The Living Room Show

January 27th, 2012!

2012-01-24T18:06:00.000-05:00

It's the second show of 2012 and we're continuing with more never-before-seen at The Living Room comedians. As a special treat Abbi won't be the only Crutch at the show. Luke broke his ankle and will be performing on crutches of his own.

Damien Lemon as seen on Comedy Central

Tracy Marhal from the Spare Change Comedy Tour

Dan Hirshon from the Boston and Las Vegas Comedy Festivals

1/13/12: The New Year at The Living Room with ALL NEW LINEUPS!

2012-01-09T12:14:00.001-05:00

We're back Friday January 13th at 8PM to celebrate 2012 with a month of ALL-NEW lineups never before seen at The Living Room!

Nikki Glaser from NBC's Last Comic Standing and The Tonight Show!

John Moses from The Great Canadian Laugh Off and Sirius/XM Radio

Erik Bergstrom author of "Grimmer Tales" and contributing cartoonis to The New Yorker

with a guest set from Koretta Gray

December 9th is the 100th Living Room!

2011-12-06T14:38:00.001-05:00

Come celebrate the holidays in a special way this year! It is not only our Annual Christmas Show but ALSO it is the 100th Living Room Show EVER! This is the last show of 2011 too! It's going to be a blast.

Check out this amazing lineup:

Arden Myran from MadTV

Pat Dixon from Comedy Central

J-L Cauvin from The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

Cody Hess from Supermango

The Halloween Scare-avaganza 6!

2011-10-25T14:25:00.000-05:00

Wear a costume to the October 28th show and you could win a prize!

Joining us this week is:

Host of Honor Pat O'Shea - Vh1

Seaton Smith - Montreal Just for Laughs Comedy Festival

Adam Cozens - Lopez Tonight

visiting from Indianapolis, Courtney Kay Meyers - Comcast On Demand

and a character from Keisha Zollar - Upright Citizen's Brigade

The October 14th show is HOT!

2011-10-11T11:40:00.001-05:00

Host of Honor John Garrett - The Bob and Tom Show

Leo Allen from Comedy Central and SNL

Wil Sylvince from Comedy Central and BET's Comic View

Miguel Dalmau a finalist in NBC's Standup For Diversity 2011

Special guests Clayton Carrick-Leslie from New Zealand

and Amaya Perea from Los Angeles, Cali-forn-i-A

Also, for the first time ANYWHERE is Alistair Crompton! (And yes, that is the most British sounding name ever)

September 23rd, 2011 Lineup!

2011-09-16T16:56:00.001-05:00

Joining Luke and Abbi are:

Host of Honor: Nore Davis from MTV

Hari Kondabolu from Comedy Central Presents and Jimmy Kimmel Live

Kyle Fincham from The View and Sirius/XM Radio

Keisha Zollar from Adult Swim and Upright Citizen's Brigade

We're BACK! TLR returns for Season 6 Premiere!

2011-09-09T20:00:00.000-05:00

Joining Abbi and Luke are:

Host of Honor Katina Corrao from Comedy Central, Letterman, and Conan

Mike Dobbins an Andy Kaufman Award Nominee

Leah Bonnema is One of Huffington Post's "Favorite 53 Female Comedians"

Josh Rabinowitz from College Humor and Louie

Chesley Calloway from the NY Underground Comedy Festival

A Very Living Room Christmas -December 10th at 8pm!

2010-12-10T11:53:00.008-05:00

As a special Christmas Gift to you we're giving you the hottest line-up in New York City!

From Comedy Central Presents and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson - Pat Dixon

From this season's Last Comic Standing on NBC and Comedy Central's Premium Blend - Carmen Lynch

From HBO and Showtime's White Boyz in the Hood - David Foster

From Late Night with Jimmy Fallon - Andy Haynes

Visiting from L.A. - Lianna Carrera

and improv from the P.I.T.'s own - The Baldwins

It's Thanksgiving at The Living Room!

2010-11-11T15:28:00.007-05:00

Check out this great show on November 12th at 8pm!

Host of Honor Pat O'Shea

David Cope

Ruhbin Mehta (in the tiniest picture we could find)

Mike Recine

Coming up - Halloween Scare-avaganza 5!

2010-10-25T15:19:00.001-05:00

Scaring up a good time this week is:

Host of Honor, Rick Younger

David Angelo

Jenna Brister

Dave Waite

and a character from Harry Terjanian

September 24th's Lineup!

2010-10-25T15:12:00.000-05:00

Your Host of Honor, Elon James White

Pat Dixon
- Comedy Central Presents

Leah Bonnema
- WeTV

DJ Dangler
- Seen in clubs all over America

Season 5 Premiere September 10th!

2010-10-25T15:08:00.001-05:00

We return this Friday, September 10th at 8pm!

The Lineup is awesome, and as always FREE!

Joining us is this week is:

Keith Alberstadt (Letterman)

Rick Younger (The Today Show)

Calise Hawkins (Last Comic Standing)

Sam Morril (2010 Comix March Madness Champion)

and sketch from Matt and Katina (Verizon Cable Guy and Vh1's Best Week Ever)

Show 62

2009-09-25T11:28:00.010-05:00

September 25, 2009

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

Luke welcomed viewers to the sixty-second show!

Host of Honor Kevin McCaffrey

Aparna Nancherla

Sketch by Luke Thayer

Soce the Elemental Wizard

Abbi Crutchfield

Chris James

David Lee Nelson

Winner of the Funniest Comedian of All Time Award: Aparna Nancherla!

Show 58: The Write Stuff

2009-05-22T15:00:00.009-05:00

Photography by Alex Erde and Marianne Ways*

We had some amazing writers drop in for our show!

Abbi and Luke welcomed viewers to the fifty-eighth show.

Host of Honor Jennifer Grant

Leo Allen

Mike Blejer

Luke Thayer as Archie Griffin

Kristeen VonHagen

Abbi Crutchfield

Luke Thayer as Louise Goldfarb

Luke Cunningham

Adam Newman

*For more information on our guest photographers please visit their websites!
Alex Erde
Marianne Ways

Show 57: Return to Oz

2009-05-13T15:01:00.011-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

Abbi and Luke are back from their honeymoon and ready to make you laugh.

Host of Honor Harry Terjanian

Abbi Crutchfield as the Swine Flu

Dave Angelo

Luke Thayer

Abbi Crutchfield as Tracie Thoms

Saara Dutton

Dave Angelo wins Funniest Comedian of All Time Award!

Show 56: Adios Bachelorhood

2009-04-10T11:56:00.008-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

This was the last show before Abbi and Luke got hitched! They bid singledom adieu with a little help from their friends.

Host of Honor Josh Homer introduced the following lineup:
Ryan Hamilton
Joselyn Hughes
Sean Patton
Abbi Crutchfield
sketch by Harry Terjanian
With special guest appearances by marriage coach Jay Jordan Gilbert and underground blogger Danny Kaye-Ward with the news.

Abbi and Luke welcomed viewers to the fifty-sixth show and pondered what their marriage would mean for their working relationship. Things could be different. Or exactly the same.

Josh Homer returned as host and this time as a new dad! He talked about how much he hates the Tyra Banks show. It's a Mr. Mom thing.

Ryan Hamilton was back from the road to tell tales of how being from Idaho confuses people. Mainly people not from Idaho.

Man of Many Hats that he is, Harry Terjanian visited, this time as Christopher Walken who analyzed the myriad impersonations of himself in an oh-so-important PSA.

Joselyn Hughes had everyone's attention as she spoke about holiday party bloopers and run-ins with shady characters proving that every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings...and a girl gets hit on.

The Living Room was proud to welcome Sean Patton for his debut! He captivated us with the message of the era: Broke pimpin’ ain’t easy.

Snarky blogger Danny Kaye-Ward wouldn't let you hear the news without putting down all the celebrities that weren't in it first.

Grinning with no idea of what she was getting herself into, Abbi Crutchfield gave her last performance as a single woman and talked about--what else?--being engaged.

Right on Abbi's heels to correct her of all her misconceptions about matrimony was Jay Jordan Gilbert, the married counselor who has never been married.

The Funniest Comedian of All Time this episode was noneother than Ryan Hamilton! Ryan will never have a dull moment thanks to his bunny blow darts and fart putty.

Enjoy your pastel-colored candy-coated almonds wrapped in tulle and then come see us for our wedded return on May 8th!

Show 55: Big Changes

2009-03-29T15:21:00.010-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

With a wedding on the horizon for the co-producers, this show was about rolling with the big changes life brings us.

Host of Honor Dave Lester introduced the following lineup:
Brendan Fitzgibbons
Yannis Pappas
Luke Thayer
Elon James White
Mike Dobbins

With a sketch by Abbi Crutchfield and a special guest appearance by Erykah Badu with the news.

Abbi and Luke welcomed viewers to the fifty-fifth show and then Luke stepped aside to let Abbi work on her crowd work. It's still as uncomfortable as ever.

Past funniest Comedian of All Time winner and new father of twins Dave Lester took the stage and told us all why he loves Target.

Brendan Fitzgibbons talked about the country's big change and shared his thoughts on the Obama administration. Like how hot the First Lady is.

Abbi Crutchfield changed her M.O. and gave us her third installment of her Fake One-Woman Show, this time re-living the chilliness of office icebreakers.

Yannis Pappas made a big change by making his debut to the show! He gave an in-depth analysis of drug use the likes you might find in a Paul Haggis film starring Michael Douglas.

Luke Thayer took his turn and told us how he needs his space, especially now that he's about to get married.

Elon James White hates going to weddings and spent most of his set warning Luke. His big change is his diet, resulting in a more svelt, angry man.

Erykah Badu emerged from the shadows to give us the scoop on where she's been and what she's been badu-in.

Mike Dobbins treated us all to his particular brand of comedy, giving us the skinny on catty goats. The big change comes from the crowd as each member cracks up at different times.

Don't call it a comeback, the Hat of Chance elected Elon James White the Funniest Comedian of All Time! He can stay fresh and so clean with his new soap on a rope!

Wash up for our next show on April 10th! It's the only show for the entire month, so make sure to wish Luke and Abbi well as they get married at the end of April!

Show 54: Preaching to the Choir

2009-03-13T22:48:00.010-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

Get out your tambourine and paper fans, it's time to congregate for another fun Living Room show!

Host of Honor Jon Lang introduced the following lineup:
Mark Normand
Abbi Crutchfield
Sagar Bhatt
Keith Alberstadt
a character by Ann Carr

With special guest appearances by Kirk Cameron and Paul Lynde!

Abbi and Luke welcomed viewers to the fifty-fourth show while Abbi tried desperately not to let Luke reveal it was Friday the 13th. She was afraid of the negative repercussions of saying it out loud. Then she was dragged to hell by the shadow monsters from Ghost in a horrifying homage to a 20 yr old reference.

Jon Lang hosted our show for the first time and took special care to get to know everyone in the room. He spoke on his religious parents and memories of church: spacing out and having pie.

Kirk Cameron visited for the first time, and fortunately did not have time to preach on evolution. Instead he gave us a sermon on a good marriage. Abbi took notes.

Mark Normand made his debut on the show and, like Jon, also talked about early parental influences. He has the world's greatest dad with the world's worst habit.

Abbi Crutchfield shared her traumatic trip to the gynecologist which resonated with none of the men in the room.

Sagar Bhatt believes in fate, looks stuff up on Wikipedia and makes calls from baggage claim. Somehow he tied all of those normal scenarios with being creepy. And Luke could relate.

Blast from the past Paul Lynde took center square--er stage--to gives us the news, according to his People-magazine perspective.

Keith Alberstadt is back from Nashville and tells us what he's got against catfish.

Ann Carr returns with another brilliant character performance, this time as Luke's sweatshirt-clad aunt Marilyn. Maybe she can get them a deal at her job at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

He had his first time on our stage and he was instantly selected by the Hat of Chance as this week's Funniest Comedian of All Time! Give Sagar Bhatt a hand! Now give him a hand bag!

Get your things ready for our next spring show on March 27th!

Show 53: Award-Winners

2009-02-27T19:14:00.004-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

Nothing but the stars on this post-Oscar show!

Host of Honor J-L Cauvin introduced the following lineup:
Isaac Landfert
Phil Murphy
Baratunde Thurston
Luke Thayer
Katina Corrao

With special guest appearances by Halle Berry and singer M.I.A. with the news.

Abbi and Luke welcomed viewers to the 53rd show by reminding viewers they are getting married in 2 months! Then they fought over whose name Abbi will take. She likes "Depp" or "Diggs".

Back for his fifth visit to the show, J-L Cauvin is no stranger to celebrity-life. He's already been on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson!

Isaac Landfert made his debut on the show and discussed life as he makes his way toward 30. Just a baby in movie producer years.

Academy Award-winner Halle Berry made a public service announcement about injustice in the world, including Mickey Rourke's missing Oscar.

Phil Murphy celebrated his first time on the show, discussing sports and the people who are obsessed with them.

The Onion's Baratunde Thurston rallied the crowd with tales and slides of his experience on CNN.

Did somebody say awards show? The woman who rocked the Grammy's with her pregnant-bellied rap came on our show to give us her postpartum take on the current events.

Don't take it personally Tommy Lee Jones, but Luke Thayer says old people have no purpose at the gym. No Country for Old Men reference, one year later!

Katina Corrao knows all about major events, and shared with us her wacky Convention Center antics.

Isaac Landfert became the Funniest Comedian of All Time! He'll have no trouble singing the blues with these colorful plastic harmonicas. Jam on!

Spring is marching in like a lion, so come help us tame it at our next show March 13th!

Show 52: Anti-Valentine's Day Show!

2009-02-13T17:18:00.012-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

A holiday that makes people feel guilty stinks! So we decided to joke about it. Forget sweet nothings--the walls were adorned with mean somethings; candy hearts with all the messages you've been itching to give your admirer.

Host of Honor Dan Fontaine introduced the following bitter lineup:
Abbi Crutchfield
Jena Friedman
Barry Rothbart
Helen Hong
a sketch by Camp Wayne

With special guest appearances by Joaquin Phoenix and Bradley Winford, Crisis-Survivor!

