A night out with some of the funniest guys in town

April 30, 11:57 AMNY Low-Cost Activities ExaminerMelody Serafino

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The guys of Lead McEnroe

 With the price of Broadway show tickets upwards of $100 a pop, many New Yorkers simply can’t afford some of the live performances for which the city is renowned. But what makes New York the epicenter of cultural entertainment is the variety it has to offer. While Wicked tickets may not be in your budget this month, there are some other great live shows for a fraction of the price.

As the economy sinks further into the red and unemployment soars to an all-time high, there’s one thing all of us could use right now: a really good laugh.

New York City is home to some of the best comedy talent in the world, and while some shows will run you $50 or more once you factor in the sneaky two-drink minimum, there are other more frugal options for comedy fans.

The Magnet Theater, The P.I.T. and The Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatre are three sketch comedy and improv venues where tickets to most shows cost no more than $5 or $10, booze is cheap and there isn’t a drink minimum inside the theater. The majority of the performers have been trained through the theaters’ rigorous improvisation and sketch programs, plus famous alumni like Mike Meyers, Amy Poehler and Horatio Sanz make regular appearances.

Seeing comedy is also a great way to support local up-and-coming talent. Lead McEnroe, a long-form improv group made up of five local comedians who have been performing together since college – Mike Barry, Nick Benaquista, Tim Eberle, Dan Scivoletti, and Rob Williams – has a weekly gig at The Magnet Theater. Shows are $5 and beers are $2, and you won’t have to sacrifice quality for price. The hilarious group relies on audience suggestions to kick off the show, and you never what characters will make an appearance – Sarkozy, Putin or the fat camp kid we all knew growing up.

Lead McEnroe, who has accumulated a significant following through word-of-mouth, packs The Magnet Theater every Friday night.

Next time you’re looking for a fresh idea on a Friday night, catch a show at The Magnet Theater, The P.I.T. or The Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatre. Shows run throughout the week.

And remember, like any true comedian, the best remedy for a rough day is humor.