Live comedy manifests itself in many different ways here in Jacksonville, be it in our robust local stand up and improv scenes, or a weekend of headlining shows from a comedy superstar, or a regional theatre troupe staging performances of classic works of theater. We’ve picked five of the most intriguing comedy events in Jacksonville this month that are surely worth checking out.

9.1 – 9.18

Grumpy Old Men at Alhambra Theatre

Based on the hit 1993 romantic comedy, Grumpy Old Men, this musical comedy is full of zingers, put-downs, and roasts, as it follows two longtime frenemies whose ongoing feud intensifies when they both fall for the same woman. The original songs written for the adaptation have drawn plenty of critical acclaim, bolstering a witty, fast-moving script that will be a treat for fans of the film and those unfamiliar alike.

9.7

River City Showcase at The Comedy Zone

In addition to featuring nationally touring comics, The Comedy Zone also spotlights the local Jacksonville comedy scene once a month with the River City Showcase. Hosted by Jax comic Alex Sanders, the show features a stacked lineup of comics from Jacksonville (and beyond). The show’s an affordable and entertaining way to get to know some of the best up-and-coming comedians in the city.

9.8 – 9.10

Jim Gaffigan at the Florida Theater

Jim Gaffigan is easily one of the biggest, most well-loved comedians going, and for good reason: he’s incredibly skilled at the sort of observational, slice-of-life comedy that rarely goes blue and is enjoyable for everyone from podcast-addled comedy nerds to normal folks who couldn’t tell Richard Lewis from Lewis Black. His friendly Midwestern persona belies a razor sharp wit and keen eye for the absurd in everyday situations, following what often seem like relatively tame premises to absurd, surprising conclusions.

9.16

Full Disclosure at First Coast Comedy

First Coast Comedy’s outrageous monthly hybrid storytelling/comedy show that invites a guest storyteller to share true, “highly revealing” stories that act as the inspiration for a series of improvised scenes performed by a selection of First Coast’s best improvisers. Things get really wild in the show’s second act, when things start all over again and audience members are invited to share embarrassing stories of their own before another round of improv, once again inspired by the wild stories that were just told. Inspired by one of the most beloved modern improv comedy forms, it’s an outrageous and totally unique show every time.

9.16 – 10.2

“Private Lives” at Theatre Jacksonville

Theatre Jacksonville’s launches their 103rd season with production of the classic comedy of manners Private Lives, as a part of their Classic In San Marco series. Written in 1930 by the prolific playwright Noël Coward, the play was notorious upon release for its risqué subject matter and unflinching depiction of marital conflicts and infidelity, and has been thrilling audiences worldwide ever since. This screwball romance is a hilarious revolving door of relationships both romantic and otherwise, as two couples struggle to figure out their respective situations.