December 15, 8pm / $5

Crash Mansion / 199 Bowery / 10002

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Donnell Rawlings is hitting the New York city streets and breaking down what real life is like for a stand up comic. The break out star of The Chapelle Show is taking you behind the scenes to see the Bootleg, the real comedy, the grind and the workout that a comedian does to prepare for a performance. This DVD is full of sketch comedy, live stand up, interactive media, rap parodies and music videos, all showing what makes a comic tick. This ride along with Donnell shows how even a trip to the grocery store can be inspiration for a joke or a character. If it’s too good to be true, it’s gotta be bootleg.

www.bootlegcomedy.com

For even more Donnell, don’t miss his return to the Emmy Award winning show, “The Wire,” later this month on HBO.

The New York institution Caroline’s has been doling out laughs in New York City since 1981. This legendary night spot first started as a Cabaret club in Chelsea. Owner Caroline Hirsch was always a comedy fan and after booking now infamous comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, Tim Allen and Rosie O’Donnell the club became known for comedy. After a stint in the South Street Seaport, Caroline’s moved to the heart of New York in Times Square. People flock from all corners of the world to roll with laughter at Caroline’s. It is a true New York experience.

Schedule yourself some laugh therapy at www.carolines.com

1626 Broadway, 10019

As proved on Last Comic Standing, Brooklyn native Joey Gay is one of New York City’s funniest Gays. Joey appears at comedy clubs like Caroline’s, Comedy Village, and Laugh Factory on a regular basis and can be seen on various TV shows and movies. Go Back on the Block with this funny man as he recalls a childhood with the most unfortunate of names, and his experience running, owning, and living in one of the most notorious comedy spots in the nation, Pips Comedy Club. Joey is currently working on a TV pilot that will unite all Joey Gays of the world, one Gay at a time.

www.joeygay.com

Comic Strip Live brings big laughs to a quiet block on the Upper East Side. While most other comedy clubs thrive downtown, CSL has been standing strong since 1975. Household names such as Jerry Seinfeld, Eddie Murphy and Adam Sandler got their start on this stage, as have a slew of other stand-up comics, whose headshots fill every inch of the entrance hall. Or, if you’re up for discovering no-name talent, make a reservation for a showcase night. Aspiring funny guys and gals from across the nation flock to hone their skills here. You could discover the next Colin Quinn. Expect a cover charge and a two drink minimum at all shows (this is standard for New York clubs). The cabaret-style seating packs in patrons tight, so we recommend bringing a group that you wouldn’t mind rubbing elbows with.

1568 Second Avenue, between 81st and 82nd Streets, 10028
www.comicstriplive.com

New York Comedy Clubs

For a night of eye-tearing laughter, grab your waterproof mascara and make a reservation at one of these comedy clubs!

Sal’s Comedy Hole
You’ll know you’re in the Village after hearing the raw, rebellious and uncensored acts of local New York comedians. Not recommended for minors.
89 MacDougal Street, 10012
www.salscomedyhole.com

Laugh Lounge
With an upstairs lounge and a downstairs stage, this place is laid-back and reminiscent of Vaudeville days. Chappelle’s Show and Premium Blend comics love this place.
151 Essex Street, 10002
www.laughloungenyc.com

Comedy Cellar
This place feels underground because it practically is. Dave Attell, Colin Quinn and a slew of other well-known funny guys and gals grace the line-up.
117 MacDougal Street, 10012
www.comedycellar.com

Stand-Up NY
This small club will give you huge laughs. Chris Rock makes surprise appearances here when he’s working on a new routine.
236 W 78th Street, 10024
www.standupny.com

Comix Comedy Club
Comix induces side-splitting laughter with marquee names like Chuck Nice and Alex Borstein. Variety, improv and sketch shows also dot the line-up.
www.comixny.com

Comix Comedy Club induces side-splitting laughter with marquee names like Chuck Nice, Danny Bonaduce and Alex Borstein. This slick new venue is a spacious alternative to its cramped downtown competitors. With 14,000 square feet to spare and unobstructed stage views, this club also doubles as a TV studio. Aside from big-name stand-up stars, Comix also hosts variety, improv and sketch shows, and offers classes for aspiring comedians. Check the website for the latest headliners. Like most comedy venues, there is a two-item minimum, but that doesn’t just mean drinks. Comix offers a full dinner menu complete with appetizers and dessert, so dinner and a show is totally doable. Just make sure you don’t get food stuck in your teeth… you’ll surely be a target for heckling.

