Comic’s Weekly Roundup: From Mark Normand to the Caped Crusader

Comedian Olivia Cathcart breaks down this week’s top comedy events in the ATL including the Roast of Batman and Mark Normand at the Laughing Skull.

Spotlight on - Illustrator Ed Dinzole
Comedy, like any other art form — visual or performing — is a way to express yourself. For Ed Dinzole, comedy combines two creative endeavors: stand-up and graphic design. In addition to being a budding stand-up himself, Dinzole holds a side hustle as a freelance illustrator. Even off stage, Dinzole has a penchant for infusing comedy in his cartoonish illustrations which has made him a go-to hire for show promo posters, such as this week’s Double Team and Roast of Batman. Along coffee shop windows and telephone poles, Dinzole’s art is displayed on the Village Theatre stage every month at popular stand-up/sketch showcase Ladie’s Night, where he creates wild portraits of each show’s stand-up guests and judges. Not limited to the 2-D world, Dinzole is also a highly skilled animator with a degree from the Art Institute of Atlanta under his belt. He teams up with fellow Atlanta comedian Ben Palmer as animator on the new Jash web-series, “Hope That Helps,” based on Palmer’s viral Facebook trolling account. He’s a triple threat who’s certainly been keeping busy much to every comic’s joy. ======

Thur., Mar. 10
======Cheap beer and refreshing comedy is on tap Thursday night at Schlitz & Giggles. Seven comedians — including Brian Emond, Andrew Michael and Lace Larrabee — hit the stage for the Highland Inn Ballroom’s original stand-up showcase. Like the name says, there will be plenty of Schlitz and other reasonably priced drinks for sale at the bar. Doors open at 8 p.m.; show’s at 9 p.m. $10.

Fri., Mar. 11
======A good comedian can command a room all by themself. They should be original enough that they stand out from the herd. But sometimes a comedian finds someone they have strong chemistry with and lo and behold create a new kind of show experience. This is what the show Double Team is all about. Comics pair up with their respective “lab partners” and perform as duos for a double-stuffed Friday night at the Highland Inn Ballroom. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.; show’s at 9 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance; $10 at the door.

The Weekend
======Everyone’s favorite orphan is getting the full roast treatment Saturday night at the Roast of Batman. All the stars and deformed clown henchmen is a word missing here? will be out Saturday night like such literary greats as Poison Ivy (Paige Bowman) and The Riddler (Austin Chardac). Come see local comedians in costume tear down the Dark Knight at the Highland Inn Ballroom. The jokes oughta be more witty than any half-assed pun Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mr. Freeze spat in Batman & Robin. Doors open at 8 p.m.; show’s at 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance; $10 at the door.

Photo credit:
>> Throughout the weekend, New York-based comedian Mark Normand headlines the Laughing Skull. Normand has appeared on “Conan,” “Last Comic Standing,” “John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show,” and “Inside Amy Schumer.” He regularly tours with Schumer when not in New York or comedy clubs around the nation. He produced the critically acclaimed comedy album Still Got It via Comedy Central Records and co-hosts the popular podcast Tuesdays with Stories with Joe List. Normand headlines six shows Thursday through Sunday.

ALSO THIS WEEK
======Monday Night Comedy at Star Bar (Mar. 7, at 9:30 p.m.)
Holy Sh!t at 529 EAV (Mar. 9, at 9 p.m.) 
Tommy Blaze at The Punchline (Mar. 10-13) 
Alex Thomas at Uptown Comedy Corner (Mar. 10-13)
Marlon Wayans at Georgia World Congress Center (Mar. 12, at 7:30 p.m.)
1AM Secret Show at Smith’s Olde Bar (Mar. 12, at 1 a.m.)