End of an Era

Tonight is the last chance to see the weekly show that created the downtown comedy scene (as well as my own interest in live comedy), Eating It at its home of 7 years, the doomed Luna Lounge. Info: Monday, January 31, 2005 @ 8:00pm Host: Patrick Borelli (Conan O'Brien; Premium Blend) Andy Blitz (writer/performer, Late Night with Conan O'Brien; Eating It regular) Kristen Schaal (Kate & Leopold; Contest Searchlight; CNN promo spot) Christian Finnegan (VH-1's Best Week Ever; Tough Crowd; Comedy Central Presents) Reverend Jen (author, Reverend Jen's Really Cool Neighborhood) ..plus Jeff & Naomi will pull last minute guests from the audience to perform 3 minute sets throughout the show.

The show is becoming monthly instead of weekly, moving to a 199-seat theater in midtown called The Zipper Theater, and raising the price to $15 (instead of $7 which included a free drink.) I suppose that's the natural progression of successful things, so instead of whining about it, here are some weekly shows that are still downtown, still cheap, and that share many performers with Eating It(though I for one still plan to see Eating It every month):

* Invite Them Up!
Every Wednesday: A weekly show produced by Eugene Mirman and Bobby Tisdale at Cinema Classics (332 E 11, between 1st and 2nd). Each show will feature about 5 performers (standup, sketch, video and who knows) creating something fun and weird for every show. 8 PM, $5 suggested donation.

* Welcome To Our Week
Every Thursday: Jessi Klein and Nick Kroll produce and host the usual suspects, also at Cinema Classics. 8pm $5.

* The Shark Show
Every Saturday:
THE SHARK SHOW
All-New Comedy That Bites
Saturdays @ 8pm
The Parkside Lounge
317 E Houston St.
Door - Just $5