Best Of

Best Upcoming Comedy Shows In Minnesota

February 17, 2014 / 7:00 AM CST / CBS Minnesota

While Minnesotans are not characterized as humorous, six superlative comedy shows are coming soon to Minnesota.

Kurt Braunohler
Acme Comedy Company
708 N. 1st St.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 338-6393
www.acmecomedycompany.com/kurt-braunohler

Date: Feb. 18-22, 2014

"How do I land?," the YouTube video that went viral last August, was Kurt's brainchild. His album of the same name is also doing well. Now Kurt will be touching down in the Twin Cities for a week. Kurt currently hosts "The K Ohle with Kurt Braunohler" on the Nerdist Network, has hosted IFC's "Bunk" and has appeared on Comedy Central, "This American Life" and "Radiolab." Braunohler's early comedic inspiration—street comedy sketch "Kurtbot" with accompanying websites—is a good indication of his creative genius.

Isaac Witty and Bryan Miller
Joke Joint Comedy Club
801 Sibley Memorial Highway
Lilydale, MN 56118
(651) 330-9078
www.shop.jokejointcomedyclub.com

Date: Feb. 20-22, 2014

"If you want a really 'clean' show, see Isaac Witty and Bryan Miller," says Ken Reed, Joke Joint Owner/Booker. Isaac has been invited to appear on "Late Night with David Letterman" and "Prairie Home Companion." Bryan was also on Craig Ferguson's show last year. Near Moose Country, Joke Joint is one-quarter mile northeast of I-35E and Highway 13 In Lilydale.

John Caparulo
Acme Comedy Company
708 N. 1st St.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 338-6393
www.acmecomedycompany.com/john-caparulo

Date: Feb. 26 - March 1, 2014

Also known as "Cap," John Caparulo may be best known from appearances on "Chelsea Lately," a late night E! show. Cap is part of Jeff Foxworthy's "The Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Next Generation." He is also an intermittent host of "The Mad Cap Hour" radio show with Mark Ellis and Cap's wife Jamie on Sirius XM, iTunes and toadhopnetwork.com. Acme Manager Derick Johnson feels both Braunohler and Caparulo are noteworthy snatches for a Twin Cities appearance.

Al Jackson
Joke Joint Comedy Club
801 Sibley Memorial Highway
Lilydale, MN 56118
(651) 330-9078
www.jokejointcomedyclub.com

Date: April 2-5, 2014

Up-and-coming Al Jackson returns to Joke Joint after an especially comical New Year's Eve episode a few years ago. Al Jackson quit his job as a biology teacher in Miami to be a stand-up comedian in New York. He writes, produces and has received a lot of recognition in a short time with appearances on MTV, Comedy Central and BBC.

Stevie Ray's Comedy Cabaret
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
501 W. 78th St.
Chanhassen, MN 55317
(952) 934-1525
www.chanhassentheatres.com/stevie_rays_comedy_cabaret

Date: Every Friday and Saturday night at 8:00 p.m.

Live improv driven by crazy suggestions from the audience, similar to Drew Carey's "Who's Line is it Anyway," Stevie Ray's Comedy Cabaret creative troupe puts on a show that is enormously popular with audiences looking for a very funny and clean comedy show. There is no age limit for this show, but audiences should be appropriate for PG-13 material. To make an extra special birthday or anniversary really memorable, slip the hostess a note when you arrive for a special show-time shout-out. A very nice feature is that guests have the option of ordering food from a bar-grill menu or getting a beverage before the show and even throughout the show.

Disaster
ComedySportz
3001 Hennepin Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 870-1230
www.comedysportztc.com

Dates: Fridays in March and April 2014 at 10:30 p.m.

"Disaster" is a brand new routine never before seen, where improvisors create a disaster movie prompted by suggestions from the audience. If you thought disaster films like "The Towering Inferno," "The Poseidon Adventure" and "Airport '77" were excessive, wait until you see "Disaster." ComedySportz rotates edgy 18+ shows on Fridays at 10:30 p.m. The February feature is Improv Poker Party. Stop by any Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. for ComedySportz's most popular tent pole show for 24 years and running. ComedySportz creates short live action sports games and scenes using audience suggestions. St. Paul Fire and the Minneapolis Ice improvise sporting battles combined with comedy. Recommended for all ages, you can also see it on Saturdays at 10:30 p.m.

Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.