Cheap Laughs at the Expense of Others

By Matt Motyka in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 10, 2009 3:00PM

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.]