Drama and Comedy Stories

Improv Night at the Happy Treehouse with The Ripple Effect Improv Troupe Let’s be honest. Life gives us plenty of serious moments. This night is not one of them. Join us from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM for a night of spontaneous comedy with The Ripple Effect, an improv troupe that travels around the DMV bringing laughter to places where people could use a little more joy. Hospitals, community events, gatherings like this one. Anywhere people need a good laugh, we show up and start a ripple. And once the laughter starts, it spreads fast. If you’ve never seen improv live before, you’re in for a treat. Nothing is scripted. No one knows what’s going to happen next, including us. The entire show is built in real time based on your suggestions from the audience. You might shout out a job. A location. A random object. And suddenly you’re watching a scene about a dog therapist with boundary issues or a married couple arguing about who forgot to charge the emotional support Roomba. That’s the magic of improv. Quick thinking, unexpected twists, and the kind of laughter that sneaks up on you. Why people love watching improv: *You laugh harder because you never see the joke coming. *You get to participate by shouting out ideas that shape the scene. *You watch performers build something hilarious out of thin air. And the whole audience ends up laughing together because everyone is experiencing something that has never happened before and will never happen again. You’ll definitely walk out feeling lighter than when you walked in. And along the way you might meet a few new people who also enjoy laughing. Because honestly… who doesn’t want funny friends? The vibe for the evening This is a relaxed BYOB potluck gathering under the pavilion. *Bring your favorite drink. *Bring a dish to share. *Bring a lawn chair if you have one. If you forget a chair, no problem. You can grab one of the chairs here, relax on the in-ground trampoline, or find a cozy spot around the pavilion. We’ll have the fire going, s’mores ready, and plenty of room to settle in and enjoy the show. Think backyard comedy club meets campfire hangout. Great people. Great laughs. A little silliness. And a ripple of joy spreading through the crowd. Come join us, Janine, your happy host Cell: 202-271-0922

Mencia comes from a humble background, born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, the 17th of 18 children. His parents sent him to the United States when he was three months old, where he was raised in the Maravilla Projects in Los Angeles by his aunt and uncle. In his early teens, Mencia moved back to Honduras. When Mencia returned to Los Angeles, he showed such educational prowess that he pursued a career in engineering. But an amateur night at the world-renowned Laugh Factory comedy club would change his path, and a career in comedy began. He became a regular at The Comedy Store, performing nightly. After he found success on the Los Angeles comedy circuit, Mencia was named International Comedy Grand Champion from Buscando Estrellas (the Latin version of Star Search), eventually landing on shows such as "In Living Color," "The Arsenio Hall Show," and "An Evening at the Improv." Mencia continued his journey up the comedy ladder by headlining stand-up tours and starring in stand-up TV specials. In 2002, he received a CableACE Award nomination for Best Stand-Up Comedy Special for his HBO special. Comedy Central soon took notice and the show "Mind of Mencia" went into development. Created by Carlos and comedy producer Robert Morton, the comedy series featured Carlos and his crew with their merciless mix of up-close stand-up, unconventional street interviews, and shocking commercial parodies. The show was an instant hit, and propelled Mencia to the comedy elite. After the first season, Comedy Central signed Mencia back for an original stand-up special, "Carlos Mencia: No Strings Attached," the first Comedy Central Stand-up Special DVD to achieve Platinum sales status. Throughout the four seasons of “Mind of Mencia,” Carlos never stopped performing live, headlining shows across the country and internationally. “Comedy is my art, and fans are my passion,” he has said. Always looking to give back to those fans, Mencia has entertained troops serving overseas for USO tours in Turkey, Kirkuk, Baghdad, Qatar, Afghanistan, and many other countries. Later, Mencia went on to star on the big screen. He starred opposite Ben Stiller and Michelle Monaghan in "The Heartbreak Kid," and in the family-comedy "Our Family Wedding," alongside America Ferrara and Forrest Whitaker. Carlos Mencia presently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons. For more information, please visit [www.carlosmencia.com](http://www.carlosmencia.com/)

