Cheap Laughs at the Expense of Others

Just because you're tightening the belt these days doesn't mean you have to cut back on laughs. Alternative comedy troupe Schadenfreude kicks off five Fridays of the cost-conscious Rent Party tonight at the Gallery Cabaret. Admission is a smart ten bucks and, in addition to an hour's worth of entertainment, includes free food and beer specials to boot. Rent Party's standup-meets-sketch format is straightforward and effective—think main-stage laughs with none of the theater pretense. And unlike that ketchup-packet marinara you cooked up last night, Schadenfreude isn't cutting corners when it comes to substance. Names such as Robert Buscemi and Susan Messing will be augmenting an already-stellar core cast over the five-week run. With fresh material served up for every show, going back for seconds is sure to be at treat. All the specifics can be had here, and a Schadenfreude sampler is available via their video archive.

[Ed's Note: Schadenfreude also puts on the annual Media Slam, though it's hard for us to forget, since we're the reigning champs. Bring it, Huff! - M.G.]