Abbi and Luke welcomed viewers to the fifty-second show by temporarily calling off their engagement.

Dan Fontaine kicked off the show exploring unconventional names and the noisy kids that live above him.

Abbi Crutchfield took an uncomfortable walk down memory lane, telling a story of heartache in France, which gave new meaning to the term Les Miserables.

Jena Friedman confessed to being unlucky in love as early as the second grade. Kids can be so cruel. Especially when they grow up to be comedians.

As if he hadn't cause enough of a stir on The Late Show with David Letterman, Joaquin Phoenix stopped by to add more awkward pauses to live comedy shows.

Barry Rothbart popped in for a guest spot to teach us lessons in love from strangers and the crappy gifts they yield.

Bradley Winford, survivor of the miraculous flight 1549, came to relive his ordeal and sweep your leg.

Helen Hong returned to the show to speak on the trials and tribulations of online dating. And the bland doctors that lurk behind attractive profiles.

Josh Sankey and Jacob Mustian of Camp Wayne closed the show with a sketch about one man's love (and another man's fear) for Mrs. Butterworth.

The Hat of Chance is not picky about who it dates but definitely gives careful consideration to The Funniest Comedian of All Time. Jena Friedman was the winner! She can take stalking to a new level with this photo calendar of a random family's memories.

Forget your own problems, and get ready to relish celebrity anxiety from the Oscars at our next show February 27th!

Show 51: Inauguration Celebration

2009-01-23T19:20:00.011-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

It was a very special Living Room indeed! Every comic had a different reason to celebrate, and a new reason to hope (for laughs).

Host of Honor Mo Diggs introduced the following lineup:
Cesar Zamora
Claudia Cogan
Luke Thayer
Mike Drucker
and a reading by Kambri Crews

With special guest appearances by poet Elizabeth Alexander and flight attendant Lisa Hulvershorn.

Abbi and Luke welcomed viewers to the fifty-first show and celebrated new beginnings. A new president, a new year, and a new job search for Abbi. Luke gave her pointers, because he's a job-having know-it-all.

Mo Diggs rejoiced as host for the first time, and warned of the pitfalls of putting the moves on someone with comedy albums.

Cesar Zamora celebrated his first set on the Living Room show by discussing his Mexican heritage and other ethnicities he is not.

American poet Elizabeth Alexander read an alternate version of the poem she read at last Tuesday's presidential inauguration. Although it was mainly just an ode to steak, it was more interesting than her original reading.

Claudia Cogan also made her Living Room debut and shared her dreams of creating new words based on herself. Because she's humble.

Back from Mexico, Luke Thayer came to fill the room with the holy spirit! Or l'espiritu santo.

Survivor of the miraculous crash, flight 1549 flight attendant Lisa Hulvershorn celebrated her survival and shared her opinion on others making headlines. She doubted they were as lucky as she is.

Mike Drucker returned to the show, this time with anec dotes on growing up chunky and later being heckled by himself. Ouch! And hahahahaha.

Kambri Crews gave the show its first comedy reading, enjoying her freedom and recounting the dangers of smuggling Juicy Fruit to the wrong kind of guy.

Everyone had an amazing set, but Claudia Cogan was voted the Funniest Comedian of All Time! She'll have plenty of reason to go shopping so she can fill up her impostor Coach bag!

Get your girlfriend a knock-off and have her show it off at our Valentine's Day show on February 13th!

Show 50: Brand New Year

2009-01-09T15:49:00.033-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

While Luke had a gig in sunny Mexico, comics and audience were bundled up in New York to enjoy another installment of The Living Room!

Host of Honor RG Daniels introduced the following lineup:
Kevin McCaffrey
Hilary Schwartz
Corwin Moore
Brendan Fitzgibbons
Abbi Crutchfield
and a character by Steve Bossous

With a special guest appearance by Rosa Fiasco with the news!

Abbi welcomed viewers to the fiftieth show and thought she was accompanied by Luke, until the man removed his glasses to reveal he was Brendan Fitzgibbons! Shocked, Abbi realized the whole week long she had been making someone ELSE help her with chores.

RG Daniels wanted viewers to know he is not a morning person. Luckily he told us at night.

Hilary Schwartz discussed Jewish life for her first time on the show. Here's to many more tales of mother-induced woe.

Kevin McCaffrey let us know off the bat that he fights with Muppets like nobody's business. And makes a habit of being an irreverent Catholic. Just like Jim Henson.

No one knows current events like hairstylist Rosa Fiasco. Because when you've been cooped up in a salon all day, you know them a different way than everyone else does.

Living Room regular Brendan Fitzgibbons had a thing or two to say about New Jersey and his take on US Weekly. Both suck.

Abbi Crutchfield unleashed all of her impressions in one fell swoop, so wipe that Jack Nicholson smile right off your face.

The Militant Black Warrior treated us to some serious life lessons and scared everyone into laughing. Gotta have a hook.

Corwin Moore spent his first time on the show talking about life and making some hilarious Obama observations after the looong election. How long was it? Go see his act to find out.

Jermain Fowler made his debut and warned audience members of the dangers of visiting in Brooklyn. At least he lived to tell the tale.

The room was bursting with talent, and the Hat of Chance chose Brendan Fitzgibbons as the Funniest Comedian of All Time. He was awarded with America's favorite game of wooden blocks. America's second favorite game of wooden blocks: actual wooden blocks.

Get your "Welcome Home" sign ready for Luke's return on January 23rd!

Show 49: Holiday Wrap-Up

2008-12-19T10:36:00.010-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

It's the last show of the year! Can you believe it?

We invited everyone to come out and celebrate the festivities. And by festivities we mean the shabby garland we hang on the wall each year.

Host of Honor Mike Ennis introduced the following lineup:
Reese Waters
Stacia Jensen
Luke Thayer
Liam McEneaney
a sketch by Team Submarine
a comedy short by Tyler Flowers and Chris Maloney

With special guest appearance by Trudy Westwood, Casting Agent and a sketch by Abbi Crutchfield.

Abbi and Luke welcomed viewers to the forty-ninth show with an awkward exchange about holiday wear that ended with Abbi storming off. Luke called her back, and when she asked for an apology, he said, "I'm sorry that bit did not go well." Abbi introduced a short film by Chris Maloney and Tyler Flowers, called "Betrayal".

Tyler enjoyed his work again from the audience.

Mike Ennis enjoyed riffing on the art by kids that adorned the walls and talked about his family. Then he bought some for a suggested donation. Artwork, not family members.

Reese Waters returned to discuss the complexities of interracial dating. It's not just a black and white matter. Although sometimes it is.

Abbi returned for an updated version of the twisted sketch, "Baby It's Cold Outside, The Untold Story". Nothing like murder around the holidays. Right, Valkyrie?

Newcomer to the show Stacia Jensen explored the possibilities and implications of leaving New York City and the horrors of dry weddings.

His ears were burning, so Luke commented on his own potentially dry wedding. Think of the savings!

Trudy Westwood of Westwood Casting hears all of the news first, and she shared it with us. But first she coached comedian Brendan Fitzgibbons on how to read for a soup commercial.

Liam McEneaney returned to the Living Room to talk about his Irish heritage, and what it means to live by the Bible. Not related.

Closing out the show and making their Living Room debut, we had Nate Fernald and Steve O'Brien of Team Submarine who played a rousing game of Truth or Dare!

The award ceremony took an unusual turn...

Liam McEneaney was named the Funniest Comedian of All Time! But an audience voiced his need for his favorite performer to win "because she and I are the only people who smoke." So Stacia Jensen got the Smoker's Choice Award! So much for that New Year's resolution.

Get giddy for our next show on Friday January 9th, 2009! It's our fiftieth episode!

Show 48: Thank You for Being a Friend

2008-11-19T22:58:00.012-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

Whether new to the show or house favorites, every one of our performing friends brought his or her A-game, and it made for a spectacular Thanksgiving show, good enough to last the whole month!

Host of Honor Jeff Sussman introduced the following lineup:
Abbi Crutchfield
Dino Vigo
Margot Leitman
Dan St. Germain
a character by Thomas Middleditch

With special guest appearances by McCain campaign advisor Charles Eddy and Dietrich.

Abbi and Luke tried to out-orange each other for the holiday and welcomed viewers to the forty-eighth show by sharing tender, precious reasons they are thankful. Abbi's list was mostly romantic, and Luke's was mostly about stuff, but they could both agree on laxatives.

Jeff Sussman got us revved up for the new James Bond film and reminded us of why it's important to be good to your wait staff.

It seems like only eight minutes ago! Abbi Crutchfield came back on stage to celebrate the return of the biracial celebrity. It's never been a better time to wear black and white.

Don't call it a comeback. Political advisor to the McCain campaign Charles Eddy is in search of a new role. He offered up professional advice to celebrities making headlines today, but we're not sure it will help them much.

Marking his first time to the room, the hilarious Dino Vigo dispelled some rumors about his Hispanic heritage.

Also making her debut was the flaxen-haired storyteller Margot Leitman, We had as much fun as she did exploring the dawn of progressive cat-calls and the connection between laundry and a relationship's financial future.

Killing silence since the day he was born, the loud and opinionated Dietrich stomped onto the stage to list his THREE AND A HALF PEARLS OF WISDOM!

And what did the Germans in the audience think?

"Veddy Interesting. But dumb."

The young and impassioned Dan St. Germain marked his first time at the show decrying hot-headed strangers, aging beauty pageant contestants and pensive klansmen.

Closing out the show was the unique talent of 10 year old Kevin Evans, trying his hand at stand-up. He made sure to wear a skateboarding helmet for protection from hecklers.

It may have been the supafly leather coat--the Hat of Chance selected Dino Vigo as the Funniest Comedian of All Time!

Bring your lovely face and festive earrings to our holiday special, the only one for the entire month, on December 12th!

Show 47: 3rd Annual Halloween Scare-avaganza

2008-10-24T22:43:00.012-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

Trick or treat! Smell our feet. Give us something good to read! Here you go, kiddies. We asked NYC's finest comics to dress in costume and help us celebrate our third annual Halloween Scare-avaganza! Look who dropped in!

Host of Honor Barry Rothbart introduced the following lineup:
Charlie Kasov
Ben Kissell
Hasan McLendon
Luke Thayer
and a sketch by Delusions of Spandex

With special guest appearances by Michelle Obama and High School Musical's Corbin Bleu!

Abbi and Luke welcomed viewers to the forty-seventh show with lots of candy and then revealed their costumes to each other. Abbi pulled out two Emmy's to show she was Kathy Griffin, and Luke celebrated as a Puerto-Rican hair stylist.

Barry Rothbart starred as not only our host but as a Wall Street stock broker who took the news of the economy harder and harder as the night went on (and as his nose got powdery-er).

Charlie Kasov returned to the show to warn spectators of the scams run in exotic clubs.

A candid and celebratory Michelle Obama lost her composure several times while dissecting McCain's latest gaffes. Patience, Michelle!

Making his debut on the show, Ben Kissell wove a tale of made of funny jokes and references to underpants.

Marking his second appearance on the show, Hasan came back to tell it like it is.

Holy Disney sequels! High School Musical 3 had its premier the night of our show, and to celebrate and announce other stars making headlines, the Living Room welcomed Corbin "don't call me Cordon" Bleu!

Luke Thayer dazzled the audience with his dark curls and large set list on tiny stool.

Hello? Who is this? It's not a scene from Scary Movie, but it is a tale of revenge. It's another hilarious sketch by Delusions of Spandex to close the show.

The Hat of Chance selected Hasan as the Funniest Comedian of All Time! This ghastly collage with no eyebrows is sure to give him nightmares.

Party till it ain't October no more, then be thankful for all the hairs on your head at our Thanksgiving Special on November 14th! Only show for the entire month of November!

Show 46: You're Not From Around Here, Are You?

2008-10-10T15:08:00.018-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts not available for this show.

Our first show in October brought out the freaks! That is, the non-New Yorkers. The theme of being a transplant magically developed throughout the evening's performance. So get your dry ice and a cooler ready to read all about it! Transplant imagery...no good?

Host of Honor Nick Cobb introduced the following lineup:
Jared Logan
Jennifer Grant
Abbi Crutchfield
Dave Lester
a character by Harry Terjanian

With a special guest appearance by Harry Woodard and a special photo presentation by Abbi and Luke.

Abbi and Luke welcomed viewers to the forty-sixth show and revealed, during these politically saturated times, that they are split on who they want to be President. If only for the elected Vice President that either will be able to portray in later show episodes.

In addition to the producers being from Indiana, the hand-picked host of the evening Nick Cobb is from Tennessee.

He ruminated over the inadequecy of his friend's job-hunting skills. Don't we all? If not, that makes you the friend.

Jared Logan is also from the Midwest, albeit trendy Chicago, Illinois.

He explored a new take on old Christian practices. It was enough to make Kirk Cameron blush.

You just can't keep them from talking about it, Abbi and Luke returned to the stage to discuss their relationship.

This time with regard to their engagement photos and more importantly, the embarrassing photos of other recently engaged folks.

Jennifer Grant may be from Canada

but she still knows how to drink and date and regret it like an NYU student.

Don't bother him with news of Sarah Palin, it's the Alaska-accented Harry Woodard making his debut on the show.

He came to share his take on the current events and address but not explain the bolts in his neck. (Dramatization of actual character. Although we wouldn't put it past this guy having a bolt in the neck.)

Abbi Crutchfield strutted proudly around the stage while joking to show she had mastered the art of walking in stilettos without falling. We all remember how dangerous stiletto heels can be.

Dave Lester traveled from far and wide to talk about...wait a minute! He didn't travel. He's from here!

Okay, we snuck in one Brooklynite. But who else is going to teach us how to raise our kids? Everyone else we know uses time outs. Dave uses straight up revenge.

Hailing from...we don't know, but we'll guess Hilarioustown, Harry Terjanian

celebrated his debut on our show with a glimpse inside the mind of the man behind the marshmallow mouth.

As he told haunting tales of celebrities past, the combo of gummybears, mayonnaise and corn chips never made so much sense.

Too bad foreigners, the Hat of Chance favored locals tonight! Dave Lester became the evening's Funniest Comedian of All Time, winning the same life-size doll that was featured in our Living Room video "Doll-itis".