Mencia comes from a humble background, born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, the 17th of 18 children. His parents sent him to the United States when he was three months old, where he was raised in the Maravilla Projects in Los Angeles by his aunt and uncle. In his early teens, Mencia moved back to Honduras. When Mencia returned to Los Angeles, he showed such educational prowess that he pursued a career in engineering. But an amateur night at the world-renowned Laugh Factory comedy club would change his path, and a career in comedy began. He became a regular at The Comedy Store, performing nightly. After he found success on the Los Angeles comedy circuit, Mencia was named International Comedy Grand Champion from Buscando Estrellas (the Latin version of Star Search), eventually landing on shows such as "In Living Color," "The Arsenio Hall Show," and "An Evening at the Improv." Mencia continued his journey up the comedy ladder by headlining stand-up tours and starring in stand-up TV specials. In 2002, he received a CableACE Award nomination for Best Stand-Up Comedy Special for his HBO special. Comedy Central soon took notice and the show "Mind of Mencia" went into development. Created by Carlos and comedy producer Robert Morton, the comedy series featured Carlos and his crew with their merciless mix of up-close stand-up, unconventional street interviews, and shocking commercial parodies. The show was an instant hit, and propelled Mencia to the comedy elite. After the first season, Comedy Central signed Mencia back for an original stand-up special, "Carlos Mencia: No Strings Attached," the first Comedy Central Stand-up Special DVD to achieve Platinum sales status. Throughout the four seasons of “Mind of Mencia,” Carlos never stopped performing live, headlining shows across the country and internationally. “Comedy is my art, and fans are my passion,” he has said. Always looking to give back to those fans, Mencia has entertained troops serving overseas for USO tours in Turkey, Kirkuk, Baghdad, Qatar, Afghanistan, and many other countries. Later, Mencia went on to star on the big screen. He starred opposite Ben Stiller and Michelle Monaghan in "The Heartbreak Kid," and in the family-comedy "Our Family Wedding," alongside America Ferrara and Forrest Whitaker. Carlos Mencia presently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons. For more information, please visit [www.carlosmencia.com](http://www.carlosmencia.com/)

Expect a fun afternoon of drawing and socializing with like-minded artists! Although each Session is 3 hours, feel free to drop in as your schedule permits. This is a casual gathering, and we know that people might only be able to stay a little while -- drop in, and stay, as long as you are having fun, and as your day allows. **Note: about RSVP's, please respect the RSVP process. If you RSVP YES, you are commited and we are all looking to seeing you. If your plans change however, that's OK, but please be courteous and change your RSVP to NO. We are reaching the headcount limit regularly now and it is rude to take a spot and not relinquish it if your plans change... Respect others; don't be rude. Thank you for your cooperation**. All skill levels are welcome -- this is not a competition. This Group and all its Events are intended to be in equal parts, Drawing/Art AND Socializing. As such, conversation is expected and encouraged. ***However, in all cases, please refrain from discussion of Political topics.*** Our goal is enjoyment, in the form of drawing together while socializing, and political conversation is too polarizing for that to happen. We are looking forward to seeing you there! **Note (in parting): Be aware, and keep in mind that our group, meeting as it does at Starbucks, depends on this business's generosity for the space it allows us. As such, please make a point of purchasing something from the business to express our appreciation as a group using their facility. If you are experiencing hardship and can't afford a modest purchase, get my attention discreetly, and arrangements will be made with no judgment whatsoever. Thank you for your understanding... Michael (your host)**

Join us for another lively gathering of the DC Creative Collective for Film, TV, and Theater — a welcoming space for filmmakers, writers, actors, and creative enthusiasts across the DMV to connect and create together. This meetup is a chance to connect with fellow artists, an opportunity to catch up with each other, and discuss opportunities for collaboration. This meeting we will work on brainstorming for our club project. We are finalizing our team for the 48-Hour Film Challenge, come learn more about the challenge, and how you can be a part of it. We would love to find a place for you. Whether you are experienced in the industry or just beginning your creative journey, come ready to build community, share stories, and help shape a collaborative artistic home where ideas move from imagination to stage and screen.

Join us this Sunday at Kutner Park for an afternoon of fun for the whole family! We will have a bounce house, face painter and balloon artist. It's free for all to attend please use the link to register. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982192726805?aff=oddtdtcreator See you Sunday!

