All stories by Elise Czajkowski on BroadwayStars

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Louis CK: 2017 review – buttons are pushed but the set doesn't achieve lift-off by Elise Czajkowski

Abortion and suicide are hot topics in this latest hour of standup for Netflix, but the quirky left turns that once made this material feel so fresh can’t be foundWhen I saw Louis CK perfo…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 03:36AM
Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Dave Chappelle stand-up specials review: 'More interested in re-litigating the past' by Elise Czajkowski

The comedian’s two specials on Netflix have their moments, but for one of the most revered stand-ups of his era the material is often disappointingly flatThere is a mystique that surrounds…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 05:48PM
Tuesday, March 7, 2017

From Bob Newhart to Chris Rock: 10 standup comedy milestones by Elise Czajkowski

As Netflix invest in Amy Schumer, Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld, what have been the most important comedy specials on stage?2017 is set to be a big year in standup specials for Netflix – A…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 12:48PM
Thursday, January 12, 2017

Whitney Cummings: 'The scariest place to perform standup is America' by Elise Czajkowski

The outspoken comic talks about directing a ‘science comedy’ on the female brain, overcoming her battle with co-dependency and the cult of celebrity griefAt only 34, Whitney Cummings has…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 01:48PM
Friday, December 30, 2016

Comedy in 2017: Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle and the French Seinfeld by Elise Czajkowski

The next year promises a wealth of standup, from old favorites and much-buzzed newcomers, and small screen comedies to watch out forComedy is hard to predict – young stars arise from nowhe…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 12:12AM
Tuesday, November 8, 2016

How comedians struggled to parody Donald Trump by Elise Czajkowski

There was no lack of jokes about the Republican nominee from Samantha Bee to Alec Baldwin – but despite comics’ best efforts, Trump put himself past satireThis election season has inspir…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 12:48PM
Sunday, November 6, 2016

Tig Notaro review: a delightful return to pre-tragedy form by Elise Czajkowski

Carnegie Hall, New YorkThe comedian has moved beyond her breast cancer diagnosis to more easygoing material, and she’s better at it than everTig Notaro broke through with her evocative spe…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 03:36PM
Tuesday, October 25, 2016

The 10 best shows to see at the New York comedy festival by Elise Czajkowski

From Patton Oswalt to Eric Andre to Tim Minchin, the annual event provides a variety of ways to laugh across the cityFor the first week of November, pretty much anything funny happening in N…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 06:57AM
Tuesday, October 11, 2016

A Stand-Up Talks About Depression. He Hopes You’ll Laugh. by Elise Czajkowski

Chris Gethard’s new show, “Career Suicide,” which explores his anxiety as well as his public missteps, might seem like an odd choice for comedy.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 03:54PM
Friday, September 9, 2016

Louis CK review – a standup master's return to form by Elise Czajkowski

Madison Square Garden, New YorkAfter a period in which it seemed he was in decline, Louis CK has rallied with a show that reminds you that his best material was always his most personalOnly …

SOURCE: The Guardian at 12:34PM
Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Michelle Wolf: 'Four years of Donald Trump jokes will drive me insane' by Elise Czajkowski

She’s stormed America’s late-night talkshows and worked on Chris Rock’s Oscars speech. Now Michelle Wolf is taking her political standup to EdinburghThis week, Michelle Wolf is set to …

SOURCE: The Guardian at 04:09AM
Thursday, July 7, 2016

Is the 2016 presidential campaign beyond satire? by Elise Czajkowski

All the late-night shows have tried to lampoon a certain Republican nominee, but when real-life TV feels stranger than fiction, does satire fall flat?At its finest, satire can forever define…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 06:26AM
Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Improv Troupe’s Appeal: Imagine the ‘Friends’ Cast Doing ‘Game of Thrones’ by Elise Czajkowski

“The Cast,” directed by Hannah Chase, is an example of how this Magnet Theater group comes up with creative ways to play with genre and presentation.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 05:44PM
Thursday, May 12, 2016

Comedians come to together to make it clear that gun violence is no joke by Elise Czajkowski

Amy Schumer’s sketch comedy show tackles gun control and in New York Janeane Garofalo joins other comedians in benefit show to raise awarenessIncongruous as it seems, comedy and the campai…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 06:48PM
Tuesday, April 19, 2016

A Bit Britney, a Bit Burlesque: John Early Takes Theater Into Stand-Up by Elise Czajkowski

Mr. Early, the comic who hosts the monthly “Showgasm” at Ars Nova, will preside over a huge fund-raising version of it on Thursday at the Marquee in Chelsea.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 06:26PM
Monday, March 21, 2016

Mike Birbiglia review – 'clean' comic gets smutty to affirm importance of gags by Elise Czajkowski

Lynn Redgrave Theater, New YorkInspired by the Charlie Hebdo attack, the reliably funny comic’s show advocates the necessity of humor – especially when it offendsEver since Mike Birbigli…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 12:56PM
Friday, February 19, 2016

Jerry Seinfeld and Steve Martin standup comedy review – superbly honed by Elise Czajkowski