He's sure to have plenty of nightmares with that in his house.

Speaking of which, get your goblin and ghoul costumes ready! Our 3rd Annual Halloween-Scareavaganza on October 10th is not to be missed!

Prize for the best costume!

Photo credits:
thewvsr.com
afp.google.com
comedytennessee.com
comedycentral.com
funnybusiness.ca
iron-horse.us
blog.nj.com
stevegiralt.com
sphradio.com
entimg.msn.com

Show 45: The Great Debate

2008-09-28T16:31:00.010-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

It was a toss-up: watch the presidential debates on television or view live comedy and experience some of the great orators of our time! Fortunately we had a wise audience.

Host of Honor Emily Epstein introduced the following lineup:
Kyle Grooms
Ryan Conner
Phil Kessell
Wil Sylvince
Matt Ruby
Matt McCarthy
Luke Thayer

With a special comedy short and news segment by Abbi Crutchfield.

Something was missing this week as Luke welcomed the crowd to the forty-fifth show alone. Luckily Abbi was able to make some appearances via satellite, and our lineup of great comics helped ease the pain of not having the founding mother of Living Room comedy in the house.

Emily Epstein had to dig deep and use all her womanliness to balance out the unusually high level of testosterone on the lineup.

Unfortunately, Abbi was under the weather and had to deliver the news from home, as she was quarantined. Dollitis is a terrible thing to catch.

Kyle Grooms was preaching to the Park Slope choir and making them double over with laughs using his dead-on Barack Obama impression.

Ryan Conner let us know that living in The Garden State is not all roses.

Phil Kessell made his stand-up debut. Many of you have seen him helping out around The Living Room. Now you got to see him be funny!

Wil Sylvince showed us all why he's one of New York's hottest comics by keeping the crowd in stitches and capping it off with a little super hero action.

For the love of crazy names, The Living Room presented a comedy short about a conversation overheard in an L.A. Daycare. Click here to watch the video on youtube!

Matt Ruby hipped us on the musical side of comedy. Make sure you ask him how his is like jazz.

Matt McCarthy popped in to tell us the dangers of buying comic books on the streets.

Luke capped the night off with a talk about politics. He may not know much, but at least he knows he's right.

He did it again folks! Matt McCarthy walked away with the grandest of all comedic awards: The Funniest Comedian of All Time!

This is his fourth or fifth, and it's getting ridiculous. So he gets a pair of old flip-flops.

Fall is here! Be sure to put on a sweater before our next show Friday, October 10th!

Also watch for Abbi on the 2008 VH1 Hip Hop Honors!

Show 44: Dry Idea

2008-09-12T21:03:00.011-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

Not rain nor puddles nor drips nor drops could keep our crowd away from their comedy show! Okay maybe they popped in to dry off. But they came to the right place, because the room was cozy, and the jokes were fresh like biscuits from the oven.

Host of Honor Pat O'Shea introduced the following lineup:

Abbi Crutchfield
Lance Weiss
Michelle Buteau
Kumail Nanjiani
Jay Abbondanza
and musical comedy by Soce the Elemental Wizard

With special guest appearances by Andrew Warshack and Dr. Brains.

Abbi and Luke welcomed viewers to the forty-fourth show and debated over whether or not they're too young to get married. Abbi revealed she had cooties, and Luke promptly dumped her.

If anyone knows about age gaps it's Pat O'Shea who shared stories of his octogenarian mother. Maybe she's the one who taught him to get crotchety when folks ask him for directions.

Abbi returned to the stage to tie her love of The Parent Trap to her loathe of generic cereals.

Whether you love him! want him! need him! or not, visual artist Andrew Warshack shared his creative take on the current events. The delicious, scrumptious, irresistible current events.

Living Room regular and good buddy Lance rolled through to confess things he has done in the early stages of dating. His bravado balanced out his trips to Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Michelle Buteau enjoyed her first time on our stage by giving a shout-out to future black women in the White House and current Dutch men in her own house.

Don't ask him unless you REALLY want to know...The Living Room presented its first "Ask Dr. Brains" segment starring the very opinionated Dr. Brains. Tonight's dissertation was the biological reasons women aren't funny. Don't hate him for his smarts or his laminated diploma.

Kumail Nanjiani celebrated his debut with cake-- or at least jokes about it, and the wonderful wizardry performed by Food Network specialists.

Jay Abbondanza also graced the stage for the first time sharing his beef with Peruvians...or his ambivalence towards them.

Don't call it a comeback! Soce the Elemental Wizard visited us for the second time, but this round he came to throw down some of his illest rhymes. He became our first rap artist accompanied with music and only the second freestyler (preceded by Miss CKC) to masterfully close out the show. Celebrity Sighting: that's writer Thomas R. Pryor giving him a sitting ovation.

The Hat of Chance preferred brunettes tonight. Kumail Nanjiani became the Funniest Comedian of All Time! In our not-so-subtle hint, he receives the book McDuff Goes to School, about a foreign dog that learns to speak English.

Hey shy guy. Step out of the shadows and into the spotlight for our next show September 26th! We mean you Phil!

Show 43: Olympic Champions

2008-08-22T22:34:00.010-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

Just in time for the closing ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics, The Living Room celebrated an extraordinary league of comedy heroes. No fake fireworks were used in the production of this show.

Host of Honor Vince Averill introduced the following lineup:

Luke Thayer
Victor Varnado
Jacqueline Novak
Nore Davis
Ryan Hamilton

with special guest appearances by M.I.A. and feminist motivational speaker Dr. Erick Newberry.

Abbi and Luke welcomed viewers to the forty-third show by discussing which Olympic sport they would have chosen to master. Eating mashed potatoes is a lame choice, in life and in fantasy.

So nice, he visits twice, Vince Averill returned for a second time to the show! He smoothly executed all of his material and captivated the audience like a young Mary Lou Retton.

Luke Thayer returned to the stage to rehash defeats past from his childhood. He won the sympathy vote from the crowd.

No sport events are complete without musical talent, and we were lucky to have a visit from M.I.A. Even though she didn't sing Paper Planes, she revealed how she comes up with her unusual songs. And now we know why they're not mainstream.

Victor Varnado enjoyed his first time on the show, celebrating his prank-worthy good looks, the hope for a black U.S. president and condemning dishonest drug companies. His observation skills get a ten-point-oh!

Jacqueline Novak, (the Phelps of the show, for winning a record number of FCAT awards) explained the obsession behind such dance films as Step Up 2: The Streets.

Dr. Erick Newberry returned from a national tour to read the news and give China a piece of her mind for the gymnasts lying about their age. Women need to embrace themselves no matter their stage of life! Somehow she tied the lesson to Toucan Sam. Huh? We're just glad she's back.

Representing Yonkers, Nore Davis came all the way down to share the woes of an overly protective family--or just to hide out from his mom for a while. Coaches are tough.

Ryan Hamilton closed the show and holds the record for going the longest riffing on things around the room. From identifying the berries in his smoothie to taking Matt Sears' order from the counter,

Hamilton had the crowd in stitches providing a new look at the backdrop for the hour's previous performances.

The Hat of Chance deemed Victor Varnado the Funniest Comedian of All Time! He can't decide which niece or nephew he hates enough to give a used edition of the Cat and Mouse. Hey, it's a board game. Olympic games...Yes, we've had enough of the references too.

No! One more:

Bring your synchronized swimming partner to our next show September 12th!

Show 42: Crazy Eights

2008-08-09T12:32:00.017-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

The room was filled to capacity and all abuzz about The Living Room's return from its summer hiatus! It was 8/8/08, dubbed The Night of Crazy Eights, named after a card game that little people know about and fewer people play.

Host of Honor Matt Little skillfully introduced:

Amy Crossfield
Leo Allen
Abbi Crutchfield
Josh Homer
Mike Dobbins

with special guest appearances by Shock Therapy and Reverend Pastor Gardner.

Abbi and Luke welcomed viewers to the forty-second show and marveled at all of the amazing projects they've been able to accomplish during the break. From appearances on MTV to working with Olympic NBA all-stars, Luke had a lot to be jealous about. He balanced the scale with a screening of a hilarious short called Indecent Proposals (about the lengths the couple would go to for a Klondike Bar from Nick Cobb's sweaty pocket).

Matt Little regaled the crowd (or at least the couple on the couch that loved graphic novels) with stories of comic book heroism.

The pleasantly wry Amy Crossfield graced our stage for the first time and didn't hesitate to share her ambivalence towards friends with babies.

Money-centric but frugal thug Shock Therapy came out to give his take on the news, brag about his job at the movie theater and show off his dollar-store bling.

Abbi Crutchfield stepped to the mic to share stories of being raised by a single mom, growing up on cereal, and the dangers of wishing for Brian Regan to be your step-father.

Leo Allen also made his Living Room debut, professing the show's first public service announcement on the calamities that may ensue atop the Grand Canyon.

Returning to the show for his second time, Josh Homer shared good (?) news about being a father-to-be, and hope (?) for the future of a multi-racial child. Congratulations! Maybe.

Visiting theologian Rev. Pastor Gardner talked to us about uncomfortable subjects in his 3-Minute Sermon.

Mike Dobbins appropriately followed with stories of his creepy uncle, in many a different dialect.

He became a two-time champion when he received the Funniest Comedian of All Time award! Coincidentally, this paralleled the ending of our show the first time it returned from summer hiatus. There is no need for his alter egos to scare him now that he has a comforting teddy bear night light (C Batteries not included).

Get your security blanket and cuddle up at our next show August 22nd!

Show 41: Summer Send-Off

2008-05-24T00:29:00.014-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

Summer time summer time sum-sum-summertime! We kicked off Memorial Day Weekend with a bang! Get out your Kool-Aid pitcher and water wings, because we're gonna tell you about the refreshing and splashtastic show called a prelude to warm weather. FCAT Award-winner Ruhbin Mehta hosted:

Rachael Parenta
Andy Hendrickson
Luke Thayer
Jaime Martin
Ray DeVito

with special guest appearances by absent-minded movie mogul Connie LaSource and WNBC's foul-mouthed Sue Simmons.

Abbi and Luke welcomed viewers to the forty-first show and listed things they plan to do this summer. Unfortunately the show is taking a break for two months(ONE FLAG), but it will be back and better than ever by August 8th (SIX FLAGS!)

Ruhbin Mehta took the stage and told the harrowing tales of hours spent in foreign prisons for petty non-crimes.

Rachael Parenta returned, this time discussing dates and drinks...lots of drinks on said dates. And settling. And growing older. But also the positive outlook of supportive friends. Who knew she had so much in common with Sex and the City? Cute shoes!

Andy Hendrickson made his Living Room debut, and it was definitely worth the wait!

In the wake of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Hollywood screenwriter Connie LaSource fielded questions from her sequel-writing class in rainboots and with a bowl on her head. The she took a call on a banana and left. Write on!

Luke Thayer gushed over the joys of interracial dating and how they lead to interracial engagment. He just can't let it go.

The Living Room welcomed its first comedic spoken word poet Jaime Martin who took the invisible podium to preach a tribute to nerds. Two Wired magazine page-turning thumbs up!

Fresh out of anger-management classes, WNBC News Anchor Sue Simmons joined the show. She tried to repair her reputation of having sworn on live television by creating and reading "light-hearted comedy news". When the jokes fell flat, however, things got ugly. Old habits die hard.

Returning funnyman Ray DeVito intrigued us with musings on famous inventors' not-so-famous siblings.

His take on underachievers who see the glass of life half full inspired the Hat of Chance to select him as the Funniest Comedian of All Time!

He will play many a squealy tune on his new push-button xylophone.

An honorary prize was given to Jaime Martin for boldly going where no man had gone before.

He will spend hours racking up minutes on (or minutes chewing up bites of) his new banana phone!

So you didn't win the Indy 500. You can still zoom over to our very special one-night only performance of

Abbi and Luke: Character-Building
Sat June 7 8:00PM ($5)
Gotham City Improv
48 W. 21st Street
New York, NY 10010

And don't forget to come on back to Postmark and show us your postcards on
August 8th!

Show 40: The Announcement

2008-05-09T09:19:00.011-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

This was a very special Living Room show! Not only did it turn 40 (performances old), but the co-producers Abbi and Luke unveiled a secret they had been sitting on for three whole days:

They are engaged!

Some of you are saying, "I thought they were engaged years ago," or "I always figured they were brother and sister," or even "What is this? I was trying to get to The Living Room, the music venue". Hunker down, Partner, and read all about the fun surprises each performer revealed.

He's been there since the show started in 2006, and Matt McCarthy returned to lead the following lineup:

Ed Murray
Brent Sullivan
Abbi Crutchfield
Reese Waters
a sketch by Bacivo Nuggets

with special guests Jack Yu and Mark Helphenstein.

Matt confessed his trouble with spelling and the problem it poses to his artistic side.

Ed Murray pondered health insurance for starving artists and the reality of debt that's so close it's like family.

Chinatown merchant Jack Yu stopped by to sell us generic super hero toys and read us the news. For a white man adopted by a Chinese family, he sure knows how to insult a tourist.

Brent got audience participation to back him up on his crying problem. The same one he's had his entire life.

Abbi returned to the stage to reminisce on dating and dish about Barbara Walters' mild and crazy life.

The foremost George Michael impersonator in all of New York, Mark Helphenstein, took center stage to rock out to "Faith". Without his lucky pic, however, the song turned more into a rant session and a vendetta against Matt McCarthy.

Recent March Comedy Madness winner Reese Waters was our final stand-up of the evening and taught us about the difference among Duane Reades in each neighborhood.

For their first time on the show, the Bacivo Nuggets performed a sketch, a press conference whereby Dr. Seuss defends the private lives of storybook characters. Let's just say Rain Man had good reason to eat Green Eggs and Ham.

The Hat of Chance selected Reese Waters as the Funniest Comedian of All Time! A first-time recipient, he will hug his new figurine with pride.

Don't miss our next show on May 23rd, the final hurrah before our two-month summer break!