353 West 14th Street at Ninth Avenue, Manhattan
(212) 524-2500
www.comixny.com

New York Comedy Clubs

For a night of eye-tearing laughter, grab your waterproof mascara and make a reservation at one of these comedy clubs!

Sal’s Comedy Hole
You’ll know you’re in the Village after hearing the raw, rebellious and uncensored acts of local New York comedians. Not recommended for minors.
89 MacDougal Street, 10012
www.salscomedyhole.com

Laugh Lounge
With an upstairs lounge and a downstairs stage, this place is laid-back and reminiscent of Vaudeville days. Chappelle’s Show and Premium Blend comics love this place.
151 Essex Street, 10002
www.laughloungenyc.com

Comedy Cellar
This place feels underground because it practically is. Dave Attell, Colin Quinn and a slew of other well-known funny guys and gals grace the line-up.
117 MacDougal Street, 10012
www.comedycellar.com

Stand-Up NY
This small club will give you huge laughs. Chris Rock makes surprise appearances here when he’s working on a new routine.
236 W 78th Street, 10024
www.standupny.com

Comic Strip Live
A staple for the past 30 years, this club hosts regular Open Mic nights for amateurs, and counts Jerry Seinfeld and Adam Sandler as alumni.
1568 Second Ave, 10028
www.comicstriplive.com

CiNYC caught up with comedian and Brooklyn native Richard Lewis. He rambled about his childhood in Brooklyn, his early stand-up days in New York City, and what young performers can do to break into the scene.

What was it like as a young comic starting off in New York City?

I had guidance early on. David Brenner became my comedy brother. He told me a lot of things before I got my big break. He said, “Go 70 miles to a dinky bar in Queens and work on your material. Go six months and get your act together. I will come see you when you think you’re ready.” So, I worked at obscure clubs in the Village, and then I came back [to mainstream comedy clubs]. The night I went on I blew the roof off; I was head and shoulders over every other person.

Was there a point in your career when you felt like giving up and moving on?

No, never. I struggled for the first 10 years, and I was pretty broke. I lived like a rat, and I was a little ashamed. But when I started doing Letterman, and then working with Jamie Lee Curtis, they were so great to me. Those were my big breaks. I felt like a million bucks because these people gave me respect when I didn’t have a dime. They gave me confidence. And then, I knew there was nothing else I wanted to do.

What drives you to perform?

I go on stage as a way to be validated. It comes from a childhood feeling of not being listened to.

What was growing up like for you?

Everyone around me, my parents, my sister, my brother, was too preoccupied with themselves. I was left alone. My mother [and I] didn’t have the greatest relationship. The older I got, and certainly with all my therapy, I realized I wasn’t the greatest kid, and [my mother] had a lot of problems. I have a lot of baggage.

Much of your comedy is based on your experiences in therapy. How has it been going lately?

I don’t go to therapy much more. My own therapist is bored with me. She dozed off during our last session. I’ve been around a long time, I’m sober, I committed to somebody, I’m done.

How do you prepare for a show?

I’m a basket case before I go on. I don’t hone my act, I don’t script it or plan it out. I have about 15 hours of material saved in a Word document on my computer, and before a show I scroll through it. On stage, I just say what I remember. I pray that I get laughs and if I don’t, I move into another area.

What is it like to work on Curb Your Enthusiasm with your childhood pal Larry David?

I tell my wife to never ask me how it goes, because I never know. I get touchy, because you don’t really know until you see it air. You could get cut. Plus, I’m playing myself.

What advice do you have for comics who are starting out?

If you don’t have patience and you’re not doing this just for the art and the craft, get out. There are no promises you’ll make a living out of this. Hang out with others who are struggling, and find people who are successful, who you trust, and who like you. And, if you write what you know, nobody can be as good as you, because nobody has your life. Be yourself.

You’ve performed at Carnegie Hall, but you still frequent smaller comedy clubs. Why?

When I sold out Carnegie Hall, it was one of the greatest nights of my life. But, I’ll never stop playing nightclubs. The audience is right in your face, and you’re right there, and you feel like if you [mess] up, they’re going to come up and grab you like a mob. It keeps me on my toes.

www.richardlewisonline.com