Show Your Registration At The Box For Free Entry!!! 21 and Above Only Up To 5 Free Admissions!!! Welcome back to another Drafthouse Divas show,hosted by Miss Stormy.

Note: RSVPs for this meetup opens when our previous one ends. For April, we will be reading Three Days in June by Anne Tyler. The Hardcover runs 165 pages. It was published in 2025. The GoodReads blurb is **A new Anne Tyler novel destined to be an instant classic: a socially awkward mother of the bride navigates the days before and after her daughter's wedding.** Gail Baines is having a bad day. To start, she loses her job—or quits, depending on whom you ask. Tomorrow her daughter, Debbie, is getting married, and she hasn’t even been invited to the spa day organized by the mother of the groom. Then, Gail’s ex-husband, Max, arrives unannounced on her doorstep, carrying a cat, without a place to stay, and without even a suit. But the true crisis lands when Debbie shares with her parents a secret she has just learned about her husband to be. It will not only throw the wedding into question but also stir up Gail and Max’s past. Told with deep sensitivity and a tart sense of humor, full of the joys and heartbreaks of love and marriage and family life, *Three Days in June* is a triumph, and gives us the perennially bestselling, Pulitzer Prize–winning writer at the height of her powers

There’s a distinct “Twilight Zone” feeling to this expertly crafted movie. A taxi driver searches a desolate road looking to pick up a passenger. When he finds her, she gets in, and they converse politely until the passenger suddenly disappears. A minute later, the driver is at his original location, searching the same road for the same passenger. Events repeat again and again, but subtle variations intrude on the seemingly endless cycle, and therein lurks the remarkable story. Intelligent writing and convincing performances make this a memorable taxi ride. ■ Title — *The Fare* ■ Director — D.C. Hamilton ■ Cast — Gino Anthony Pesi, Brinna Kelly, Jason Stuart ■ Unrated, suitable for general audiences ■ ©2018 \| 1h 22m \| Fantasy\, Mystery\, Romance\, Thriller ■ Distributed by Epic Pictures

**\*TO ATTEND GET TICKET At** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13395#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13395#tix) (Multiple Meetup groups are co-organizing so the RSVP's shown are just a very small portion attending. We'll have at least 20 registered.) Our last online Bingo Night Party was such a BIG hit, we're doing it again! Do you like to play BINGO or want to just do something different?! Then you will LOVE this event! Here is your opportunity to have some fun playing our Live "Bingo" game. You will also get to socialize and make other friends from the comfort of your home. Prizes included Amazon gift cards, free future events and more! This completely online event will be LIVE and you will be able to see and hear the other participants while playing. You will either need to print or draw out your bingo cards. We will email you with how to get it after registering. You can have more than 1 person on your team as long as they're from your house and use same device. Friends/family around the country can also play. They would just need to also register for a ticket. This event will be held on Zoom which you would access through your computer/webcam, or via your phone/tablet. On day of the event, you will get a secured Zoom link and link to print out Bingo cards. \*RSVPS ON HERE ARE NOT REFLECTIVE OF ACTUAL ATTENDANCE as this is a multi group event. Cost: $15-$20 depending on how early you register. **\*TO ATTEND GET TICKET AT -** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13395#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13395#tix) To find more fun events: Follow: [https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283) Join: [https://www.meetup.com/NYC-Social/](https://www.meetup.com/NYC-Social/) Click: [https://dljparty.ticketleap.com/](https://dljparty.ticketleap.com/)