Show 39: Party Like It's 1990

2008-04-25T17:30:00.008-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

We had an informal theme of the 90's (so informal, none of the other comedians knew about it), and the show was radical!
Carolyn Castiglia was a big hit as the host and Honey, she shrunk these kids:

Randy Epley
Del
Luke Thayer
Polly Pyne
Josh Homer
and improv by I Eat Pandas (Glennis McMurray and Eliza Skinner)

with special guest Marybeth Goodwinn reporting the news.

Abbi & Luke opened the show, and Abbi was decked out in her Kids In The Hall t-shirt, her tribute to the 1990s. Luke tried to explain that they started in the 1980s. She argued that she watched them growing up, and they, like Karate Kid, are as 90s as The Brady Bunch.

Carolyn Castiglia was in on the bit and played a musical tribute to Wilson Phillips.

She then went over the absurdity of flashback pop-culture shows. "Remembering the '90s is like reminiscing about YESTERDAY." Then she and Abbi parodied Frangela for no other reason but to give crazy looks to the audience.

We welcomed Randy Epley to the show for his first time, and he regaled us with the woes of his childhood. Not in the '90s.

Making her public debut, Marybeth Goodwinn spoke on being the only black member of Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Then she alerted the room that their oracle is missing. If found please contact them at the eleventh wheat silo off Highway 10.

Del shook up the room with stories of relationships gone bad. Like Milli Vanilli.

Luke discussed the dangers of being lured into social work by posters that use reverse psychology.

Abbi returned with her fake one-woman show, "She-Lebrity", making a horrible attempt at accents and disguises. Here she is as J-Lo, nursing twins who only LOOK like cabbages in comparison to her beauty.

All the way from Europe, the lovely Irish lass Polly Pyne treated us to jokes and a workout regimen of 15 "press-ups"!

It was our first show with a toddler (Carolyn's), our first show featuring a girl in striped tights (Polly's), and our first to feature the quick wit of Josh Homer. He worked his magic by detailing "things that have happened in the show so far" and topped it off with the other stuff he's working on.

Completely having forgotten any notion of a theme for the show, Abbi shouted, "Pickles" as a suggestion for our very first visiting improv troupe, the immensely talented Glennis McMurray and Eliza Skinner of I Eat Pandas.

In a tiny space they created scenes of farmer's market sales-turned-one night stands, a park rendez-vous-turned-baby hunt, and a make-up refresher in a ladies room-turned-battle of the minds.

Perhaps it was this gift of invention that caused the Hat of Chance to randomly choose them as the week's winners! Listening to their Barbara Streisand record will inspire new improvised musicals with their pianist Frank Spitznagel!

Closing the show in her classic way, in such a manner that would make Queen Latifah proud, Miss CKC freestyle rapped while Abbi beatboxed.

Bring your Mom to our next show on May 9th, right before Mother's Day!

Show 38: Interracial Extra Special

2008-04-11T23:52:00.010-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

Emily Epstein hosted a splendid lineup:

Jay Nog
Abbi Crutchfield
Lance Weiss
Elon James White
Kyle Fincham
a sketch by Delusions of Spandex

With special guest Chef Pepe Le Mans, and an exclusive sketch by Luke and Abbi!

Abbi and Luke opened the show with observations about interracial unions. Observations in the form of an improvised musical that made Luke uncomfortable.

Emily Epstein picked up where Abbi left off remarking about her own couple with a comedian of color. She is committed though. She lives in Bed-Stuy.

Jay Nog took the mic and never mentioned the race of his girlfriend. Just the benefits of an alias and the cruelty of kids.

Chef Pepe Le Mans (et oui, that Le Mans!) hosted a brief cooking show while giving us our current events between chopped vegetables. A few peas, a few carrots...

and voila! A coffee cake.

Abbi returned to the scene of her hate crime (having earlier accused guests of having pasty, white kids), and bared her soul, stand-up style. Philosophizing on the true value of a Greyhound dog, a bearded friend and a Morgan Freeman.

Lance Weiss is back at The Living Room to confide in the audience about his tattoo desires and his fear of flying...when the plane is repaired by morons.

Like Ashford and Simpson, Luke and Abbi worked together to make magic. Friends Teri and Ramon discuss their friend Antonio's confession of being straight, and decide how they feel about it.

It was the same old story of acceptance vs. intolerance and just like all tales of friendship, it ended with choreography to Color Me Badd.

Living Room regular Elon James White played match maker to a young guy and gal in the first and second rows. Were they interracial? Yes. Did they hit it off? Time will tell.

Surprise guest Kyle Fincham took some time to check out the show and ended up checking it out from the stage!

Phaea Crede and Becca Jones of Delusions of Spandex brought a Ladies News segment to present more current events, but this time from a woman's perspective. A loud, sensitive, conniving and violent woman's perspective.

The Funniest Comedian of All Time award went to first-time recipient Elon James White! He became the proud owner of this presumably African and decidedly potent Fertility Statue.

Join us for another melting pot of hilarity on April 25th!

Show 37: The Confessional

2008-03-29T09:26:00.008-05:00

(Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts not available for this show)

A packed house, a fantastic lineup, delicious drinks...there was nothing to worry about for this Living Room show! And yet, during the welcome, Abbi confessed to Luke that she was self-conscious about a lot of things and feared they would ruin the show. To stop her from sobbing Luke offered to make fun of his mistakes.

J-L Cauvin, past Funniest Comedian of All Time winner and Living Room regular, took on the role as host for the first time and introduced this parade of stars:

Mo Diggs
John F. O'Donnell
Jason Weems
Josh Filipowski
Luke Thayer
Adira Amram for a music/theater mash-up

with special guests Lois Flagel of Bear Stearns and news by game show contestant Martha Gibbs (not to be confused with 227's Marla Gibbs)!

J-L carried on the theme of confessions by announcing his most recent and costly break-up, and dissecting the power of air quotes.

Mo Diggs made his Living Room debut and served up our first spoken word comedy performance, a rap that had been aged 8 years and was ready to breathe.

We interrupted the show to bring an important announcement by Lois Flagel, head of HR, to discuss the repercussions of the acquisition of Bear Stearns by JP Morgan Chase. Employees had not yet been informed of the guerilla rebels that would break into their homes and recuperate unauthorized office supplies.

John F. O'Donnell, also a past F-CAT award winner sang half of his set and then analyzed the hidden layers of sex bomb Tom Jones.

Jason Weems came all the way over from the Nation's capital to grace the stage! He reminisced about the magic of 1980s basketball and divulged that our spotlight was capable of warming cornbread.

He returned to the stage to serve as a contestant on the $25,000 Pyramid News, a game show based around the current events. He lost to returning champion Martha Gibbs, who has a skill of giving awful clues to keep people from winning.

Don't be fooled by his wholesome sweaters--Josh Filipowski is a confessed party thrower and goer. He shared his views on partying in the good ol' days and today. He is also a past Funniest Comedian of All Time award winner. Does he become a two-time champ?

Co-producer Luke Thayer admitted to growing up portly and evaluated the woes of a wealthy politician.

Adira Amram closed the show with a confession about the cause of the leaky ceiling of the tenant under her. She finished with an incredible musical explosion involving a stick of beef jerky and a cameo by Paul Rubens. You really had to be there.

Skibbedy bop bee bap, the Hat of Chance likes rap! And in the face three former champs, Mo Diggs became the evening's Funniest Comedian of All Time! If he sets his new alarm clock to 5:00AM, he will re-live the same day over for the rest of his life.

Bring your secrets to our next show April 11th, or we will have to let you go.

Living Room Alumni Sweet 16 Finalists in March Comedy Madness

2008-03-26T11:46:00.003-05:00

Three comedians who have graced our stage made it all the way to the Sweet 16 round of the March Comedy Madness competition at Caroline's!

Reese Waters, Lance Weiss, and J.L. Cauvin showed their stuff and proved their worth over an original pool of 64 comedians! You can't do that with fart jokes and a hypnosis kit.

The show is the brainchild of another Living Room homey, Josh Filipowski of Like2Laugh Productions.

Check out the rest of the competitions as the Elite Eight and Final Four showdowns are bound to make you more money than your awful college ball brackets.

TUESDAYS, 9:30pm
Carolines on Broadway
1626 Broadway (btwn 49th/50th)
212.757.4100

Great job guys!

Show 36: Spitzer? I Hardly Know 'Er!

2008-03-14T21:27:00.008-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

You say the Governor's scandal is the only thing that has kept you entertained for the past week? Well it's a good thing you came to The Living Room to cleanse yourself of betrayal and enjoy a night of hilarity.

Jeff Cerulli hosted this stellar lineup:

Elon James White
Eliza Faria-Santos
Charlie Kasov
Abbi Crutchfield
Joselyn Hughes
Matt Daly

with "special" guest Lionel and the news by Andrew Warshack, artist/inventor of Warshack tests!

Before presenting the host, Abbi and Luke got into it over whether or not it is okay to solicit prostitutes. Luke: nay, Abbi: a-okay. Hell frozen over or a sneaky game of reverse-psychology? Stay tuned...

Jeff Cerulli kicked off the show with his issues with babies. Nothing against them. Just refuses to have contact with them. Bacheloriffic!

Elon James White popped in to rehearse for a Montreal Audition. We hope he remembers to include ad-libs about us in Canada.

Eliza Faria-Santos gave a super show on very little sleep. We haven't seen stamina this since Abbi finished an entire bowl of generic Grape-Nuts.

Lionel wandered in to recount his conviction of having seen a space monkey.

Charlie Kasov had a splendid set matching international politics with inter-neighborhood gentrification.

Abbi Crutchfield hit the scene to lament a middle-class upbringing of healthy cereals mixed with Saturday morning cartoons.

Artist-slash-inventor, Andrew Warshack posted his Warshack blot tests on the wall and showed how each depicted a current event. Love him! Want him! Need him!

Joselyn Hughes showed off her new 'do and contemplated the worst pick-up lines she has ever heard.

Show stopper Matt Daly rocked the mic as the closer, or as he puts it, "the Kevin Bacon's wife of the show".

The Hat of Chance decidedly selected Charlie Kasov to receive the Funniest Comedian of All Time award! He went home with a free bagel and a Warshack test autographed by Abbi and Luke.

Testing his open relationship, Luke announced that he would be visiting a strip club after the show. Abbi promptly dumped him.

Bring your ink blots to our next show March 28th and we'll analyze your laugh potential!

Show 35: Snow Big Deal

2008-02-23T01:13:00.006-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts.

We had a supreme turnout for our second show in February, and not even six inches of snow could keep people from wanting to come and laugh.

Keith Alberstadt hosted this cozy lineup:

Barry Rothbart
Luke Thayer
Cody Hess
Gilad Foss
Giulia Rozzi

with special guests Kerry True and Amy Winehouse!

A frantic and snow-covered Abbi interrupted Luke's welcome to the audience. She thought the show was going to be cancelled for the weather. When Luke informed her of the contrary she scurried off to think of something to perform. Did she make it back in time to deliver?

Keith kicked off the show reminiscing about his buddy that causes trouble in airports, and the response was as delicous as a packet of peanuts.

Barry Rothbart shared some bed advice, not to be confused with bedroom advice, but we're sure he has some of that too.

Earth-fanatic Kerry True came to share her three words of advice in loving your planet: recycle, conserve water, and brush your teeth with clay.

Luke took the reigns, or podium we should say, to discuss growing up in The Church.

Cody Hess melded physics with anthropology to make the crowd laugh. And think. And laugh some more.

They told her she'd get out of rehab by doing our show SHOW SHOW. British singing sensation Amy Winehouse rolled through with a bottle of mouthwash ("the free minty drink from my hotel room") to tell us how she's making over her image. We think it's working.

Gilad Foss discussed politicians, family, co-workers and a fascination with jeans. On those people.

Giulia Rozzi gave everybody great self-defense tips. If you're ever trying to impress your attacker.

The Hat of Chance selected Gilad Foss as the Funniest Comedian of All Time! His Christmas tree lamp should look lovely next to the Menorah.

Bring your friends to the next show March 14th before Keith turns all ape on your face. WHAT.

Show 34: Alive and Kickin'

2008-02-08T22:13:00.001-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

The flu is going around, and Abbi Crutchfield was punched in the stomach by demons right before the show, but the doctor ordered laughter (without a prescription), and Sara Schaefer came to the rescue to host the following extraordinary lineup:
Abbi Crutchfield
Diana Saez
Mike Dobbins
Brendan Fitzgibbons

with Special Guests Tony Francione, sports radio guru, and D. B. Westchester of the Bull Moose party.

Sara Schaefer got the ball rolling with sisterhood strife.

Abbi Crutchfield quit doubling over in pain and made the crowd double over with laughter as she spoke on the reason her clothes don't match.

Diana Saez taught us the joys of marriage.

What is this, Ladies Night? Ah, here's a little testosterone--make that a lot. Luke Thayer's chest hair came on the scene as Tony Francione, sports radio guru. He got choked up occasionally discussing difficult issues, like how Amazin' dem Mets are.

Mike Dobbins took the stage to get situated and then had a ball discussing his irregular diet.

Luke returned as D.B. Westchester, of the Bull Moose Party, urging people to vote yes on a cotton gin tax before we run completely out of oak battleships.

Brendan Fitzgibbons popped in for a guest spot and cracked up visiting comedian Dave Lester.

Erin and Her Cello closed the show with memorable numbers about such daily dilemmas as hand hygiene and alcoholism.

Her strumming earned her the Funniest Comedian of All Time award!

She took home a classic "Jesus Is My Coach" figurine.

Bring your best bud to our next show February 22nd!

Show 33: Multiple Mania

2008-01-25T22:07:00.001-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

Can can you you stand stand it it?

If you came to our last show you got more than you bargained for as every performer had their own set of multiple treats to offer. Elon James White hosted a spectacular lineup:
Luke Thayer
Esther Ku
Joshua Sankey
Hasan
Sean Crespo
with special guests Lucinda Wentworth-James, mystery novelist, reading the news and Abbi Crutchfield in a special, never-before-seen performance!

Abbi and Luke opened the show using multiple microphones (one invisible).

Elon James White showcased his multiple jackets: a reversible, black number with a silky, flashy interior. He flipped it out when the audience was warm enough to handle it.

Luke Thayer came back to the stage to give multiple MTV shout-outs on his T-shirt.

