THURSDAY
Boys I’ve Kissed and Hated: Slumber Party
Thursday, September 19 at Max Fish, 7 pm: $10
Sure, 7 pm is a little early for a slumber party, but this isn’t any ordinary slumber party. It commemorates comedian and writer Arti Gollapudi’s new book of poetry, Boys I’ve Kissed and Hated. Don your coziest outfit (it’s getting to be that time of year, after all) and enjoy some snacks and drinks as well as tarot readings and a photo booth, so you can capture the current moment and find out what’s in store for your future. And of course, this is a show, so there will also be performance by Gollapudi and Sadie Dupuis (of the bands Speedy Ortiz and sad13). Just try not to actually fall asleep there once the fun has wrapped up.
FRIDAY
Always Happy Video Comedy Bop
Friday, September 20 at Brooklyn Bazaar, 7:30 pm: $5
If there’s any form of media that’s come to define the current era, it’s video. From short-form absurdities on Vine (RIP) to whatever’s happening on TikTok to streaming services to publications (mostly unsuccessfully) “pivoting to video,” the moving picture is hard to escape. While most of the videos are consumed in the privacy of one’s home (and ok, sometimes on your morning commute), the Always Happy Video Comedy Bop wants to make this experience more communal. Hosted by Jed Feiman and Nehemiah Markos, it’s a night of short-form comedy videos from over 15 local performers and filmmakers. It’s not just sitting and watching a screen; there will also be (live) stand-up by Conner O’Malley and Ziwe Fumudoh.
SATURDAY
Riverdale’s Vixens
Saturday, September 21 at Bedlam, 8 pm: $10
If you watch (or have even heard of) Riverdale, you will know that though it is based off of the Archie comics, it is not exactly similar in tone, style, or even content. It’s gritty, it’s absurd, and no one is actually high school age. So in a way, Metropolis Burlesque’s tribute to Riverdale and the Archie comics feels similar. It features the same characters, but it’s a bit different from what you might be used to. For starters, all of them are taking their clothes off in one way or another. Watch as Betty, Veronica, Sabrina, and even Jughead show you a little more of themselves than what you might be used to.
SUNDAY
The Macaulay Culkin Show
Sunday, September 22 at Rubulad, 8 pm: $5
Last month, Brett Davis and Sally Burtnick’s comedy showcase The Macaulay Culkin Show did something unthinkable. For their sixth anniversary show, they managed to lock down an appearance from the man himself, Macaulay Culkin. Indeed, for the first time, the show’s namesake actually showed up and even helped co-host the show. Merriment and absurdity abounded, of course, and it seemed unclear how to proceed from such an iconic eve. But shows continue, and this one is returning to their more modest home base of Bushwick’s Rubulad for a comedy show that will not have Mr. Culkin but will still contain the essence of his somewhat-chaotic energy. The performers that will be there include Courtney Maginnis, Ike Ufomadu, Doogie Horner, Wes Haney, Jessy Morner-Ritt, and Andrés Govea.