### Drop-In Improv Class — Beginner Friendly **Improv for good people.** Join us for a fun, beginner-friendly drop-in improv class focused on play, laughter, and connection — in a supportive, no-pressure environment. You don’t need performance experience, improv training, or a “funny personality.” You just need a willingness to try. *** ### What to expect Each session includes: * Friendly introductions * Easy warm-ups * Guided short-form improv games * Lots of laughter in a small, welcoming group The exercises are inspired by shows like *Whose Line Is It Anyway?*, but the focus is on participation, not performance. *** ### A few important reassurances ✔ You don’t need to be “funny” ✔ You don’t need improv experience ✔ You *do* need curiosity and a willingness to play Everything is explained clearly, and you’re never put on the spot. *** ### Who this class is for This class is a great fit if you: * Are curious about improv but a little nervous * Want to meet new people in a genuinely welcoming space * Enjoy playful learning and low-pressure activities * Want a break from overthinking and daily stress Many people arrive unsure and leave smiling. *** ### How Meetup fits in Many participants first discover Laughy Place Improv through Meetup, attend a class or two, and then decide whether they’d like to continue by booking future classes directly through the website. There’s no pressure — Meetup is meant to be an easy, friendly way to try things out. *** ### Location & logistics 📍 **Theatre on the Run** 3700 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington, VA Parking and entrance are on the opposite side of the building from Four Mile Run Drive. Use the door labeled **“Arlington Cultural Affairs – Main Entrance.”** Ring the doorbell to be buzzed in. Sunday classes are usually in room 174 and Wednesday classes are usually in room 147, but you can check the class list by the concierge desk to be certain. I’ll be in the room about 20 minutes early to set up and meet folks as they arrive. If you can, please come a few minutes before the scheduled start time so we can kick things off together. *** Looking forward to laughing with you!

THE YEAR'S BREAKOUT NOVEL AND WORD-OF-MOUTH HIT—A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AND READ WITH JENNA PICK “Dazzling. . . Knapp tirelessly and beautifully replicates not just loss and grief but endless rebirth and delight.” —The Washington Post “Elegant. . . this is a wholly original work.” —People Magazine “A magnificent novel.” —Geraldine Brooks, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Horse The extraordinary novel that asks: Can a name change the course of a life? In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register her son's birth. Her husband, Gordon, a local doctor, respected in the community but a terrifying and controlling presence at home, intends for her to name the infant after him. But when the registrar asks what she'd like to call the child, Cora hesitates... Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of Cora's and her young son's lives, shaped by her choice of name. In richly layered prose, The Names explores the painful ripple effects of domestic abuse, the messy ties of family, and the possibilities of autonomy and healing. With exceptional sensitivity and depth, Knapp draws us into the story of one family, told through a prism of what-ifs, causing us to consider the "one . . . precious life" we are given. The book’s brilliantly imaginative structure, propulsive storytelling, and emotional, gut-wrenching power are certain to make The Names a modern classic. LONGLISTED FOR THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL

Join us as we get together for a Discount Tuesday / Choose Your Movie event to see your choice of two great new films! Option 1 (and the one I'll be seeing) is the top-reviewed comedy-drama, THE CHRISTOPHERS! The film is set in the art world and follows the estranged children of a former artist who hire a forger. It is directed by Steven Soderberg, stars Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel and has been earning rave reviews on the indie circuit. Option 2 is the latest action-thriller starring Bob Odenkirk, NORMAL! The film follows a temporary small-town sheriff who uncovers dark mysteries after a local bank robbery. Here are descriptions, trailers and our plan for this event: THE CHRISTOPHERS: The children of a once famous artist hire a forger to complete some unfinished, long ago abandoned canvases so they'll have a better inheritance when he dies. It is directed by Steven Soderbergh and stars Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, Jessica Gunning and James Corden. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film is earning an excellent 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it a “dynamic, emotional and surprising journey” and a “compelling chamber piece that works like intellectual comfort food.” Others call the film, an “incredibly funny, comedy drama with plot reversals that make it feel like it’s on the verge of a thriller!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H79-EqzmdwY&t=20s NORMAL: This action-crime-thriller follows a man who comes to the sleepy town of Normal, Minnesota to serve as the temporary sheriff. But a bank robbery leads him to a criminal underground reaches throughout the entire town. The film is directed by Ben Wheatley and stars Bob Odenkirk, Henry Winkler and Lena Headey. The film comes from the same team that brought us Nobody and the John Wick series, so expect an over-the-top, action-filled thrill ride! TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rmm-lM33Qw0&t=19s PLAN: Details for this event have been confirmed! For THE CHRISTOPHERS, please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:40 and 6:50pm! For NORMAL, please purchase your ticket for the 7:30pm showing and meet in the upstairs lobby between 7:10 and 7:20pm! For both films, tickets just $5 ($6.50 after online fees when purchased on the GFC website). Advance purchase is advised. Once you have yours, please list your movie of choice and seat number in the Comments section of this event. PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