Esther Ku told multiple jokes about Korean Heritage and earned multiple kudos for her 80s fashion homage: gold spandex pants and cotton leggings. What is this, a catalog?

Joshua Sankey's multiple references to his photo-friendly face kept us rolling!

Lucinda Wentworth-James, mystery novelist, offered up a multitude of plots for murder to accompany each news story she read.

Hasan garnered multiple laughs from his stories, and became the third newcomer of the evening (hello! Multiple debuts in the house)!

Sean Crespo flexed multiple muscles during his performance, bewitching a front-row latecomer and tickling the rest of us.

Abbi revealed her multiple personalities while giving us a taste of her fake one woman show, "Black She-lebrity". Can you guess which famous comedian she is impersonating here?

Hasan is voted the Funniest Comedian of All Time! He was supposed to win multiple shower caps, but we stole two of them.

Bring your "air quotes'' friends to our next show on February 8th. You do have more than one, right?

Who's Performing on January 25, 2008?

2008-01-23T02:00:00.000-05:00

Brrr. It's still chilly out!

Come get fired up to watch comedy...and warm yourself by the fire of comedians...who are so talented they’re on fire.

FIRE GOOD.

Hasan (Cool Jerks, Live Free and Laugh Hard)

Esther Ku (Animal Planet’s The "A" List)

Sean Crespo (Drink at Work)

Josh Sankey (featured in Kevin Smith’s latest film!)

Stand-up by Luke Thayer

Sketch and fake news by Abbi Crutchfield

and your host who holds his Brooklyn woman close, Elon James White (Shades of Black, Black Comedy Experiment Festival)!

Photo credit:
www.sharewareplaza.com

Show 32: New Beginnings

2008-01-11T18:01:00.001-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

It's a new year, Baby! Our first show celebrating 2008 brought performers who were new to the room and some old favorites. Dave Lester hosted this fresh-tastic lineup:

Abbi Crutchfield
Reese Waters
Becky Ciletti
Rob O'Reilly
with a sketch by The Straight Men
and special guest Otis Perlman the Dixiecrat and news by Ricky Labit.

Dave Lester kicked off the show by sharing some Brooklyn love.

Abbi Crutchfield wore a black and white shirt in solidarity with her ancestors (both sides).

Did someone beat Dave up in the green room and rob him of his gear? No! He CHOSE to return in socks and a bathrobe because that's how dedicated he is to the Living Room ambiance! Why didn't we think of that?

Reese Waters anticipated Black History Month by dismantling stereotypes while cracking up the crowd.

Luke Thayer brought his gut out as Ricky Labit, an American who recently made headlines for getting kicked out of an all-you-can-eat restaurant. He defended his position by darting in and out like a mongoose and showed us his fast, viper-like techniques. Then he rattled off some news stories. And made hissing sounds before he left.

The Straight Men delivered a splendid bebop performance that unraveled into a violent and angry exchange, and then blossomed into a moving family reunion. You WISH your dysfunction was so well choreographed.

Becky Ciletti brought more wit than a Whitman's Sampler box of chocolates.

Luke returned, this time as Otis Perlman, an old Dixiecrat who was torn between voting for Obama and following his gut to discriminate.

Rob O'Reilly graced the stage once more with his own stand-up set and wowed the gals with his tales of suave hipsterosity. The gals with glasses and kitten heels.

The Funniest Comedian of All Time was none other than Becky Ciletti! She'll never have to shout to get attention again now that she has this eye-catching, flashy, fake zebra handbag. This bag lady's got style!

Hey Stud, come back and take a gander at our next set of stars performing on January 25th!

Who's Performing on January 11, 2008?

2008-01-11T17:15:00.000-05:00

It's our first show of the new year! WOOHOO! We're psyched...and stoked and...and SILKED

...to have the following at our show:

Becky Ciletti (Chicks and Giggles)

Ben Kissel (Comix)

Reese Waters (Carolines)

a sketch by The Straight Men (Friday Night Special)

Stand-up by Abbi Crutchfield

Sketch and fake news by Luke Thayer

and your host who never crashes weddings to make an impolite toast, Dave Lester (Five for Funny Tuesdays)!

Photo credit:
www.amazon.com
www.ravehchurch.wordpress.com

Show 31: Grinch-Proof Comedy

2007-12-16T21:44:00.001-05:00

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch...and that's why you weren't invited to the Holiday Special of The Living Room!

There were no frowns or rhyming in this special edition. Those who made it out had a merry time with the likes of Matt Little hosting this jolly lineup:

Vince Averill
Luke Thayer
Hadiyah Robinson
Moody McCarthy
a sketch by Delusions of Spandex
with special guest Chance Wesley (The Cabbage Patch Kid)
and a holiday musical medley by Abbi Crutchfield

Matt Little started the show the holiday way...noting that he practices kindness, generosity and goodwill toward man...when drunk.

In keeping with the minimally festive decorations behind him, Vince Averill wore black and maintained a serious face. He then dissected the complexities of the man who poops in his dumpster.

Chance Wesley, a Cabbage Patch Kid who did not sell very well this year, brought us the news, as he hears it from a shelf in Target.

Luke Thayer is disappointed that his phone is neither psychic nor does it believe in equality.

Hadiyah Robinson got the room so warm it gave her flashbacks of her grandma's house. We here at the Living Room believe strongly in old people jokes. Tell 'em before they're told about you!

Abbi Crutchfield mimed the song of You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch while holding up pics of a few Grinches she knows.

She then re-enacted a haunting scene to the tune of Baby, It's Cold Outside. When you think about it, couldn't every Christmas song end with someone getting stabbed?

Moody McCarthy did his Bing Crosby impression by making girls swoon under soft lighting.

The two and only Phaea Crede and Becca Jones of Delusions of Spandex closed the show with their signature originality and panache. The only thing funnier than a girl from the future is a girl who is belligerent about being from the future.

The lovely Hadiyah Robinson proved to have the brightest sweater and the best skills as she became the Funniest Comedian of All Time! She took home a lovely red pick-up truck with the name "Max" drawn on it. Sorry Max.

Help us ring in the new year with your crap resolutions on January 11th!

Photo credits:
www.movies.yahoo.com

Who's Performing on December 14, 2007?

2007-12-13T16:33:00.000-05:00

Dear fans,

Let not beat around the bush, I'm da bomb. I'm Santa freakin' Claus! You wish you were with this!

Me and my posse are rolling through The Living Room this Friday. Postmark Cafe's the hot night spot for the North Pole Crew cause they have the best peppermint lattes.

The Living Room welcomes a stockingful of newcomers and three French hen regulars to our festive holiday show! Bring a taste for pumpkin-flavored coffee, and hilarious ho ho hijinx!

Vince Averill (Western Canada Tour)

Hadiyah Robinson (BET's ComicView)

Moody McCarthy (NBC's Last Comic Standing; ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live)

a sketch by Phaea and Becca (Delusions of Spandex)

and your host with more profit than Superbad has grossed: Matt Little (Matt Little's Big Show)!

SC out!

Photo credit: Diana's Xanga site.

Show 30: Thanksgiving Celebrations

2007-11-10T12:07:00.001-05:00

When the audience is wearing sweaters, you KNOW it's November (tra-la-la-la-la-la-la-la TJ Maxx). And that means it's time for everyone who performs at The Living Room to say why they're thankful.

Hat of Chance, you go first.

I am thankful that I did not have to wait through the usual sketch and news segment before selecting a winner. At this all stand-up show, I was able to carefully deduce who had the best timing, charisma and use of wit without all that costume and makeupery clouding my judgment. Although once I decided, Abbi & Luke let someone else randomly pick a name out of me. Really, I don't understand why they call it a contest, because it's completely arbitrary. It's like they don't even care what I think.

Luke is thankful the rainy weather didn't keep this crowd from coming, because he really wanted to share stories about his life as a black comedian.

Abbi is thankful for this shot because it looks like she's sangin' like Alicia Keys. Coincidentally, during this set, she finally figured out where the band Tears for Fears came up with their name.

Rachael Parenta is thankful for baby showers, baby cakes and that the baby of the family is not taller than her...yet.

Celebrity Sighting! Producer Jaime Martin took time out of his busy schedule of coordinating musical and comedy acts to watch the show. Check out his Head Injury show January 13th at Bowery Poetry Club featuring The Living Room's own Luke Thayer!

RG Daniels is thankful for being able to spot a pizza delivery man in the shadows, the power to jinx athletes and for not being shaken by the subliminal messages in the magazine stand (click for larger pic to see what we mean).

Jeremy Schachter returned for his third appearance at the show and is thankful for Animal Planet, Star Jones and a lovely girlfriend who agrees to watch him work on new material about her. It's okay. She knows where he lives.

Jeremy became a two-time champion of the Funniest Comedian of All Time award! He's going to be grooving all holiday long with these iTunes cards. Collect 'em all! Too late, you can't. The Starbucks promotion is over.

But there's still time for you to come and bid on some grade school watercolor artwork (that funds a livestock donation through Heifer International) and enjoy our jolly good holiday show December 14th!

Who's Performing on November 9th, 2007?

2007-11-05T15:32:00.000-05:00

It’s time for Thanksgiving Celebrations!

There won't be any turkey or dressing at this show, but we are thankful that we are going on the road soon! We BOTH are giving you a sneak pre-view to the full, professional sets, and we are inviting three power house comedians to do their thing as well. This show is packed with stand-up talent so there's no room for a sketch or news segment, but feel free to watch one of our clips of Characters and News Parodies Past on myspace.

For our 30th Show, The Living Room welcomes

Jeremy Schachter (Comedy Central's Live At Gotham, Spike TV, The Schachter Factor on Cringe Humor Radio)

Rachel Parenta (Chicks & Giggles, Rififi)

RG Daniels (Radio Chick Show on FreeFM in NYC, Sarcasting video series)

and your British-descended host who's never heard of Mickie Most, Luke Thayer (Carolines, Cringe Humor Radio)

Abbi is now featured on The Apiary blog roll!

You do not want to miss this show!

Oh, BONUS: Postmark Cafe is now featuring artwork by grade schoolers who are raising money to purchase chickens for Heifer International. Come purchase your very own unique, original, framed artwork. Sure beats that redonkulous hand-traced turkey of yours!

Show 29: The 2nd Annual Halloween Scare-avaganza!

2007-10-26T23:17:00.002-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

It was a dark and stormy night! Nine comedians got together and decided to SCARE up some fun…a HARROWING feat which proved to be a HOWLing good time (you can’t stop the hallopuns from coming. Don’t fight it).

We did our best to raid the dollar store, but when it’s last minute, the midnight forest becomes a foot of black, plastic foliage. Your sticky webs of despair become a wall hanging of sparkly yarn, and instead of Vincent Price’s corpse as a host, you get Elon James White. In some parts of Brooklyn he is known as menacing.
Abbi dressed as a Cabbage Patch and Luke as John McEnroe circa 1984.

Scary sounds played before the performance of each of these evil spirits:
Alex Grubard
Dave Lester
Jay Bois
Luke Thayer
Helen Hong and
Keith Alberstadt

With special guest appearances by Neil Charles, Crystal Valentino and Betty the Cat Lady

Summoning the powers of a diabolical wizard, Elon James White referred to his hosting note cards as “the magical pile”. He lamented the travails that must befall a cab driver.

Alex Grubard introduced his costume as “casual Mormon”. Check for it in catalogues this winter!

Dave Lester warned patrons of the growing crime scene in the wealthier parts of NewYork. Whole Foods buyer beware!

The freaks come out at night. In a segment the Living Room hasn’t seen since Valentine’s Day, Crystal Valentino returned with “Y’all Feel Me”, sharing her insights into perfume, candy corn and monster movies. She introduced her brother Trevor, and together they confused the audience with their inane albeit serious ponderings.

Elon James White took the stage to give a full set and commiserate about clueless co-workers.

Jay Bois made his Living Room debut and had the room laughing while he reminisced about Halloween costume shortcomings.

When it was announced that the news would be delivered by Cat Woman, thought bubbles of black leather bloomed over heads. They were instantly popped as Betty the Cat Lady strolled in and told the current events as she reads them to Miss A-Peebers and Senor Don Gato each night.

Luke Thayer’s McEnroe impression was flawed for lack of swearing...

Aw COME ON!! Don't give me that @#$%$#@! He looked JUST like me!!

but his solid jokes about the costume made up for it. Many references to exposed Jimmy Johns.

Helen Hong also played the room for her first time and gave us a good (and memorable) reason to buy her makeup this year.

A recovering Keith Alberstadt hobbled in with broken leg bones because he’s a fighter.

He didn’t take his crutches to the stage but he made plenty of jokes about them. Maybe the Hat of Chance felt sympathetic and for that reason selected Keith as a winner (for a record third time)!

He sent Alex Grubard on his behalf to receive the award, and Luke decided Alex was the REAL champion. Come on, he couldn’t hop ten feet across the room?! Luke is tough but fair.

Then we had a contest for the best costume which resulted in a pirate-off!

Luke couldn't handle the pressure and chose a doctor instead.

Okay so Luke's not fair.

See you and your Native American heritage for Thanksgiving celebrations on November 9th!

Who's Performing on October 26th, 2007?

2007-10-24T14:55:00.000-05:00

It’s time for the 2nd Annual Halloween SCARE-avaganza, everyone!

By the way, this is the only HalloWord that has not been taken yet. "Spooktacular" is played out, "Scare-athon" just means reruns of Yes, Dear, and "Boo-berry Muffins" does not really apply.

For our 29th show The Living Room welcomes:

Dave Lester (Five For Funny Tuesdays, Neighborhood Watch)

Helen Hong (Finalist, March Comedy Madness at Carolines; Semi-finalist, California's Funniest Female Contest; Lifetime)

Keith Alberstadt (Bob & Tom Show; Semi-finalist, Boston Comedy and Film Festival)

Alex Grubard (Broadway Comedy Club)

Jay Bois (Drink At Work)

a special guest appearance by Neil Charles (The Awkward Experience)

and your host with an ironic last name to boast, Elon James White (Shades of Black; Founder, The Black Comedy Project)

With an EXTRAORDINARY PRIZE for the best costume!! Last year, Abbi's sister came as Condo-sleaza Rice.

