Comic’s Weekly Roudup: Trump vs. Bernie debate is political satire at its best

Comedian Olivia Cathcart breaks down Atlanta’s funniest events including Trump vs. Bernie live debate, News Flash, Be Robin fundraiser and more.

Spotlight on - Trump vs. Bernie
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From Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin to now Larry David’s Bernie Sanders, “Saturday Night Live” has long been considered the home of political satire every election cycle. No offense to Larry, but his impression cannot hold a candle to James Adomian’s. The comedian has been buzzing around the country, performing his spot-on Bernie impression at shows for the past few months. When he teamed up with Anthony Atamanuik and his scary good Donald Trump for a debate in October at New York’s UCB Theater, the video footage went viral. Thanks in part to the real-life success of these candidates (for better and worse), the pair embarked on their own campaign trail in an effort to make America funny again. Next stop is the reincarnated Relapse Theatre this Saturday for the venue’s soft opening. Whether you love comedy or have a poli-sci degree collecting dust in your closet, this is going to be a special once-in-a-lifetime type of show you don’t want to miss (unless you’re a one-percenter).

Trump vs. Bernie: The Debate Tour at Relapse Theater. Sat., Feb., 27 at 8 p.m. $20


Tue., Feb. 23
======If you like shows like SNL’s Weekend Update, you will love News Flash at Highland Inn Ballroom. Covering all the news that’s fit to mock, comedians go head-to-head in a three round competition to see who can write the best jokes on today’s current events. Who’s got the hottest take on the presidential primaries or the return of “Gilmore Girls”? This and more Tuesday night. Doors open at 8 p.m.; show’s at 8:30 p.m. $5.

Wed., Feb. 24
======For an early night of drinking and fun, check out Comedy Night at Eventide Brewing. Grant Park’s gorgeous little brewery produces some of the best local brews in town (try the Kolsch) and every month host Andrew Michael pairs them nicely with some great local jokesmiths. This Wednesday, catch Jarrod Harris, Craig Hoelzer, and more deliver the laughs. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; show’s at 7 p.m. $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

>> Grab your crossbow because we’re going zomb — er — walker hunting at Scene Missing Presents: CAAARL-ANTA. Wednesday night, comedians, writers, rappers, and more will perform original material based on the pride of Atlanta’s film industry, “The Walking Dead.” There’s strength in numbers, so grab your friends, take off that damn hat, and come find shelter in the Highland Inn Ballroom. Doors open at 8 p.m.; show’s at 9 p.m. $10.

>> One of the big keys to a good show is a good venue. It’s about time someone started one at The Drunken Unicorn. That show turned out to be Surprise Crowd Work, one in which the comedians don’t know if they’ll perform a normal set or one made up of solely of crowd work. After debuting last fall, hosts Cherith Fuller and Andrew Markle have moved the show from the main room to the bar. The lower ceilings and more intimate seating makes it much easier for the audience to get closer to the comics making a much more fun experience. Check out what’s quickly becoming a comic favorite. Doors open at 9 p.m.; show’s at 9:30 p.m. $5.

Fri., Feb. 26 On the last Friday of the month, Cabbagetown residents flock to neighborhood watering hole Milltown Arms for Cabbage Patch Comedy. This wonderful little anomaly has been met with enthusiastic crowds spanning wall to wall since the very beginning for what’s a strong candidate as best new show. Joseph Highsmith hosts this free shindig that features comedians such as Jake Brannon, William Miracle, and Ian Aber this month. Show’s at 8:30 p.m.

The Weekend
======This Saturday the Laughing Skull hosts comedy for a cause. After Robin Williams passed away, his friend and fellow comedian Margaret Cho adopted the mantra, “don’t grieve Robin, BE Robin.” Inspired by his life and philanthropy, Cho started busking on the street which evolved into movement among creatives. Saturday’s Be Robin Fundraiser show features some of Atlanta’s funniest at the Midtown club where all proceeds go directly to local homeless shelters. Show’s at 5 p.m. $25

>> Stand-up and sketch comedy maverick David Cross comes to town Sunday night. As part of his delightfully cheeky Make America Great Again tour, the comedian will perform one show at the Atlanta Symphony Hall. Besides being an accomplished stand-up, Cross is well known for his role as Tobias Fünke on “Arrested Development” as well as his own TV creations like “Mr. Show,” “The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret,” and his newest Netflix’s “W/ Bob and David.” Show’s at 7:30 p.m. $35-55.

ALSO THIS WEEK
======Monday Night Comedy at Star Bar (Feb. 22, at 9:30 p.m.)
Last Wednesdays at Mammal Gallery (Feb. 24, at 9 p.m.)
Schlitz & Giggles at Highland Inn Ballroom (Feb. 25, at 8 p.m.)
Best of ATL Comedy at Laughing Skull (Feb. 25-28)
Greg Morton at The Punchline (Feb. 25-28)
Big E at Uptown Comedy Corner (Feb. 26-28)
Comedy Squared at Marietta’s Theatre in the Square (Feb. 26, at 8 p.m.)
Underwear Comedy Party at Village Theatre (Feb. 26, at 11 p.m.)
Katt Williams at Philips Arena (Feb. 27, at 8 p.m.)
Business as Usual at Highland Inn Ballroom (Feb. 27, at 9 p.m.)
1AM Secret Show at Smith’s Olde Bar (Feb. 27, at 1 a.m.)
Grrrls Nite Out at Highland Inn Ballroom (Feb. 28, at 7 p.m.)

Editor’s Note: Originally this post mentioned Margaret Cho’s planned appearance at Laughing Skull. This is incorrect information and has since been removed.