New York is the world’s greatest comedy city—and that’s especially true during the New York Comedy Festival (November 4–10), which brings more than 200 comedians to shows across all five boroughs. We’ve put together a quick guide to some of the biggest stars coming through town during the week.
Jenny Slate. Courtesy, New York Comedy FestivalJenny Slate
November 5
The Town Hall
Slate, known for a stint on Saturday Night Live and roles in films like Obvious Child, performs in support of her new book, Little Weirds. The book comes out on the date of this show and contains what the author calls “small, odd pieces.”
NYCF, New York Comedy Festival
Stephen Colbert. Courtesy, New York Comedy FestivalBehind the Laughter: An Evening with Stephen Colbert and Producers of The Late Show
November 7
Carnegie Hall
The folks who bring you CBS’s popular NYC-based late-night show head ever so slightly uptown to Carnegie Hall, where they will reveal how they make the broadcast. Given the venue, we assume that Mr. Colbert will also play classical violin.*
Norm Macdonald. Courtesy, New York Comedy FestivalNorm Macdonald
November 7–10
Carolines on Broadway
The former Saturday Night Live Weekend Update anchor brings his dry jokes to the Carolines stage.
Trevor Noah. Courtesy, New York Comedy FestivalTrevor Noah
November 8
Madison Square Garden
Before he became the host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah made his name as a stand-up comedian—often playing a marathon schedule of late-night sets all around New York City. Tonight he only does one set, but it’s at Madison Square Garden, a massive room for any comic.
Nicole Byer. Courtesy, New York Comedy FestivalNicole Byer
November 8
BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center
Nicole Byer has been funny in a lot of different television shows, including Comedy Bang! Bang!, 30 Rock, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Simpsons. She currently hosts Netflix’s insane competition show, Nailed It!, in which amateur bakers largely fail to execute ambitious cake recipes.
Demetri Martin. Courtesy, New York Comedy FestivalDemetri Martin
November 8
The Beacon Theatre
Cerebral, deadpan weirdo Demetri Martin brings jokes, drawings and perhaps some musical instruments to the stage. You may know him from his run as a Daily Show correspondent, and his latest special is The Overthinker.
*We have no information indicating that Mr. Colbert will play classical violin.