If one of the 50 Most Beautiful People on the Hill can UG it up, it's time for you to bust out the devil horn headband, Mary Steenburgen.

Show 28: More Drama for Your Mama

2007-10-14T16:01:00.001-05:00

Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts

Alas! Poor Yorik...your friend Hamlet would have fit in nicely since we had a mime, sketch troupes, a short film, and poetry, all in the name of comedy!

Our twenty-eighth show marks the return of the fabulous Del! For her first time as the Living Room host, she led a remarkable lineup:

Mike Drucker
Impending Moustache
Abbi Crutchfield
Rick Younger and
Good Neighbor

with special guests Lukel Lukeau and Tim the Party Man!

Abbi opened the show with interpretive dance during the theme song. Unfortunately, her dance partner insisted on lurking in the shadows, and she was left to convey a singing duo all alone.

Del took center stage and outshined our new spotlight!

Mike Drucker is celebrating the glory of his new girlfriend and trying to erase the memory of bad roommates.

In honor of the recent passing of famed French mime Marcel Marceau, his protoge, Lukel Lukeau reported the entire week's current events by miming to the melody of Debussy's Claire de Lune.

Needless to say he did a bit of juggling when conveying Pam Anderson.

Impending Moustache delivered two sketches:

one about the helpfulness of crazy people...

...and the other about the craziness of helpful people.
There was laughter, tears, movement, and we're pretty sure everyone got hurt.

Abbi recalled the innocent days of middle school when she dated a guy who was nicknamed O.J. Simpson.

Love is blind, y'all.

Tim the Party Man rolled in with his list of the top 12 things that keep a party rolling.

With tips like pooping in house plants and calling the cops your party's sure to be reminiscent of the back alley in a bad neighborhood. Awww yeah.

As the last stand-up comic of the night, Rick Younger became our headliner and gave a spoken word tribute to a life he could have lived if only he had been born a woman.

Good Neighbor closed out the show with a sketch on life-saving techniques and a short film about roommate loyalty. Maybe they could help Mike Drucker...

The winner of the Funniest Comedian of All Time award went to Rick Younger! He won a small, decorative frame-type object that is sure to make reading the Sunday comics even more tedious than usual.

You can join Yorik's skeleton at our 2nd Annual

Halloween Scare-avaganza

on October 26th! There will be a prize for the best costume, so invite that funny-faced friend of yours!

Click here for more photos of the show by Aemiessence Fine Arts!

Who's Performing on October 12, 2007?

2007-10-10T12:57:00.000-05:00

It’s gonna be a potluck comedy show this Friday, where talented people from both coasts bring their own home-made dish of hilarity. (If this is making you hungry, save room for the yummy pastries at Postmark…now with Fair Trade coffee!)

For our 28th show The Living Room welcomes:

Mike Drucker (winner, Disney's 2007 "So You Think You're Funny" Competition)

Rick Younger (Showtime At The Apollo)

Impending Moustache (Carolines, The P.I.T., Rififi)

a comedy short by Good Neighbor (L.A. Comedy Festival)

and your host brighter than a neon signpost, Del (Comedy For the &@$# of It)

Ha cha cha chaaa!

Show 27: It's a Midwest Thang

2007-09-28T21:25:00.003-05:00

Now presenting Photography by Aemiessence Fine Arts!

There were no corn dogs or blueberry pies, but for some reason our show drew a lot of Midwesterners tonight!
Brendan Fitzgibbons (who is from Illinois and went to school in Iowa) hosted this banjo-strumming lineup:

Brooke Van Poppelen (Illinois)
Luke Thayer (Indiana)
Dan Fontaine (Georgia...close enough)
Rob Durham (Ohio)
Pat O'Shea (not a Midwesterner, but has mutton chops)
Ray Devito (Ohio)
Nick Cobb (Tennessee)

along with our featured guests, motivational speaker Dr. Eric Newberry and Nicole Richie!

There was a lot of mingling before and after the show, but if you listened carefully, you could hear the dulcet sounds of our theme song, now with co-producer banter.

“Where's my snare? There’s no snare in my headphones."

We know, E. We know.

We had some last-minute line-up changes, and fortunately Nick Cobb, Brooke Van Poppelen and Ray DeVito were in the neighborhood to lend a cup of comedy sugar!

Brendan Fitzgibbons talked about things for mature audiences only. Like bingo and Ensure.

Brooke Van Poppelen made her Living Room debut after many months of schedule changes. Just like Heinz from the bottle, it was worth the wait.

The audience was given an enlightening perspective on the news by motivational speaker Dr. Eric Newberry. She challenges stereotypes with a masculine name and messages of empowerWOMENt.

Luke Thayer took us back with images of spandex fashion and sweaty, fat children.

Dan Fontaine mused on the necessity and audacity of bathroom attendants. Sounds like somebody needs a spritz of Brut.

Rob Durham has the brightest smile this side of the Mississippi but sorry kids, it's for your mom's eyes only.

Nicole Richie accepted an award in the 2010 Emmy's after performing in Hit My Baby, What's My Crime?: The Life of Britney Spears. If you find that achievement hard to believe just remember her early work as Lionel Richie's daughter.

Pat O'Shea had the whole room laughing at driving directions. Take that, GPS!
Celebrity Sighting: Esther Ku dropped in to raise the female performer quotient, albeit off stage. Look for her in a future LR show!

Ray Devito blended in as audience, then shined as a performer and struck a pose as a model. He's a Midwesterner who looks like a New Yorker. Chameleon.

Nick Cobb is so committed to his set he rolled on the floor

and dry-humped a dude.

We think it had to do with his set.

Tonight's Funniest Comedian of All Time: Dan Fontaine of course, who won a briefcase full of money! Mini money in a mini briefcase. Don't spend it all in one doll house!

Call your friends and tell them to catch even more of NYC's best performers LIVE at our next show on October 12th!

Who's Performing on September 28, 2007?

2007-09-26T09:25:00.000-05:00

This show has no official name, so in light of our new music technology, for now we'll call it Sound as a Pound! (Also according to an online dictionary of British idioms, it means "very good or reliable".)

For our 27th show The Living Room welcomes:

Dan Fontaine (Saints and Sinners Tour)

Pat O'Shea (B-Cat TV's Bush v. Brooklyn, Complete Idiot's Guide to Joke Writing)

Rob Durham (Midwestern Bias sports blog, Tours colleges across the U.S.)

and your host with the most potroast on toast, Brendan Fitzgibbons (The Onion, Fifth Year Comedy Tour)

Very good and reliable inDEED!

Show 26: Legends of the Fall

2007-09-17T17:18:00.001-05:00

Autumn is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with comedians who are truly legendary? (Okay maybe with a big slice of pumpkin pie, but that was rhetorical, Delta Burke).

To start our Comeback Show right, we invited NYC musician Aubrey Hairston to perform our very first theme song!

He started out street, but breakaway pants revealed the joyful goofball within. We blended Full House, 80s cartoons and The Great Depression into one catchy melody that the crowd enjoyed in an energetic live performance. We just laid down the official vocals and re-vamped the lyrics, so check it out soon on myspace.

Before she goes sunless tanning in the California Comedy Festival, newly engaged host Laura Mannino conducted this mighty fine lineup:

Abbi Crutchfield
Mike Dobbins
Dan Nainan and
Stuckey and Murray

along with our featured guests: Moses and Maurice the Landlord!

Laura warmed up the room with cubicle secrets and office antics, and a healthy dose of passive-aggressiveness. THANKS!!

While Charlton Heston tests his Poli-grip on a corn cob, the original Moses came down from the mountain to share the novella he just wrote. Those who were fans of his more famous works did not want to hear their leader go in a new direction and felt free to heckle, Bible-style. Free Birdeth!

Abbi demonstrated the necessity of the proper terrarium when you can't take your tiny dog shopping with you.

Celebrity Sighting! Several members of the troupe Impending Moustache stopped by to take a break from performing sketch so they could watch a little.

Often appreciated, never duplicated Mike Dobbins strolled through an invisible park and offered his jokes the way cult members offer you flowers, with full conviction and a dab of crazy sauce. It was his first time at the show and the first time a 9 year old decided to linger impatiently at the window. He won her over by listing deadly diseases. Some people are just good with kids.

Taking time off from ignorning tenants, Maurice Fry, the landlord of all of Brooklyn, brought in his pay-puh and spit knowledge on his favorite articles.

Representing Hoosier excellence (by association) Dan Nainan also made his first trip down to The Living Room. He took time off the road to educate our crowd about interracial relationships --those obvious (Abbi-Luke) and less obvious (Vin-Diesel).

The dynamic duo Stuckey and Murray were the perfect end to an already tremendous show. They made Living Room history by rocking out on guitars and got the whole room feeling good, just like a woman should.

Mike Dobbins became our glorious Funniest Comedian of All Time! We should have given oven mitts for the sizzling hot poster he won complete with Luke and Abbi's autographs.

Bring your scrunchie collection to our next show September 28th!

Who's Performing on September 14, 2007?

2007-09-09T16:43:00.000-05:00

We're very excited to make our fall comeback in a show we dare to call

LEGENDS OF THE FALL

For our 26th show The Living Room welcomes:

Mike Dobbins (A Stand-upish Set of Koo Koo/Dobbins and Ball/SpikeTV)

Dan Nainan (Opening act for Russell Peters/NBC's Last Comic Standing, A&E, Nickelodeon)

Stuckey and Murray (2007 Edinburgh Fringe Festival/Montreal Comedy Festival/VH1, E!, Fuse TV)

and your host with the most Laura Mannino (2007 California Comedy Festival/New York Underground Comedy Festival)

Let your long, long hair down. Because after the hiatus, the legend begins...

Clean Machine

2007-08-08T08:40:00.000-05:00

The Living Room is now listed in L Magazine as one of the fun comedy events you can find in NYC!

Wait...we do come across as "fun", right?

They call themselves "New York's best clean comedy show," which is a little like calling yourself the best lingerie model in Fort Kent, Maine, if you ask us, which nobody ever does.

The website to Fort Kent, ME lists the following among its monthly activities: a diabetes support group, an Alzheimer’s support group and a cancer support group. There is also a Muskie Fishing Derby!

We have a policy of TV-clean material which rules out certain swear words and content. We want to let comedians prepare for a spot on a late night talk show and keep it available to the audiences that wander in the coffee shop. Maybe L's trying to say that we, the hot and sassy lingerie model, are working in a world of boring, fuddy-duddy, trout-eating geezers.

The Living Room: a 5 carat diamond in a bowl of Cream of Wheat.

L Magazine keeps you informed about the entertainment scene in NYC. Go to www.thelmagazine.com for more info!

Show 25: Summer Blowout!

2007-06-23T08:02:00.000-05:00

The Living Room is hibernating for a couple of months (as you can see on our performance schedule to the left), but we're putting some great ideas into the slowcooker so we can serve up an even better quality show. We're also coming back with our very own theme song by New York musician Aubrey Hart! So if you're wondering, "Whatever happened to predictability? The milk man, the paper boy, even t.v." then join us in the fall and find out.

Speaking of a Full House, we had one! We had people in from D.C., Baltimore, and even Indiana come out to party with us and support our last show of the summer. Abbi's college buddy Mike was the Honorable Guest of Honor for the evening, and he brought his gaggle of girlfriends. He's like the Robert Palmer of Baltimore.

Abbi openend the show and introduced her mother.

They agreed on everything until her mom started nagging her, and it became time for her to leave. (We get more mileage out of a bad wig than Ricardo Montalban!)
Speaking of wonders of the world, check out our lineup!
Liam McEneaney
Carla Rhodes
Greg Tito
Lisa Kaplan
Luke Thayer and
The Straight Men

Our host for the evening, Brendan Fitzgibbons launched the show with crowd pleasers like the topic of presidential assassination.

Liam McEneaney left quite an impression for his first trip to The Living Room! By the end of his set he got every woman in the room to agree never to go out with him.

With her famous head of curly hair, Carla Rhodes became an honorary family member of Abbi's. She re-introduced the world to her old Vaudevillian partner, Cecil.

Taking time off from promoting her film (in costume), A Mighty Heart,

Angelina Jolie came by to shed light on her baby collection, I mean family.
Pinch hitter Greg Tito went to bat on stage and hit a homerun! He even became our Funniest Comedian of All Time! Wait...that's for the end of this post.

Exclusive! You've seen him on Best Week Ever! You've seen him on CNN! Now the 13 year old genius Evan O'Dorney is having an interview at The Living Room! But this time he messed with the wrong reporter...

Lisa Kaplan also had her Living Room debut and talked about fashion and roommates. Bad fashion and worse roommates.

We had another guest sketch troupe throw down, this time in the form of The Straight Men...

teaching us the special code to read in case of an emergency. Like robot insubordination.

Luke Thayer closed the show with his masterful style and in-your-face comedy. It's something new he's trying. Actually getting in the face of an audience member.

There's our winner! Last one of the season, meaning Greg Tito will hold this title longer than most!

See you September 14th!

Show 24: One Year of Living it Up!

2007-06-16T18:04:00.001-05:00

Yourbabytoday.com seems to know our show through and through. Just look at the accurate interpretation they drew after viewing our One Year Anniversary!

Take time to pull out the photo albums and review the miraculous changes you've witnessed in your [show] this past year. Incredible! Most important, revel in all [The Living Room] can do as she celebrates her first year. [Living Room] has a delightful sense of humor, and she takes great pleasure in teasing [blog readers]. She loves to [create memorable characters], and she most likely has mastered the art of [delivering laughs] and [showcasing talent]. What a great year it's been -- and what an amazing adventure your [audience attendance] has [elicited]!

Milestones(italicized):

Your [host] now drinks from a cup without assistance.
Jeff Cerulli served up a stellar standup set as well as his very own short film called Sausage Party! Talk about doing fings AW by heem suff!

He then ushered on the tremendous excellence of
Luke Thayer
Keith Alberstadt
Carolyn Castiglia
Nick Cobb
Jiwon Li
Matt McCarthy and
Perv Griffin!

