ESTHER'S FOLLIES Here we are in November; let's give thanks for the Follies, Austin's longtime specialists in sizzling satire and musical comedy fun. Enjoy the antics of the wildest tailgate party ever, the sinister schemings of the Anything to Embarrass Bill Clinton Committee (Dole, Packwood, Farrakhan, and Kay Bailey), a Dragnet for the Nineties with everybody's (least) favorite L.A. flatfoot, Mark Fuhrman, the pop hit (literally) "Car Crash Medley," and much more. This week, there's additional excitement from special guest, magician Ray Anderson. Note: No performance on Nov 23, Thu (Thanksgiving). Thu, 8pm, Fri & Sat, 8 & 10pm, at Esther's Pool, 525 E. Sixth. Tickets: $10 Thu, $12 Fri, $14 Sat. 320-0553.
HUMOR AT THE HILTON has Austin comics joking it up at this local hotel the first and third Fridays of every month. Randy Taylor hosts. Free. Comics interested in performing should contact Randy Taylor. Nov 17, Fri, 9pm, at the Airport Hilton, 6000 Middle Fiskville, 345-7500.
THE LAFF STOP is closed for two weeks, while it gets a facelift and a new name. Come Dec 1, your home for stand-up on Research Boulevard will be The Capitol City Comedy Club. 8120 Research Blvd. 467-2333.
MONKS' NIGHT OUT zooms into its second year of producing original sketches and musical comedy, plus their own brand of improv as the "Best Theatre Group" in town, according to the voters in the 1995 Chronicle "Best of Austin" poll. The merry monks come out of the cloister thrice weekly: in two shows on The Velveeta Room stage and a special midnight show every Friday on the Esther's Pool stage. Thu, 9pm, and Fri, 9:30pm, at The Velveeta Room, 521 E. Sixth. Tickets: $5 (Free with Monks' Night Out T-shirt); Fri, midnight, at Esther's Pool, 525 E. Sixth. Free, Esther's show only. 453-MONK.
THE VELVEETA ROOM hosts a variety of comedic entertainment every week.
Karaoke Night allows anyone to get on stage and be a star. Prizes awarded for
best, worst, funniest, and most passionate singers. Wed, 9pm. Monks'
Night Out provides sketches, improv, and musical comedy three times this week.
(See listing above.) Thu, 9pm, Fri & Sat, 9:30pm, Tickets: $5.
Comedy Open Mike lets you see the city's stand-up artists at their wildest.
Thu, 10:30pm. $3 (free for Esther's and Monks' Night Out patrons).
This weekend's stand-up headliners were not announced at press time. Call
for info. Fri & Sat, 11:30p. 521 E. Sixth. Tickets: $4 Thu & Fri/$5
Sat. 469-9116.
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