A Conversation with Louis CK
The Paley Center for Media; 11/3 at 8:30 p.m.; 25 W. 52nd St., nr. Fifth Ave., 212-621-6800
A day later, the Emmy award-winning comedian is doing a stand-up set at Carnegie Hall, but for this event he’ll be at the smaller Paley Center, discussing the production of his fearless FX show Louie with James Poniewozik of Time Magazine.
Kevin Hart
Beacon Theater; 11/4 at 7:30 p.m.; 2124 Broadway, nr. 74th St., 212-465-6500
The comic has acted alongside Chris Rock and Danny Glover (Death at a Funeral) and Eddie Murphy (Meet Dave). Here, he’ll enlighten us on the roots of his stand-up as part of his Laugh at My Pain tour.
Margaret Cho
Beacon Theater; 11/5 at 8 p.m.; 2124 Broadway, nr. 74th St., 212-465-6500
The risqué comedienne, tattoo enthusiast, and Dancing With The Stars contestant has no problems telling it like it is, which, lucky for us, makes for a highly enjoyable comedy experience. Expect her to show off her vocal cords with material from her new music and comedy album Cho Dependent.
Joel McHale
Carnegie Hall; 11/5 at 7 p.m.; 154 W. 57th St., at Seventh Ave., 212-247-7800
You can already catch him twice a week displaying acting chops on NBC’s Community and slaying celebrities on E!’s The Soup. In his stand-up, he forgets the famous folks and turns his gaze upon himself, an equally worthy subject.
Tracy Morgan Live - TimesTalk
The TimesCenter; 11/6 at 4 p.m.; 242 West 41st St., nr. EighthAve., 212-556-4300
The 30 Rock star isn’t really known for his restraint, so it’s worth checking out this interview with the Times’s Bill Carter just to see what verbal gems will spew forth. (Maybe something about his affinity for watching women shop for cucumbers?)
Aziz Ansari
Beacon Theater; 11/6 at 8 p.m.; 2124 Broadway, nr. 74th St., 212-465-6500
Another one on the peacock’s payroll, the Parks and Recreation star has actually won awards for his stand-up, long before he ever hit the small screen. Favorite topics include food, his cousins Darwish and Harris, and Kanye.
Cheap Laughs
Besides the big names, The New York Comedy Festival offers ample opportunity to check out up-and-coming comedians. Jon Glaser and Hannibal Burress are on the lineup at the UCB’s Whiplash (where big names also like to drop in) while Comedy Central hand-picks promising newcomers for the Comics to Watch at Carolines.
For the full lineup, check NYComedyFestival.com.