Join us for a Fun Friday event as we get together to see the long-awaited sequel to the 2006 original, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2! Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci all return for this follow-up that finds the former assistant is now a rival! Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follow’s Miranda Priestly's struggle against Emily Charlton, her former assistant turned rival executive, as they compete for advertising revenue amidst declining print media. The film is directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna (who wrote/directed the 2006 original). It stars returning cast members Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci along with newcomers Justin Theroux and Kenneth Branagh. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9HXmMnUEdE PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 30 minutes before showtime. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but early arrival is advised. Be sure to mention you’re with the Movie Group for admission/concession discounts. And make this a true Fun Friday by joining us after the show for the best part of the night – food and drinks at the nearby Rusty Bucket! Complete details, including showtime, will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Should be a fun one, Dan

Semi in honor of March being International Women's Month Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709) Location: SOW Plated Menu: [https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/](https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/) Book summary: In 2006 Julia Lerner is living in Moscow, a recent university graduate in computer science, when she's recruited by Russia's largest intelligence agency. By 2018 she's in Silicon Valley as COO of Tangerine, one of America's most famous technology companies. In between her executive management (make offers to promising startups, crush them and copy their features if they refuse); self promotion (check out her latest op-ed in the WSJ, on Work/Life Balance 2.0); and work in gender equality (transfer the most annoying females from her team), she funnels intelligence back to the motherland. But now Russia's asking for more, and Julia's getting nervous. Alice Lu is a first generation Chinese American whose parents are delighted she's working at Tangerine (such a successful company!). Too bad she's slogging away in the lower echelons, recently dumped, and now sharing her expensive two-bedroom apartment with her cousin Cheri, a perennial "founder's girlfriend". One afternoon, while performing a server check, Alice discovers some unusual activity, and now she's burdened with two powerful but distressing suspicions: Tangerine's privacy settings aren't as rigorous as the company claims they are, and the person abusing this loophole might be Julia Lerner herself. The closer Alice gets to Julia, the more Julia questions her own loyalties. Russia may have placed her in the Valley, but she's the one who built her career; isn't she entitled to protect the lifestyle she's earned?

We connect you with up to 30 Men or Women tennis partners close to your PLAYING REGION and skill level. This program is less competitive, no champions crowned, no league standings just dedicated tennis partners who want to meet up with you on the courts. Players will meet up to play a tennis match or just to hit around. Just go through the [Join Page](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program) to enter this program. [https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program)

In *City Lights*, Chaplin's Little Tramp meets a blind girl selling flowers who mistakes him for a wealthy man. When he learns that an operation may restore her sight, he sets off to earn the money she needs to have the surgery. He also befriends an alcoholic millionaire who only recognizes him when he is drunk. When the blind girl and her grandmother fall behind in the rent and face eviction, he tries working and even enters a boxing competition to raise the money they need. Regarded as Chaplin's masterpiece, *City Lights* has been ranked on more than seventeen "100 greatest movies of all time" lists. Orson Welles cited it as his favorite picture. *City Lights* is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBOMax, Tubi and PlutoTV. The Columbus Library lists three copies on blu-ray and eight copies on DVD. Watch the movie on your own, then join us upstairs at East Market to discuss the film. If you want more, *Unknown Chaplin* is a three-episode lost-footage documentary available on Youtube. It covers his time on *City Lights* beginning at the twenty-six minute mark of episode two: https://youtu.be/f8960Uc15hI?t=1558

Posting this early because seemingly all Sundays in May are holidays or busy! I picked a shorter thriller that's hopefully a fast read/listen. [Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3458940) Location: Grandview Cafe, *1455 W. 3rd Ave*, Columbus, OH 43212 [Menu](https://www.grandviewcafe.com/menu) Book summary: Daniel leads a rich life in the university town of Athens, Georgia. He's got a couple close friends, a steady paycheck working for a regional airline, and of course, for a few glorious days each Fall, college football tailgates. He considers himself to be a mostly lucky guy -- despite the fact that he's suffered from a debilitating disease since he was a small child, one that has left him unable to speak or to move without a wheelchair. Largely confined to his home, Daniel spends the hours he's not online communicating with irate air travelers observing his neighborhood from his front porch. One young woman passes by so frequently that spotting her out the window has almost become part of his daily routine. Until the day he's almost sure he sees her being kidnapped.