Get a Life and Catch Chris Elliott and Adam Resnick This Week in New York

Chris Elliott and Adam Resnick have had the kind of career any comedy writer would envy. After both working on The Late Show With David Letterman, the duo co-created critically acclaimed series Get a Life and the silly-fun flick Cabin Boy. Resnick’s pedigree also includes writing for The Larry Sanders Show and Death to Smoochie, while we all recognize Elliott from dozens of movies and late-night and primetime TV appearances. The pair are teaming up again this week for what’s sure to be a laugh-filled discussion of Resnick’s new book. If you’re looking for something that’s less “sit down” and more “stand up,” there are plenty of other fantastic comedy events on tap this week.

Shady Pines Comedy Hour
Bunga’s Den (137 West 14th Street), 6:30 p.m., Free

Last week, Joe List endeared himself to a national audience on Last Comic Standing with his great jokes and adorable anxiety, which you can watch above. This week, he’s playing a free show in a beer bar downtown. That’s comedy. Bunga’s Den is a cool little bar with a snug backroom that plays host to a number of comedy shows and open mics throughout the week. Take this opportunity to get your List time gratis before he really blows up.

The Front Room
The Knitting Factory (361 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn), 8:30 p.m., Free

If you like your comedy smart and bespectacled, then the Front Room has a great show for you featuring Louis Katz and Jim Tews this week. A favorite of comedy lovers and Brooklynites, this free hump day show regularly serves up great comedy from big names and unknowns alike.

****

Thursday, August 13:

It’s All Happening
Frank’s Lounge (660 Fulton Street, Brooklyn), 8 p.m., $5

Nick Mullen and Emma Willmann are two of the most refreshing voices in NYC comedy. Nick is a grouchy old man in a young man’s body who gained a lot of attention after posing as a Mommy Blogger (“Nicole Mullen”) and posting satirical articles that were so on the nose, people fell for them. On the brighter side of cynical, Emma’s no newcomer to the scene, but the city hasn’t managed to erase all traces of her small-town Maine upbringing and free spirit. They join city favorite and all-around swell guy Joe Zimmerman for this great little Brooklyn showcase.

Jest for Fun
Lucky Jack’s NYC (129 Orchard Street), 7:30 p.m., Free

They say the unexamined life is not worth living, but is the unexamined joke not worth telling? Experience sets from top-notch comedians, including Anthony DeVito, Michelle Buteau, and the aforementioned Joe List, then find out about the comedians and stories behind those jokes when they sit down for a post-set chat with host Tanael Joachim.

****

Friday, August 14:

And I Am Not Lying
UCB East (153 East 3rd Street), 11:59 pm, $5

This variety show truly embraces the concept of “variety” as well as high quality. Your host is storyteller Jeff Simmermon, who has appeared on This American Life and The Moth and written for Vice. This edition features stand-up Aparna Nancherla, a burlesque performance, and modern dance from the Monica Bill Barnes Dance Company.

An Evening With Brent Morin (Netflix Special Taping)
Gramercy Theatre (127 East 23rd Street), 7 p.m., $29

Brent Morin is a tremendously talented Los Angeles–based stand-up who recently shot to fame on NBC’s Undateable. Like most sitcom stars, though, his act goes well beyond the limited range of scripted network fare. His high-energy, physical style is the first thing most people notice about Brent, but the heart underneath it all is what makes him memorable. Head to Gramercy Theatre for this greatest-hits night that will be captured for posterity.

****

Saturday, August 15:

Picture This!
Union Hall (702 Union Street, Brooklyn), 7:30 p.m., $10

Yassir Lester is no stranger to either stand-up or animation, so it’s fitting he’ll be a part of this show that throws the two together. While Yassir has written for Adult Swim and the related Black Dynamite graphic novels, he’ll stay on the microphone side of the equation as professional artists animate his jokes in real time, right there onstage with him.

****

Sunday, August 16:

If You Build It
UCB East (153 East 3rd Street), 8 p.m., $5

This week’s edition of If You Build It features a heavy injection of West Coast comedians, with JC Coccoli, Eliot Chang, and Sean Keane all on the bill. Not to be outdone, NYC is well represented with the tremendous talents of Christian Finnegan and Gary Vider, as well as the delightful and hilarious Megan Gailey as host.

****

Showtime
The PIT (123 East 24th Street), 8 p.m., $10

Oh, man, what to say about Yamaneika Saunders other than “She’s amazing”? This veteran of the NYC scene has jokes, confidence, personality, and a quick wit to handle anything thrown her way while onstage. She also has some nice TV credits in her pocket, with stints on Last Comic Standing and Funny Girls recently added to her comedic résumé. She’s joined by Friends of the People’s Jermaine Fowler, who is no slouch himself.

Frantic!
The Stand (239 Third Avenue), 10 p.m., Free

Hosted by Aaron Berg, this school-night show brings the best of both independent and club comedy out for a fast-paced production with a loose attitude. Aaron keeps the energy up while turning over almost a dozen comedians, including Dan Soder, Noah Gardenswartz, Pete Lee, Mark Normand, and Subhah Agarwal.

****

Tuesday, August 18:

Comedy Juice
Gotham Comedy Club (208 West 23rd Street), 9:30 p.m., $15

This weekly showcase packs in headliner pop-ins from both coasts, on top of a strong lineup every single week. With Mike Recine and Brian Scolaro on the books, it’s already a great show. Add in the surprise guests and it’s going to be stellar. While we have to leave that a blind item, let’s just say one of the special guests could be considered Undateable now that his Glory Daze are behind him.

Adam Resnick in Conversation With Chris Elliott
Powerhouse Books (37 Main Street, Brooklyn), 7 p.m., Free

Not a performance, but a conversation between two very funny people. Frequent Late Night With David Letterman contributors and co-creators of Get a Life Adam Resnick and Chris Elliott will sit down to discuss Adam’s new book full of tales of social awkwardness, Will Not Attend. And yes, it’s that Chris Elliott, who has been on pretty much every TV show and in every funny movie for the last three decades.