Buffalo Comedy: Dozens of comedy shows are happening in WNY this weekend and into next week, including Mark Normand’s sold out shows, and more you can still get tickets for.

(Above: Wes Barker. Via @stuntmagician on Facebook).

By Jason Pomietlasz

People are criticizing Timothee Chalamet for saying ballet and opera are boring but if you have seen Dune: Part One, he may have a good handle on what’s dull. I can tell you what’s not dull or boring, going to see live comedy. Also, watch Black Swan, an upbeat tale of ballerinas.

Friday, March 13 

Buffalo Comedy Collective, 155 Chandler Street, Buffalo. 

Comedy Sportz match-up. Two teams “competitively” play short form improv games with suggestions from the audience, who also decides the winner. 7 p.m., tickets $18. 

Stand-Up Open Mic night, every second Friday of the month. Performers get five minutes and this month’s list is full, but comics can still sign up in person for standby. 9 p.m., tickets $5. 

Buffalo Improv House, 255 Great Arrow Ave., Suite 207, Buffalo. 

The Happy Hour Improv Jam. Try improv for the first time with experienced improvisers or practice what you have already learned. 6:30 p.m., tickets $5 or pay what you can. 

A Couple of Nerds Trivia Showdown, where the audience competes to win with the best and funniest answers against a cast of improvised characters and villains. A never-before-seen-again game show which will test your trivia knowledge and sense of humor. 8:30 p.m., tickets $15 presale or $20 general admission.

Saturday, March 14

Buffalo Comedy Collective, 155 Chandler Street, Buffalo. 

ComedySportz Saturday match-up. Two teams “competitively” play short form improv games with suggestions from the audience, who also decides the winner. 7 p.m., tickets $18. 

Dynamic Duos, six roster members from CSz Pros and BCC Shorties Program are paired up for two-person scenes. After each pair performs, the audience votes for their favorite scene and the pairs switch to do it all again, twice. The performer with the most points by the end wins. 9 p.m., tickets $18. 

Buffalo Improv House, 255 Great Arrow Ave., Suite 207, Buffalo.

All of BIH’s Collider teams will perform, “Bedelia”, “Hannah Montana”, musical team “Bad Haircut” and “Unnecessarily Complicated”, who use the Harold format. 7:30 p.m., tickets $12 presale or $15 general admission.  

“Wizard Fight” is a new show where two improvisers (wizards) will complete imaginary tasks using suggestions from the audience to gather magical items and mystical powers that will feature short form and long form improv, all overseen by the “Mysterious Master Of Games.”

9 p.m., tickets $16.95. 

Babeville, 341 Delaware Ave., downstairs, Buffalo. 7 p.m., tickets starting $40.

Sheng Wang is in the middle of his world tour, which when done, will have spanned three years and eight countries, including Asia. Wang’s first Netflix special, Sweet & Juicy (2022), produced and directed by Ali Wong, is available on YouTube and his latest special is slated for release on Netflix later this year. 

Rob’s Playhouse Theater, 3200 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo. 8 p.m, tickets starting at $28.50.

Wes Barker is a comedian and magician who has fooled Penn & Teller and gained a billion views across the internet. Barker has appeared on Ellen, Netflix, MTV, America’s Got Talent, and has his own show ‘Big Trick Energy.” 

Sunday, March 15

Rivera Theater, 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda, 3 p.m., tickets starting at $34.90

“The Uncle Louie Variety Show,” presents the “Latest & Greatest Tour,” starring Lou Greco and Carlo Russo which will feature original music, sketch comedy, stand-up and improv. 

Monday, March 16

Tudor Lounge, 335 Franklin Street, Buffalo, 8:30 p.m. 

Comedy Open Mic Comedy. Start your week by hearing new premises and jokes. Once again hosted by the venerable Don Johnson with a bucket draw. Sign-ups at 7 p.m. Free.

Tuesday, March 17

Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen Street, Buffalo, 9 p.m. Free

Rust Belt Comedy Showcase, Buffalo’s longest running comedy show hosted by Jake Samson and Jake Piskor also known as the two Jakes. Signups at rustbeltcomedy.weebly.com. Free. 

Third Space Cafe & Entertainment, 777 Main St., Buffalo, 7 p.m.

The Early Bird Comedy Open Mic. The first mic of Tuesdays hosted by Brody Walsh and Connor Mink. Signups start at 6:30 p.m. Free.

Wednesday, March 18

Milkie’s Elmwood Lounge, 522 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo. 

Comedy Open Mic Comedy. Sign-ups at 7 p.m. or online, show starts at 9-ish p.m. Hosted by the super funny Jesse Winterhalter. Free. 

Road Less Traveled Productions, 456 Main St., Buffalo, 7:30 p.m., tickets $20.

An improvised two-act play with a cast of experienced improvisers and a special guest, usually a local actor, using the set of the current play running at the RLTP, ensuring the show is a blend of grounded theater and comedy. This week’s guest is Nick Winger who joins the resident cast of Kevin Di Lucente, Todd Benzin, Don Gervasi, Annie Moor and Jimmie Byrd.

Have a comedy event you want to add, email lakeeffectcomedy@gmail.com.