The Very Best of NYC Comedy/Variety

A Murray Little Christmas, Jessica Kirson, Sandra Bernhard and much more

Drag king superstar Murray Hill returns to (Le) Poisson Rouge on Dec 19 to make sure you have A Murray Little Christmas! Get ready for a night of uproarious entertainment, including wacky skits, Hot Toddy burlesque and cheesy holiday songs—along with plenty of nuts, fruits and tree trimming. Murray will also belt out his signature tune, “Have Yourself a Murray Little Christmas”. We look forward to Murray Hill’s kooky showmanship all year long, so don’t miss this festive performance.

Jessica Kirson is one of our favorite comedians—and one of our 100 Women We Love a few years back—so we’re super-excited that she’s coming to Gotham Comedy Club on Dec 26 and 27. Kirson's unique style and charismatic stage presence capture the attention of audiences everywhere she performs. Don’t miss this chance to see her comedic talents in action. Two nights, four shows—also featuring Aaron Berg and more!

Kick off your New Year’s Eve with veteran actor and comedian Sandra Bernhard at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater. In recent years, she’s taken her live act up a notch. Tonight’s show? “Feel the Bernhard.” Always snarky, hilariously witty and outspoken, she’s one of the top female voices in comedy, and now’s your chance to see her live for one special evening. According to the event website, "Not unlike Bernie Sanders, Sandy has had it with the one percent. If you’re sick and tired of being held down, join the 99-percenters for a revolution Sandy style!" Sounds good to us.

Queen of the Night at the Paramount Hotel runs now thru Jan 3 and is a decadent, interactive, one-of-a-kind experience—a synthesis of theater, cuisine, circus and nightlife entertainment. All guests enjoy a welcome drink, passed canapés and a full sit-down banquet with decanters of wine. Dress to impress the Queen! Bust out your best suit or cocktail dress, as formalish evening attire at this event is strongly encouraged.

No holiday season in NYC is complete without Nutcracker Rouge. Playing at the Minetta Lane Theatre thru Jan 17, the production is a reworking of Tchiakovsky’s 1892 classic, The Nutcracker—but with an erotic edge. Enjoy a sexy, extravagant, baroque burlesque experience, including opera, ballet, circus, a dazzling set design and fine music. Make it a date night, and take your girl to this!

On Jan 30, Beatrice Arthur: Astral Dame is a must-see at the Laurie Beechman Theatre. It was only a matter of time before Bea Arthur became the hottest inspiration for drag divas—and here she is! Jason B. Schmidt channels the star of Maude, Mame and The Golden Girls in this acclaimed cabaret comedy. The bad news? It’s a one-night-only performance.


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