Dead ‘Hed’

Mitch Hedberg

Performances through Sunday, Feb. 9

Improv Pittsburgh

166 East Bridge St…. Mitch Hedberg

Performances through Sunday, Feb. 9

Improv Pittsburgh

166 East Bridge St.

The Stacks at the Waterfront

(412) 462-5233

All shows 21+ except Sunday, 18+

$15 plus two-item minimum

Do not expect to hear many contractions this weekend at the Improv. Do not expect to look in the eyes of the man making you laugh, either.

This is because Mitch Hedberg, easily the funniest stand-up comic working today, will be taking the stage for a grueling seven performances between Thursday and Sunday, including three shows on Saturday.

You may know him from “Almost Famous,” his many appearances on the David Letterman show, Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend” or his puppet-tastic appearance on “Crank Yankers.” He has reached nearly cult status with college kids across the nation.

Hedberg has often been compared to Steven Wright for his mumbling, deadpan delivery. He typically stares at the floor, his face obscured by his shoulder-length hair and big glasses. That trademark delivery is easily half his act. Timing is a big contributor to his overall hilarity too, as are his verbal cadences. He likes to play with language. Sometimes, though, he does not get to the end of the joke before he cracks himself up, which really endears him to the audience.

His jokes are extremely quotable. Any stoner will tell you, “I used to do drugs. I still do, but I used to, too.” He is full of observations about the ludicrous state of the world today, but do not expect to hear about sex or politics. Torturing roommates with cinnamon-bun scented incense, though, is fair game, as well as attempting to slam a tent flap after a woodland fight.

The Improv at the Waterfront is a smoke-free club. You’ll have to order two items from the mostly pub-grub menu – think wings and mozzarella sticks – or just get a couple drinks. You will not need them, though. Merriment and glee will ensue without beverage encouragement.