedian Nikki Glaser has kept modern audiences laughing with her numerous TV appearances, including “@midnight” and “Not Safe With Nikki Glaser,” as well as roles in such films as “Trainwreck.” Catch her at Punch Line Philly, the city’s newest comedy club in Fishtown.
If you go:
Oct. 19 – Oct. 21
7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. & 10 p.m., $25-35
Punch Line Philly
33 E Laurel St
215-606-6555
punchlinephilly.com
7. Samantha Ruddy and Dina Hashem
For one night only, two of the national comedy scene’s hottest names will be in town on the same bill! Head on over to Good Good Comedy Theatre to catch the acts of Samantha Ruddy (Collegehumor, Reductress) and Dina Hashem (Comedy Central, The New Yorker).
If You Go:
Oct. 21
10 p.m., $10
Good Good Comedy Theatre
215 N 11th St.
215-399-1279
goodgoodcomedy.com
8. Michael Ian Black
Comedian, actor, and author Michael Ian Black has brought his signature deadpan, absurd humor to projects like “The State,” “Wet Hot American Summer” and even “Celebrity Poker Showdown.” For one weekend only, he will be gracing Helium Comedy Club in Rittenhouse Square.
If You Go:
Oct. 26 – Oct. 28
7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., $20-28
Helium Comedy Club
2031 Sansom St.
215-496-9001
philadelphia.heliumcomedy.com
9. Justify Your Love
Is a song or movie that is universally hated one of your guilty pleasures? Local comedian and storyteller T.J. Hurley forces his guests to not only reveal these titles, but also defend them against an ever-rotating panel of very “judgey judges” at this monthly show at Good Good Comedy Theatre.
If You Go:
Oct. 28
7 p.m., $10
Good Good Comedy Theatre
215 N 11th St.
215-399-1279
goodgoodcomedy.com
10. Tracy Morgan
Star of “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock,” nationally beloved comedian Tracy Morgan has made an impressive comeback since a near-fatal car accident in 2014. For one night only, he will bring his unique observational style and delivery to the Tower Theatre in Upper Darby.
If You Go:
Oct. 28
8 p.m., $48-75
Tower Theater
S. 69th St & Ludlow Streets, Upper Darby
610-352-2887
livenation.com