[Abbi] engages in gibberish conversation.
In a public service announcement, a crazy subway lady with her underpants on the outside taught us not to waste half-eaten yogurt we find on the seats. It may taste like cigarettes, but it's a free snack!

In a fit of guilt, Abbi removed her wig

and revealed that she and Luke create all characters based on their own personal problems. It was a healing moment for everyone.

[A co-producer]can stand alone for several minutes.
Luke Thayer kept the crowd laughing with his solid stand-up, or lean-forward as it's becoming these days.

[Keith] expresses his wants with gestures and words instead of cries.
And oh what words! Mr. Alberstadt delivered hilarity in the form of wildlife information and fun facts about his mother's cat.

The sketch troupe Perv Griffin had an extraordinary debut with lessons on avoiding a mugging, hiding a head in your fridge and splitting rent with a Roman emporer.

[The show has an honorary] "mama" and "dada."
Living Room regulars Carolyn Castiglia and Nick kept things popping with their witty commentary and Dominoes delivery.

[Your special guest] says one-syllable words.
Commenting on the newsworthy topics, mystery novelist Lucinda Wentworth-James spoke few words and insinuated much. She couldn't help but be suspicious of the potential for a murderous plot in the minds of Paris Hilton, George W. Bush and the cast of Grey's Anatomy.

[Jiwon] waves good-bye.
Jiwon Li celebrates the beauty of being single and the woe that it brings when announced to your parents.

[Matt] walks well.
Matt McCarthy is looking trim and saucy now that he's sworn off alchohol. He skipped and jigged his way to a masterful closing of a fun show

[Nick] responds to simple commands.
Nick Cobb couldn't believe his ears when he learned the Hat of Chance selected him as the Funniest Comedian of All Time, but after much persuasion, he finally came on stage. You see, Nick hasn't won ever. He was the first person to subscribe to our blog on myspace, he kills every time he comes, and yet, the Hat was always cold to him. As a warm pardon, he took home a beautiful, expensive, fragrant (albeit used) candle!

You light up our life, Nick!

This lucky guy took home a delicious, hot pizza from Albanese Pizzeria!

If you're bummed you missed this amazing anniversary, your last chance for fun will be at our Summer Blowout on June 22nd! We're taking a break until September after that, so come see what L Magazine's givin' props about!

Round Round Get Around We Get Around

2007-06-10T23:00:00.000-05:00

YEAH.

We are digging this poster because the center star, comedian Chad Weiss has listed a very important show as his credit! For the entire month of July, Chad's kids eat free at The Living Room!

A Show Grows in Brooklyn

2007-06-07T11:23:00.001-05:00

One year anniversary that doesn't matter:

One year anniversary that DOES matter:

It's small, but click on it to see what this homemade flier has to offer! If you know the show, you know we're all about homemade signs.

All two-time Funniest Comedian of All Time Award winners* go head to head and toe to toe and butt to butt to compete for the deluxe championship belt!

Keith Alberstadt (National Lampoon)
Carolyn Castiglia (VH1)
Jiwon Li (Check Your Cool)
Matt McCarthy (The Matt and Katina Show)

with a video by Jeff Ceruli (The Jeff Show)
and a sketch by Perv Griffin!

See you this Friday!
*Jacqueline Novak is also eligible for this title. But she ain't one to brag.

Show 23: Abbi Birthday To You!

2007-05-25T16:06:00.001-05:00

Abbi claimed not to want a party, but she hung streamers and balloons and passed out festive hats in case anyone wanted to wear them. Some comedians combine their shows with a birthday celebration, but she wouldn’t be one of them. If anyone were to surprise her with something, however, she wouldn’t be opposed…

No one did.

So she brought the subtle and quick-witted Jon Friedman to the stage.

He went on to host a hefty line-up of talent that has performed nationwide!
Lucas Held
David Wade
Gilad Foss
Abbi Crutchfield
Ann Carr and
Joe Larson

Lucas Held acknowledged the elephant in the room that was THIRTEEN YEAR OLDS.

The very gals who were ushered out of our eighteenth show came back on their best behavior. They enjoyed Lucas’ insight into his Jewish hilarity—that is, heritage.

David Wade had his debut at the Living Room and brought comedy that was worth the wait! He did not, however, work a birthday surprise into his material. As Mo’nique would say: Wop wop!

Retired professional wrestler Superfly Hulk Savage spoke from his (large) gut about what’s going on in the world today. When we learned that each of his encounters often ends in someone’s death, we all laughed and applauded out of fear.

Speaking of mortality, Gilad Foss left his deathbed to talk to us and make us laugh while battling the end of a nasty cold. What a trooper! He neither acknowledged Abbi’s birthday nor did he wipe the microphone with a Lysol towel. Minus ten points!

Abbi Crutchfield expressed her utter dismay that there had been no surprise party despite all of her hints. She tore down streamers and berated the audience. Then she made jokes about deodorant (the show must go on…)

Gather ‘round and he’ll tell you a tale…Gristled sea captain Billy Hawkins told us the story of a great white whale. The kind that lures you in and then runs off with your brother. ARR! Paying the white whale alimony be quite a harpoon in the side!

The loveable (from a distance) Janey graced the stage to gush about her “ashpirashuns”. We tried very hard to take her seriously, but she had Twinkies tucked into her belt for crying out loud.

As Abbi played human radio, Janey began a modern dance to Madonna’s “Hung Up”. The only hang up was that our laughter made her insecure, and she became a ball of tears. One of the middle schoolers promised to hang out with her, which cheered her up.

Purely from guilt, Joe Larson wished Abbi a happy birthday when he got on the mic. Too little, too late Joe. He did a superb job closing the show as a satisfied audience applauded him off stage.

The Hat of Chance decreed that Ann Carr take home the honor of Funniest Comedian of All Time. What do you get for your favorite chameleon? Temporary tattoos of course!

With a half-eaten cake he stole from a co-worker's retirement party, Luke was finally able to surprise Abbi.

The candles just needed to be rearranged and voila!

If you’re not having a birthday, but you WOULD like to celebrate with some hilarious comedians, come to the One Year Anniversary show on June 8th!

Show 22: Boy's Club

2007-05-17T08:43:00.000-05:00

We had an informal response to Ladies' Night with a line-up of 100%, meatloaf-eating, testosterone-pumping, Steel Magnolias-hating MEN. We picked the only guy who can still pull off Polos without looking pretentious Greg Tito to host our amazing lineup:
Abbi Crutchfield (she's really a man)
Dave Lester
Brendan Fitzgibbons
Jeremy Schachter and
Ryan Paulson

Greg Tito kicked off the show holding the title of The Only Married Man in New York Under 30 and Doing Comedy (or TOMM-NYU-DC…a round-trip discount code on Greyhound?). Anyone want to challenge him?? We didn't think so.

Artificially zany for the camera, Abbi Crutchfield wore scrubs because it’s her show, and proceeded to dissect the rules to office politics. Mainly there’s one: no talking about shagging your wife of 30 years. Sweet peaches, don’t ever do that.

Dave Lester had a dynamite set and a lovely lady in the audience to enjoy it along with the rest of us.

Herodotus is his name, and celebrity gossip is his game! The Herodotus-At-Large segment brought us news of the stars with more puns than you can stuff in a big, black fake moustache. Then, with a gust of metrosexual wind, he was off!
Brendan Fitzgibbons was fired up to share what he’s learned from his many, many, many failed relationships. He also kicked around a few one-liners which cracked the room up. When it's too good for The Onion, it becomes stand-up that we get to enjoy at The Living Room!

Jeremy Schachter took the stage and turned the room into a gym as he worked out some soon-to-be-classic stuff. Gym. Work-out. Get it? Herodotus, what have you done?!?!
He didn’t miss the opportunity to crack on his brother. We appreciate that.

Pumped full of energy drink and slogans, motivational speaker and human e-mail spam Tom Jeter enthusiastically shared his one-point plan on how to be successful. He never got to the point or told us how it could benefit us, but he did get across enough subliminal messages for us to donate all of our money to him. And you should too! This guy’s amazing!

Show-stopper Ryan Paulson turned the coffee shop into a church through his vivid nostalgia of growing up religious. A comedian with preaching abilities—the next Sam Kinison? He hasn’t started shouting yet. Or wearing berets.

It was just the kind of star-quality he needed to be honored the Funniest Comedian of All Time award! He accepted his fresh fake grapes, and then a giant bottle attacked and killed him.

A lovely lady from the audience won two tickets to AMC Theaters! Sadly, she, too, was mauled by the bottle. This container of simple syrup is still on the loose. If you have seen a five-foot, clear pump bottle with a blue neck and a white nozzle, please contact us by coming to the next Living Room show May 25th. You just might save a life.

Check out MORE photos of the event on Flickr here.

We're Dave's Fave

2007-05-14T16:10:00.000-05:00

Hi, I'm Harvey-David, but for tax purposes-you may call me Dave. I was just sticking my head in to throw in my two cents about the Living Room! Man, it's really lovely-in a just used Febreze kinda' way, ya know?! They've got all these sweet treats and even English Breakfast Tea! The 'Room also boasts the comfy-est couch in all of comedy and occasionally, if your socks are really clean (and this is strictly enforced!) they let you take off your shoes! The comedy is swell too! Man I tell you, it was the most fun I've had without swearing ever, hell friggin' yeah it was!

Dave Lester is the host of the popular Brooklyn Show 5 For Funny Tuesdays @ Five Spot Soul Food (459 Myrtle Avenue, Clinton Hill, 11205). Check him out all over New York City.
www.myspace.com/davdnewblaq

Endorsed by Jeremy Schachter

2007-05-12T09:30:00.000-05:00

Hello.

I'm writing to tell you about what I happen to think the best show in the city is. It's called the Living Room Show. They do it every week at the Postmark Cafe in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

It's a great little place and the comics are always good. It's totally clean as far as language goes, they give out prizes to the best comedian and best audience member, and famous people come in to do segments every week.

It's honestly a great show and I love doing it. Check out the schedule and learn more about it at the myspace link below.

www.myspace.com/livingroomcomedy

Oh yeah it's only an hour long and it's FREE. Go check it out.

Jeremy

Jeremy Schachter is a favorite on the New York comedy scene. At only 26, he has attained national recognition as one of America's hottest young stand-ups by headlining clubs and colleges across the country. Check him out on Comedy Central's Live at Gotham and Spike TV's Casino Cinema this May, then later this summer on the Discovery Channel. You can also hear him weekly on his radio show the Schachter Factor on Cringe Humor Radio, or you can catch his sketch comedy group Perv Griffin at UCB starting this summer.
www.myspace.com/standupjeremy
www.jeremyschachter.com

Show 21: First Things First

2007-04-27T17:51:00.000-05:00

Celebrating 21 with an ice cold O'Douls, The Living Room was full of anticipation for a lot of firsts. First time comedians, first time to the room-pros, and first muppet-eyebrowed characters gracing the stage!

Coca Cola front man and barely legal comedian (he's Canadian) Ruhbin Mehta is back from the North to share new tales of parent-induced trauma.

It was just what the audience needed to feel better about themselves and embrace the amazing comedy talent of
David Minksy
Sue Ball
Luke Thayer
Kiley Tracy
Ari Voukydis and
Sara Schaefer!

David Minsky had a great set at his first time to the Living Room. Although he worked for free he still kept perspective and told of the horrors of jobs that actually pay. Does he look like Bill Hicks to anyone else? Just us?

In light of a recent custody battle, Hollywood Dad John Davis came to give a lesson in Good Parenting. Points like “Get a Paternity Test” and “Don’t Kill Your Kid’s Mom” did not fall on deaf ears. Unfortunately, John had a meltdown when he couldn’t reach his 4 year old on her cell, so we’re gonna have to classify his advice as only somewhat helpful.

Celebrating her debut as a stand-up, Rochelle taught us you’re never too old to (ignore your disgruntled husband and) follow your dreams! We’re sure it’s that same self-confidence that elected to wear a mumu in public.

Wearing the first and only home made Dumb and Dumber shirt we’ve ever seen,
Luke Thayer graced the stage with new gripes about kids crying. Is someone trying to say he’s ready to be a dad?? Awww…

America’s first loser-turned-less of a loser, Idol sensation Sanjaya came by to sing “Besame Mucho” and give his take on the news. Ruhbin was kind enough to conduct the interview but had a hard time keeping the young and inexperienced celebrity still. Candy worked. If his appearance brings about half the questions as the one by Clay Aiken , we pity the fool. But don’t let that stop you from commenting! Especially YOU, Anonymous.

The first Aaron Neville impressionist we’ve had at the show, Kiley Tracy, took the stage and didn’t leave without discussing what’s on everybody’s mind: parents and forwards…enough!!

Ari Voukydis told a creepy highway story like it was Halloween, only this one had a hilarious ending. The weird part came when an audience member recognized him as a possible distant relative! They chatted after the show, compared details on napkins, and called family members. The Living Room is proud of its Big Fat Greek Coincidence!

Celebrity Sighting! Comedian, writer and producer Jon Friedman of The Rejection Show stopped by for his first visit and judged the Living Room mercilessly. We interpret body language in lieu of asking directly. Furthermore, his elbows say he wishes he could win the audience triva. Does he? Keep reading...

The inimitable Sara Schaefer closed the show and showed us why she’s not the first (gotta stay consistent) person to hate infomercials. Right on! Down with ads. We’ll still take two of whatever she’s selling.

Le Chapeau de Chance decided that the Funniest Comedian of All Time is Sue Ball! We couldn’t agree more. She took home a freshly found copy of Legends, Lies, and Cherished Myths of American History. It’s no National Treasure, but like Voigt and Cage, it is old and musty!

Two audience members correctly answered the trivia question and were treated to two coupons to the fabulous restaurant Alaturka!

Come check out our next show May 11th and try your hand at winning a prize. Think you have what it takes? See if you can answer the trivia questions below!

Q: How tall is Robert Wadlow, the tallest man ever?
A: 8'11"

Q: Who wrote this question?
A: "I did" (or "me" is also acceptable)

Q: What type of cream cheese do I have in my refrigerator?
A: vegetable-flavored.

Q: Deal or no deal?
A: Deal.

Q: What did the leper say to the whore?
A: Keep the tip.

Check out our photos of the event on Flickr here.

