Summer reads for your ears, from Audible

Audible, Amazon’s audio arm, has ramped up its original comedy programming to go along with an already-robust array of audiobooks narrated by comedians this summer.

To wit:

In mid-July, Audible released both a podcast series from Bob Newhart as well as an exclusive audiobook-only memoir from David Spade.

Since then, we’ve seen…

  • A memoir and an exclusive live performance from Saturday Night Live star Darrell Hammond: God, If You’re Not up There, I’m F*cked and That’s Clinton!
  • None of Our Business, is a new Audible production based on stories of eavesdropping, hosted by comedians Gwynne Phillips and Briana Templeton, who often perform together as award-winning sketch comedy duo The Templeton Philharmonic. The season features stories with Reggie Watts, Tony HaleAnna SaleColin MochrieScott ThompsonJosh FademCarolyn TaylorKurt BraunohlerSam Richardson and astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield.
  • Bad Reception, an improvised story in 13 acts, featuring contributions from D’Arcy Carden, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Lauren Lapkus, Kyle Mooney, Nicole Byer and Paul F. Tompkins.
  • Plus, Audible is producing stand-up comedy albums. Just out: Mark Chalifoux, “Think Fast.” Out Sept. 7: Blake Wexler, “Stuffed Boy.”
  • And last week, Dr. Katz: The Audiobook! The cast includes original Dr. Katz voice actors H. Jon Benjamin and Laura Silverman, who recur throughout, and guests Demitri Martin, Wanda Sykes, Jen Kirkman, David Cross, Louie Anderson, David Mamet, Cheryl Hines, Andy Richter, Reggie Watts, Greg Proops, Paula Poundstone, Kyle Kinane, Marc Maron, Erica Rhodes (who recurs as Laura’s sister), Kevin Nealon, Bob Saget, Seth Green, Dom Irrera, Gilbert Gottfried, Todd Barry, Rick Overton, Rachel Dratch, Colin Quinn, Laura Kightlinger and Susie Essman.

Today, Audible announced a series of live events in New York City at Minetta Lane.

They include performances by Patti Smith, Aasif Mandvi and more.

The Daily Show’s Aasif Mandvi’s Obie Award-winning Sakina’s Restaurant centers on an Indian immigrant who comes to New York to work at a restaurant and live the American dream. “I’m thrilled to be reviving my solo show Sakina’s Restaurant in collaboration with the amazing team at Audible,” said Mandvi. “Despite twenty years having passed since I first performed it at the American Place Theatre, the themes I was grappling with then, those of an immigrant family, struggling with the joys, heartbreaks and sacrifice of what it means to leave one’s home and create a new American life, seem as relevant today as they ever did.” Previews begin Oct. 5, with an opening night Oct. 14, and a limited run through Nov. 4.

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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