There’s never a common theme to the shows at the annual New York Comedy Festival, which returns Friday and runs through Nov. 15 at sites throughout the city. But it’s diverse enough that there’s probably something for your taste. Here are a few options.
Marc Maron: Yammering Into the Void Tour
Sunday, Beacon Theater
Remember him? Neurotic Jewish guy? Had a podcast? If you miss hearing him every week on “WTF,” fear not: He’s back in town telling jokes, surely having something to say about the current political moment.
Ms. Pat
Friday, the Venue on Music Row at Hard Rock Hotel New York
Sitcom star, storyteller and stand-up, Ms. Pat has the vivid persona and broad jokes of a comedian from an earlier era, albeit one a little too raunchy for network television. She’s a killer live.
Olivia Carter
Friday, Bell House
She didn’t win Kevin Hart’s comedy contest “Funny AF,” but by getting to the final four and showcasing her deft joke writing, Carter raised her profile in a way that’s more important than that. Could she have filled the Bell House before that show? Unclear. But she is poised for stardom now.
Connor Ratliff Presents the Acting Class
Nov. 12, Upright Citizens Brigade Theater,
The Gifted Upright Citizens Brigade satirist Connor Ratliff proved his chops in his long-running talk show by spoofing the film director George Lucas. Ratliff takes on another ripe showbiz target — acting teachers — in this solo improv show.
Dane Cook: ‘Funny Money’
Nov. 15, the Venue on Music Row at Hard Rock Hotel New York
There are far too many by-the book documentaries about comedy these days. This one is different. Instead of a highlight reel doubling as an advertisement, this movie tells the thorny story of how Cook’s brother stole millions of dollars from him — and the comic’s attempt to understand what happened and find some resolution, if not justice.
Eddie Pepitone
Nov. 11, Union Hall
Seeing this stand-up stalwart in a small room is one of the great pleasures in comedy. It won’t take long for him to interrupt a barreling, propulsive rant to pick apart his environment, the reaction of the crowd and most of all, himself.
Red Bastard
Nov. 14, Brooklyn Comedy Collective
If you aren’t sick of clowns by now, this provocative, spiky veteran has been pushing buttons since long before clowning was cool.
Dropout Improv
Nov. 13, Kings Theater
Long-form improv comedy was not supposed to translate to television. That’s what people thought. Then the streaming service Dropout starting presenting popular shows that leaned heavily on improv. Here’s an opportunity to see a bunch of its regular players (including Jacob Wysocki and Kurt Maloney) perform live.
Jordan Jensen: The Wet Hug Tour
Nov. 12, Beacon Theater
For this festival, I favor seeing the out of town comics who don’t work as often in New York. But I’d make an exception here because Jensen has been delivering hilarious sets this year. Sharp premises, clever delivery, a little reckless.
Dave Chappelle: ‘Karmageddon’
Friday and Saturday, Madison Square Garden
Prepare to lock up your phones for his new show, “Karmageddon,” which, judging by past major appearances, should be packed full of surprise guests, from both the musical and comedy worlds.
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