Day: March 26, 2009

After a two-year hiatus, the Comic Strip Live is bringing back the Lottery hat that allows just about anyone to have his or her shot at making the rite of passage and become a regular stand-up comedian at the club on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Here are the details: Anyone 18 and older can audition, so long as they arrive at the club by 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1. (Note: This is not an April Fool's prank) Everyone will pick a number out of a hat that will determine the date they will audition for the club. Auditions are five minutes long and will always take place on consecutive Tuesdays starting April 7. Participants will be seen by the Comic Strip Live booker and owners. Those who make the cut will receive a number of paid spots per week and will appear on the same stage where Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, and Chris Rock honed their...

The Laugh Factory sure knows how to generate publicity. This report appeared last night on Access Hollywood, about Tom Arnold hosting free Thursday night comedy shows for the unemployed masses as a pick-me-up during the recession. Although, as Arnold notes: Two drink minimum! Here's the small print from the club's online calendar: Every Thursday at 8pm the Laugh Factory is offering free admission to its All Star Comedy Show, to anybody who can show proof of their unemployment. Tom Arnold has volunteered to host the show and bring along some of his celebrity friends in an effort to bring laughs and smiles to people during these uncertain and stressful times. Comedians TBA! General admission: $20 + 2-drink minimum. VIP admission: $30 +2-drink minumum. Call reservations (323) 656-1336×1 before 6pm or buy tickets on...