Martin performed his first comedy gig in 30 years – but Seinfeld was the star, with a wonderfully calibrated show that proves he’s still the safest bet in standupJerry Seinfeld more or l…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 12:46PM
Thursday, December 17, 2015

Humbug as a Holiday Enhancer by Elise Czajkowski

Plenty of comedy and improv events are on tap for the coming holiday, including shows at Le Poisson Rouge and the Bell House.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 07:07PM
Thursday, November 12, 2015

Stand Up For Heroes review – dad jokes meet dad rock at star-studded benefit by Elise Czajkowski

Madison Square Garden, New YorkBruce Springsteen brought laughs and hits, while guests Seth Meyers and John Oliver delivered some testy material that divided the roomStand Up For Heroes, a s…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 07:13AM
Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Snapshot: Hasan Minhaj Battles Bigotry With Bittersweet Humor by Elise Czajkowski

This correspondent for “The Daily Show” looks back at his experiences as a first-generation Indian-American in “Homecoming King” at the Cherry Lane Theater.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 01:08PM
Thursday, September 17, 2015

Steve Rannazzisi's 9/11 story is pure fantasy – but is it also standup material? by Elise Czajkowski

Standup comedians possess a remarkable ability to turn the worst parts of their lives into comedy – but is that even possible with a fabricated story about being in the south tower on 9/11…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 06:51AM
Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Amy Schumer and Bo Burnham among standout standups in live fall comedy by Elise Czajkowski

From the established shtick of Dave Chappelle to internet stars and unknown quantities, this autumn there’s an abundance of laughs to be had Continue reading...

SOURCE: The Guardian at 07:55AM
Thursday, August 27, 2015

ArtsBeat: Second City Assesses Losses After Fire by Elise Czajkowski

Personal memorabilia was destroyed in a fire that ripped through the offices of Second City on Wednesday.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 02:44PM
Monday, June 29, 2015

Marc Maron review – after chat with Obama, standup returns to earth by Elise Czajkowski

Brooklyn Academy of Music, New YorkHis WTF podcast made him world-famous, but the comic’s self-loathing persona remains intact in a smart and heartfelt show“So, fuck, right?” is how Ma…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 12:50PM
Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Amy Schumer and Friends review – feminist observations hit the mark by Elise Czajkowski

The Comedy Central star and lead in Judd Apatow’s Trainwreck brought her comedy ensemble, which included Colin Quinn and Vanessa Bayer, to New York and lived up to her billing as the hotte…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 02:04PM
Friday, April 10, 2015

Catie Lazarus, Host of ‘Employee of the Month,’ at Joe’s Pub, Holds Court by Elise Czajkowski

Catie Lazarus, host of the interview show “Employee of the Month” at Joe’s Pub, is in the interviewee’s seat for a few questions.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 05:26PM
Monday, March 30, 2015

Can Trevor Noah fill Jon Stewart's big shoes for 'Indecision 2016'? by Elise Czajkowski

The South African’s appointment is welcome – but as an outsider, can he cover the 2016 presidential campaign as convincingly as Jon Stewart would have done? Continue reading...

SOURCE: The Guardian at 11:03AM
Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Nightcrawlers: meet the young pretenders looking to get their feet under the late-night desks by Elise Czajkowski

In New York there’s a group of comedians putting on their own versions of post-11 o’clock talkshows. As the late-night landscape shifts, could they be primed to take over? Continue readi…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 08:00AM
Monday, March 9, 2015

Craig Ferguson Hot and Grumpy review – a talented comic plays it safe by Elise Czajkowski

Town Hall, New YorkThere are sex jokes, F-bombs and weary cultural references – but when the former Late Late Show host tells a story about the Rolling Stones, the show comes alive Continu…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 12:08PM
Monday, March 2, 2015

Demetri Martin review – a comic who has perfected his voice by Elise Czajkowski

Town Hall, New YorkOver a decade after winning best comic at Edinburgh, Martin has pared down his presentation and allowed consistently funny and clever jokes to shine Continue reading...

SOURCE: The Guardian at 10:19AM
Monday, February 23, 2015

Kyle Kinane review – a smart take on the slothful man by Elise Czajkowski

Bowery Ballroom, New YorkThe voice of Comedy Central delights in the unsophisticated, but underneath the lowbrow crudeness there’s considerable charm, technique and wit Continue reading...

SOURCE: The Guardian at 01:27PM

All that Chat

2023-2024 BROADWAY SEASON
May 30, 2023: Grey House - Lyceum Theatre
Jun 26, 2023: Just For Us - Hudson Theatre
Jul 24, 2023: The Cottage - Hayes Theater
Nov 16, 2023: Spamalot - St. James Theatre
Dec 18, 2023: Appropriate - Hayes Theater
Mar 07, 2024: Doubt - Todd Haimes Theatre
Apr 14, 2024: Lempicka - Longacre Theatre
Apr 17, 2024: The Wiz - Marquis Theatre
Apr 18, 2024: Suffs - Music Box Theatre
Apr 25, 2024: Mother Play - Hayes Theater
Jun 10, 2024: The Drama Desk Awards