A dozen places to catch comedy in Connecticut

Comedy in Connecticut takes some funny forms.

That means rock clubs, restaurants, theaters and casinos. Connecticut also has a museum devoted to one of the funniest people who ever lived, Mark Twain, though upcoming events are more about romance, civil rights and cats. There’s only one bonafide full-time comedy club on the list below. But lots and lots of humor.

This is not a comprehensive overview of comedy in Connecticut. It’s a sampling of the range of rooms and talent out there. Start laughing.

City Steam: This is the classic comedy room setup, with beer flowing, brick walls, a tight intimate space and shouty sweaty comics amusing you. There is generally a fresh act each weekend. Upcoming: Mike Hanley Feb. 4 and 5; Jordan Jensen Feb. 11 and 12; Andy Fiori Feb. 18 and 19. 942 Main St., Hartford. citysteambrewery.com.

Sea Tea: Sea Tea Improv is the most active improv comedy troupe in CT. Their own snazzy Sea Tea Comedy Theater is taking a few winter weeks off, with no shows scheduled, but many followers consider their improv comedy classes to be as big a part of their mission as their hysterical ensemble stage shows. Now’s the time to learn: “Intro to Improv,” “Improv 101″ and storytelling courses all start in the next week or two. seateaimprov.com.

The Elbow Room: The comfort-food American restaurant has a well-seasoned comedy room downstairs, with open mics on Thursdays as well as occasional special shows. 936 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. elbowroomct.com.

Funny Bone Hartford: The widest range of comedy in one location in the state, nestled among the teen clothing emporiums, specialized eateries and other storefronts of the Shoppes at Buckland Hills. A typical week may bring an open mic, a charity benefit and a hypnotist or psychic — all funny. Upcoming shows: Michael Rapaport Feb. 20; the motherhood-themed “Project Herlarious” stand-up line-up hosted by Eryca Nolan Feb. 27; Missouri comic, “She Laughs” self-help author and social media darling Carolanne Miljavac. 194 Buckland Hills Drive Suite #1054, Manchester. hartford.funnybone.com.

Playhouse on Park: With its floor-level stage and spacious stage, this professional local theater is a comfy, intimate place to see comedy, and regular stand-up showcases have been a staple for most of the playhouse’s decade of existence. Also watch out for the homegrown “Mama D’s” series of saucy burlesque revues. Upcoming: Stand-up nights on April 2 and 30 and June 18, with the comics yet to be announced. 244 Park Road, West Hartford. playhouseonpark.org.

College Street Music Hall: Major comics have come to try out new material in this sweet concert hall in downtown New Haven (across from the historic Shubert theater, and having a little history of its own as a former movie palace). Marc Maron (who, in previous appearances there, has been known to tell the story of his failed Yale School of Drama audition) on March 9; Whitney Cummings on March 25. 238 College St., New Haven. collegestreetmusichall.com.

Space Ballroom: A no-frills venue in an industrial park known for indie rock shows and local bands but also for comedy shows that have included current “SNL” stars and up-and-coming national talents. Upcoming shows: Brian Posehn (who can be seen everywhere from “Mr. Show” to Feb. 4 and the dour, distressed Neil Hamburger (who’s been to the Space numerous times) April 28. 295 Treadwell St., Hamden. spaceballroom.com.

The Stress Factory: This Bridgeport comedy club made national headlines in 2019 when Pete Davidson of “Saturday Night Live” took offense at a heckler and shut down the show. (He did a make-up gig later on.) Most shows, and there are many many of them, go off without a hitch. Upcoming: D.L. Hughley Feb. 4-6; Earthquake Feb. 19 and 20; Ali Saddiq March 24-26. 167 State St., Bridgeport. bridgeport.stressfactory.com.

Foxwoods: The resort casino renamed its performance spaces recently. The biggest names play the bigger Premier Theater and the others rule the Great Cedar Showroom. Upcoming at the Premier Theater: Russell Peters on Feb. 26; John Mulaney on March 19; Jim Gaffigan on April 15 . Upcoming at the Great Cedar Showroom: Andrew Santino (of the underrated Showtime comedy-history show “I’m Dying Up Here”) on Feb. 12; road comic extraordinaire Jim Norton on Feb. 19; Gary Gulman, who discussed his depression and anxiety in his special “The Great Depresh,” March 26. 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket. foxwoods.com.

Mohegan Sun: The Comix Comedy Club renamed itself The Comix Roadhouse in 2018, and while comedy is still the main attraction, the stage decor has gone for a brick-and-wood Southern look, there’s a steer-riding game and the stage often features live country bands — often directly after the comics. Atmospherically, it’s unlike any other comedy club in Connecticut. Upcoming: The biggest comics might themselves in Mohegan Sun Arena, but there’s no comedy on that scale on the schedule right now. The Comix Roadhouse has weekly attractions such as Spinnato’s Comedy Magic Show and “Lipstick, Lashes & Lies: A Variety Drag Show.” Comics include Tom Cotter Feb. 10-12, potty-mouthed pianist John Valby Feb. 20 and Luis Gomez Feb. 24 and 25. mohegansun.com.

Ridgefield Playhouse: This 500-seat theater offers comedy shows on a regular basis. It’s a great room for cabaret-style shows, including funny ones. Upcoming: the whimsical “Och and Oy!” with stage/screen star Alan Cumming and NPR host Ari Shapiro on March 18; local stand-up Christine O’Leary and members of her Team Green Light troupe on March 22; and Tracy Morgan on April Fool’s Day. 80 Ridge Road, Ridgefield. ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

Fairfield Comedy Club: Operating out of the Circle Hotel, these hardy and well-connected comedy presenters have put together several full-blown Connecticut Comedy Festivals for a couple of years pre-COVID. Upcoming: The club hosts a different comedian every Saturday night, plus special multi-night appearances like Paul Verzi Feb. 4 and 5. 417 Post Road, Fairfield. connecticutcomedyfestival.com.

Christopher Arnott can be reached at carnott@courant.com.