Is free comedy your thing? How about drinking $2 PBR's in a black box theatre that smells like spilled PBR? Would you like laughing all night in a basement under a Gristedes? If those do not sound like your thing1, consider making an exception because the hippest comedy room in the 212 is waiting for you. Every Wednesday night at 11pm hipsters2 file into the UCB to watch a little show called "School Night" with Justin Purnell. Many of comedy's biggest stars were birthed from this fine institution and of those, many calcified their comedy bones right here in this show. "School Night" is a variety show that hosts many forms of funny in standup, sketch, and improv comedy. If you don't like what comes out of the gates at the top of the show, your comedic tastes will be satiated by the finish of this hour-long showcase. What's different about "School Night" is host Justin Purnell perched in the back corner of the stage at a desk. The host appears to be taking notes during each performance as he sips Amstel Light, and one expects (from the name "School Night") to hear some of Purnell's suggestions as to how to improve ones improv. However, the host never gives performances a grade, but rather laughs and enjoys the acts he books often as much3 as the audience. There has been plenty mention of beer so far, so let me not drop the ball and keep reporting on what you can get your hands on at the UCB. You will also find $3 domestics, $4 imports and plastic cups of red/white as well as $1 sodas. It should also be noted that this show is an experimental showcase. One of the funniest shows I've seen in New York took place at "School Night" with 7 people in the audience while some acts on certain occasions4 are less than tolerable. But don't you worry about that because you'll never leave this show thinking, "I want my money back5." If you live in New York and haven't checked out "School Night" I highly encourage you to do so. The theatre is accessible via the C train via the 23 Street station. For more information about what else the UCB does head to their website and for more information on who'll be performing next week at "School Night" check out theirs. If I was to give "School Night" a grade, I'd give them an A.

1 You probably have a diverse stock portfolio and boating shoes

2 Kids who rebel against parents with diverse stock portfolios and boating shoes

3 Way more

4 Last night

5 It's free

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