A history of the uniquely American art form of improv, from its beginnings during the McCarthy Era through the rise of such institutions as Second City, the Groundlings, and the Upright Citizens Brigade and such performers as Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Bill Murray. "From the best-selling author of Fosse, a sweeping yet intimate--and often hilarious--history of a uniquely American art form that has never been more popular. At the height of the McCarthy...

"When their only daughter Blair leaves the family nest, Luther and Nora Krank decide to book an island cruise to beat the yuletide blues and just skip the holidays. But their decision to boycott tradition has the whole neighborhood in an uproar. When Blair calls on Christmas Eve to announce a surprise visit with her new fiancé, the Kranks have just twelve hours to perform a miracle and pull themselves and their neighbors together to throw the best...

Doug Harris is a lovable but socially awkward groom-to-be with a problem: he has no best man. With less than two weeks to go until he marries the girl of his dreams, Doug is referred to Jimmy Callahan, owner of Best Man, Inc., a company that provides flattering best men for socially challenged guys in need. What ensues is a hilarious wedding charade as they try to pull off the big con, and an unexpected budding bromance between Doug and his fake best...

"Comedy is king. From multimillion-dollar TV specials to sold-out stand-up shows and TikTok stardom, comedy has never been more popular, democratized, or influential. Comedians have become organizing forces across culture--as trusted as politicians and as fawned-over as celebrities--yet comedy as an art form has gone under-considered throughout its history, even as it has ascended as a cultural force. In Comedy Book, Jesse David Fox--the country's...

Four best friends in their late-60s decide to escape retirement and throw a Las Vegas bachelor party for the only one of them who has remained single. "The comedy remains a presence throughout, but 'Last Vegas' has a serious purpose, and the resolution of the men's journey of realization is anything but corny."--San Francisco Chronicle "A royal flush of actors delivers a winning hand for this likable seriocomedy."--Hollywood Reporter "This is the...

The reissue of Steven Wright's first album. Surreal and cerebral, his languid voice and deadpan delivery of ironic, witty and sometimes even deeply philosophical one-liners made him a unique and unforgettable performer.

Comedian Ron White discusses topics ranging from excessive alcohol use to using a bidet.

When the CEO tries to close her hard-partying brother's branch, he and his Chief Technical Officer must rally their co-workers and host an epic office Christmas party in an effort to impress a potential client and close a sale that will save their jobs.

This guide to the world of stand-up comedy, written in easy-to-use Q&A format, provides current and potential comedians with the no-nonsense advice they need for every stage of their careers. Schwensen's lively book features interviews with many of the top names in stand-up-Ray Romano, George Carlin, Christopher Titus, Weird Al Yankovic, Margaret Cho-all sharing lessons learned along the way. Additional interviews with club owners, talent executives,...