Did you hear the one about the clairvoyant colon doctor?
Fifteen of the city’s best storytellers — who usually tell compelling personal narratives — are joining forces for a comedy showcase featuring short stand-up routines.
“I Like You, Maude,” a lottery-style improvisational storytelling series, is staging a special edition evening in which top-notch performers ditch the personal narrative and prepare three-minute comedic performances.
“There’s a gray area between comedy and storytelling,” said organizer Kerri Doherty. “This gives us a chance to tell a one-liner or make a funny observation.”
Many performers also participate in the legendary The Moth StorySLAM series and have in the past told tales featuring an apocalyptic cockroach, a deadly Caesar salad and a colon doctor who could predict the future.
Past storytellers have included “Blue’s Clues” star-turned spoken word master Steve Burns — who won’t be telling punch lines at this comedic event.
Doherty said most participants are taking a first swing at stand-up in a comfortable setting because comedy routines come with a different, arguably more demanding, set of audience expectations.
“Comedy can be daunting,” Doherty said. “But we wanted to be brave — and try something different.”
I Like You, Maude at Tea Lounge [837 Union St. between Sixth and Seventh avenues in Park Slope, (718) 789–2762]. July 17, 7:30 pm. Free.
Reach reporter Natalie O'Neill at noneill@cnglocal.com or by calling her at (718) 260-4505.