Show 20: Friday the 13th Spooktacular des Femmes

2007-04-13T16:13:00.001-05:00

Alternative title: Luck Be a Lady Tonight!

It's ladies night, and the feeling's right...so who better to kick off the evening than a man with the hairstyle of Tatum O'Neal in the Bad News Bears?

Luke Thayer led the lineup as host and captivated another full house!

Our brave crowd chose to press their luck and put superstition aside this dark and cloudy Friday the 13th! They were not disappointed as the night rolled in the talent of:
Lang Fisher
Del
Robin Cloud
Becky Ciletti and
a sketch by Delusions of Spandex

Lightning struck twice as Lang Fisher made her second appearance on a Friday the 13th show! The odds were excellent that she’d give another solid set, and it tickled us pink. Then she turned into a toad and hopped away.

America’s least shocking shock jock Honest Warrd came out to support his fallen hero Don Imus. He tried his best to offend as many groups as he could, but in the end it was his plug for his advertiser that proved the most appalling.

Embracing her new neighborhood, Del reminisced about the horrors of her old one. Her musings on the evolution of bodies led to an impromptu booty-off with one of the Postmark staff. YES!

The blondest bombshell Connecticut has to offer, Marsha Peterson swung by to give her two cents about the latest current events. Then to prove she’s not out of touch with society, she left to hand the rest of her cents to “the poor people who eat at McDonalds.”

It was time for the no-nonsense wit of Jerri Beige, a bus driver with more sass than a mess of school kids. She shared her wisdom on race relations, and the room’s interracial couples were better for it.

Don’t cry for her unless you want to make out…Becky Ciletti is back, this time with a helpful visual to demonstrate her dating angst.

We closed the show with Phaea Crede and Becca Jones who comprised our first ever guest sketch troupe, Delusions of Spandex! Hey gals! Want a mascara that will last as long as your self-esteem in a high pressure environment? Then get hip to their new product!

The Hat of Chance selected Robin Cloud as the new Funniest Comedian of All Time! After a very emotional trip to the stage, she proudly accepted two tickets to see Donald Trump Live in November 2006 (time machine not included)!

From the Golden Box of Knowledge we picked the night’s Audience Trivia Question. One man knew the answer and took home FIVE delicious meals from Willie’s! He’s a regular at the show, so we’re glad to see a fan’s dedication pay off.

There was more trivia we didn’t get to read, so we're going to post the funniest questions here some day so you can laugh at them properly. We have more of EVERYTHING in store for the next show on April 27th. That’s a month before Abbi’s birthday. Celebrations, y’all! See you there!

Check out our photos of the event on Flickr here.

Show 19: Chips and Dips

2007-03-23T23:36:00.000-05:00

Stop what you're doin', 'cause I'm about to ruin the Living and the Room that you're used to.
How's this for a hot line-up, Son?
Carolyn Castiglia
Josh Filipowski
Abbi Crutchfield
Emily Epstein
Elon James White
Nick Cobb
Our last show was amazing and jam-packed with rap-tastic videos, political improv, and Emo ramblings. The party started with two-time F-CAT* award-winner Carolyn Castiglia as hostess (not the snack cake, she clarified, but girlfriend does look delicious in pink)!

Abbi Crutchfield stepped up to preach sneezing etiquette. Sayeth the Good Book: Thou shalt not say bless you in an unfriendly manner. But not too friendly either, Perv.
Celebrity Sighting! NYC writer/producer Nichelle Stephens swung by to support her friends and see what all the hub-bub is about. She got her fair share of hub (Carolyn's) and Bub (a beatbox sound) during the Living Room's debut of a hot new music video.

Are you ready to take it to the toppy-toppy-tip? We all were witness to the mad skillz of Miss CKC, Badlands Booker, Baron Vaughn, Matt "Illiam Phatner" Sears and Shockwave in this collaborative effort rap video "I Can't Stop (Chips)". Live it again, for the first time.

Josh Filipowski brought energy and seven more inches to the stage (inches of height! Bro-ham is tall) and shared the dangers of telephonic Russian Roulette.

All the way from Washington, D.C., both George W. Bush and Condoleezza Rice made their second appearances on the show. This time as improv troupe Freedom Force Five.

We learned of the charitable contributions of the effervescent Emily Eptsein (aliteration abounds!)

...and experienced the charity case that is Elon James White. Awww, just keeding, Elon thoughtfully made a surprise visit, and the room rumbled with E-lation.

Success, business, marriage...what does it matter to an aspiring Emo musician from a broken home? Nothing at all. That's according to Jude Pungent who wimpered and whined his way through the news.

Big shot/hot shot/army cot/tater tot Nick Cobb headlined to cap off a superior night of live comedy.

He returned for his third attempt at the F-CAT award, but tonight, one Josh Filipowski was dubbed the Funniest Comedian of All Time! Oh Hat of Chance, you are tough but fair. Josh doesn't need any help maintaining a positive attitude, but now he can graduate to motivational speaker with the help of Healthy Pleasures.

This lucky audience member had a belly full of laughs and won a belly full of yummy burrito-- a gift certificate of dinner for two at the muy splendida Rachel's Taqueria in Park Slope! One of these red-headed women is her cousin.

Come back in April and learn how to ward off evil spirits at our second Friday the 13th Spooktacular!
*Funniest Comedian of All Time (or Fiercest Corn Arepas Taster, if you're working the Kraft services table on America's Next Top Model).
Check out our photos of the event on Flickr here.

Show 18: Shamrocks and Ham hocks

2007-03-10T09:36:00.000-05:00

Happy St. Patty’s Day from The Living Room!
Postmark is more than ready for the occasion with green shamrock window decorations and now offers free rotten potatoes and Irish Spring soap for the first forty customers (offer void where prohibited. Offer prohibited at Postmark).

Like out of a Frank McCourt novel, Brendan Fitzgibbons represented with dark hair, light eyes and dirty cheeks. He hosted an all-star lineup:
Keith Alberstadt
Abbi Crutchfield
Katina Corrao
Elon James White
Joselyn Hughes and
Matt McCarthy

Turns out "Luck o' The Irish" is just a saying, as a down-on-his-luck, out of work leprechaun came to explain. His tales of woes and sorrows and injustice smelled a little like Guiness.

Representing Vanderbilt like they should be part of the Final Four was the always hilarious Keith Alberstadt. He played professor and gave a seminar on the anatomy of a noggin.

Abbi Crutchfield followed, and although she was wearing fancy sequins she spoke of the simple things in life, like cereal, toys, and people who be chewin’ when they talk to you on the phone.

Special Guest The Stereotypical Redneck-Hillbilly gave us an interpretation of the news in the only paranoid, mountain-man way he could.

A gaggle of middle schoolers honked disruptively during the dynamite set of Katina Corrao before they were chased away with a broom. Ever the professional, she rocked on, and the audience was none the wiser, engrossed in her riveting tales of romance, rejection and mimed suicide.

Elon James White kept the crowd rolling over his true tales of tragedy. That takes talent! For example, once my cat ran away, and I cried for three days. Not funny, is it? But Elon sure was.

The Stereotypical Redneck Hillbilly returned with a vengeance when he spied the wily leprechaun and tried to stone him to death. Lo and behold, the two settled their dispute. Harmony happens at The Living room. See for yourself!

Joselyn Hughes did an excellent job closing the show with an impression of her mother before she actually becomes her mother. It’s the circle of life.

As our camera battery died, our Funniest Comedian of All Time was kind enough to share the limelight with our Audience Trivia winner for one final photo. Who else but the generous Keith Alberstadt!
He also qualifies as our fourth two-time champion, so stay tuned for a Face-Off during our one-year anniversary show in June!

But don’t wait till then to come back. There’s more fun happening on March 23rd!
Check out our photos of the event on Flickr here.

Show 17: J is for Jeveryone!

2007-02-24T22:57:00.000-05:00

This past Living Room was chock full of coincidences. Everyone in our line up had a name that begins with J! And everyone else's name begins with L! (File it under irony that J.L. Cauvin did not perform on this fated night!)

The hardest working man in pro-bono showbiz Lance Weiss hosted this amazing group of talent:
Jeff Cerulli
Jacob D'Eustachio
Jason Roberts
Luke Thayer and
Jiwon Li

Lance opened the show and warmed up the crowd to just the right temperature. They were instantly transported to a restaurant where Luke and Abbi performed another original sketch. This time about the blind date gone wrong that goes right but then really is wrong when you think about it.

Jeff Cerulli grabbed the room by its horns and made it listen! The room doesn't even have horns, so how's THAT for a second appearance on the show?

For the first time at The Living Room, we offered free haircuts to everyone in the crowd when Coney Island wonder Jacob D'Eustachio juggled actual knives inches above their heads! That'll teach 'em to be too scared to sit up front!

Luke Thayer brought sweat shirt truth to his performance and dropped some biblical knowledge. A church lesson within a comedy show? Two for one!

The fresh-faced and many-friended Jason Roberts taught us all a boat-full and kept us laughing heartily. Like a hearty stew. I'm hungry.

Special (and by that we mean obscure) guest Doo Wa Diddy--a.k.a. half of P.Diddy's twins--came by to read the news, and that is impressive that she can read because she's only a couple months old. She was escorted by Fonsworth Lukely.

Jiwon Li closed the show with flashbacks to cheating on tests in high school and the woes of being a daughter.

From The Golden Box of Knowledge someone selected a carefully crafted question, and the winner with the right answer took home two movie tickets! Get over to our show, and get there early to submit your trivia question. You can play even if your name doesn't start with J.

In honor of the upcoming Oscars, Jiwon Li was awarded a statue! A turkey statue with a pilgrim's hat. Why? Cause she's the Funniest Comedian of All Time, ya heard? Oh, you're asking why was it a turkey. That's our secret. Have to come to a show to understand!

See you March 9th!

For more photos of this night's show check out our Flickr.com site here!

Show 16: Spread The Love!

2007-02-10T15:49:00.000-05:00

The heart of The Living Room was a-flutter with construction paper decorations (in addition to the artwork by P.S. 124), but that didn't stop us from keeping it real. Our candy heart/wall ornaments doubled as anti-valentines for that less than special person in your life.
Lance Weiss is our honorary host this month and opened the show by offering hygiene tips including the proper way to shower.
He introduced the squeaky clean and sparkling fresh talent of
Jon Lang
Luke Thayer
Mike Ennis
Maria Shehata and
Neil Charles!

Gravel-voiced legend Carol Channing gave us her take on the young person news as well as a little shong and dansh.

Jon Lang made his second appearance at the show and dazzled the audience with his winter-time beard.

Crystal Valentino introduced a segment called, "Y'all Feel Me" where she related to the the crowd about everyday annoyances like stale marshmallows your mom makes you bring to pass out on Valentine's day in grade school, you know?

Mike Ennis had one eye on the crowd and one eye on his car outside to keep it from getting towed.

Luke Thayer dug into his childhood to share the wonders and horrors of muscle bound motivational speakers.

Maria Shehata made new friends in the crowd as she recounted her relationship tales. But new friends just means more tales in the future...

Abbi & Luke performed their first sketch at the show! One woman's study of the homeless lifestyle leads to a fast friendship with a man missing three toes. Just wait until Lifetime picks it up.

Closing out the show we had Neil Charles relive his relationship mistakes and take us back to the early '90s. (Baritone voice) Aw yeah, Girl.

The beards have it! Jon Lang won his first Funniest Comedian of All Time Award, just in time for Valentine's day. His copy of The Improvised Woman: Single Women Reinventing Single Life will certainly help him score some jaded ladies in their 40s.

Then this handsome young man and his date answered our Love Story trivia to become the proud recipiencts of a delicious, hand-tossed pizza from Albanese Pizza on 5th avenue!

And now, a Valentine's Poem by the Living Room:
Roses are red
Brown is a turd
See our next show
Feb 23rd!

For more photos, check out our Flickr.com site here!
And P.S....

We're In The (Cyber) Papers!

2007-02-08T12:56:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the talented writer/editor/literary series curator Cheryl Burke, we are publicized on the World Wide Web! Read her article about The Living Room on Until Monday: BKLN.

In addition to writing for Until Monday: BKLYN, Cheryl produces a unique variety show called Poetry vs. Comedy on which both Luke and Abbi (and many other past Living Room stars) have performed.

Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to come to the show tomorrow, February 9th for the Spread The Love at the Living Room special!

Show 15: All the Pretty Colors

2007-01-27T10:39:00.000-05:00

Postmark Cafe is alive with vibrant colors this winter. Stop on by and see the artwork of P.S. 124 decorating the walls! It's a lovely prelude to the colorful lineup of comedians that stellar emcee Brendan Fitzgibbons introduced:

Ruhbin Mehta
Greg Tito
Laura Mannino
Abbi Crutchfield and
Matt McCarthy

We had a lot of returning champs this evening, and the talented Brendan Fitzgibbons led the lineup. Ruhbin Mehta came to bid us adieu before he heads off to Canada for a couple of months. We'll miss him! Especially his jokes.

Greg Tito, one of the sixteen married people in New York, came by to remind us of the joys of matrimony.

Laura Mannino enlightened us to marital traditions--and the power of EPT. I mean ESP.

Abbi unveiled a short, red hairstyle and used the stage as a platform to vent her fears of trying something new.

The puff on the hat was inspiration for the 'do.

Speaking of new stuff, this Friday marked the first Living Room Original Slideshow Presentation! Click here to see this funny new addition to the show.

Ezekiel Raindance, the conservative hippie read the current events and channeled his positive energy through a red knit cap. Who knew George W. Bush's agenda could be so Groovy?

Thanks to Matt McCarthy's Red-DAR he could tell that Abbi's hair color was not natural. That means they could still have babies that wouldn't burst into flames. He closed the show like a pro by falling on the floor in a drunken stupor.

The crowd went wild, and so did the Hat of Chance when Matt became a two-time champion as the Funniest Comedian of All Time.

He's going to play his Jaye P. Morgan record under a pile of spaghetti. But you're going to play our trivia and walk away with a fabulous prize after a night of hilarity at the next show. Just like these three happy people.

Bring your sweetie for the Spread the Love Valentine's Special on February 9th!