Funny Ha-Ha: Must-See Comedy Shows in January

There are many options in and around D.C. to help you kick off 2023 with plenty of laughs. From local improv and storytelling shows to live comedy from stand-ups both rising and established, to drag shows featuring one of America’s favorite queens, there’s a show for every person’s sense of humor coming through town in January.

1.11

The Perfect Liars Club at The Comedy Loft
Live storytelling shows often feature tales that feel too good or perfectly constructed to be true. The Perfect Liars Club takes that vibe to the next level, featuring stories from four people, three of whom are telling the truth and one who’s making it all up. At the end of the night, the audience votes on which of the four storytellers were bluffing, so polish off your BS detector and get ready to call out the big, fat liar. $15-$20. 7 p.m. 1523 22nd St. NW, DC; dccomedyloft.com // @dccomedyloft

1.12+13

Brittany Carney at The Comedy Loft
Formerly D.C.-based and current NYC comedy mainstay Brittany Carney returns to her hometown for her debut headlining show at the D.C. Comedy Loft. Brittany’s a rising star in the alt-comedy world — recently featured in Vulture and opened for indie rock gods Yo La Tengo — bringing an affable, quirky charm to the stage. We’re big fans of her and we think you will be, too. $20. Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 7:30 p.m. + 9:45 p.m.1523 22nd St. NW, DC; dccomedyloft.com // @dccomedyloft

1.13

Jive Turkey & Porkchop Volcano at DC Improv
Two longstanding DC Improv comedy teams, Jive Turkey and Porkchop Volcano bring their best to the Improv for a pair of performances. Porkchop Volcano performs fast-paced, short-form, “Whose Line is it Anyway?” style improv, a fun contrast to Jive Turkey’s more patient long-form method. There’s decades of comedy experience between these two teams, bringing an effortless artistry to the improvised arts. $15; 7:30 p.m. + 9:45 p.m.1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; dcimprov.com // @dcimprov

1.20

Shangela: Fully Lit Tour at the Warner Theatre
An early breakout star on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Shangela has since popped up in all sorts of pop culture scenarios, including “Community,” “Glee,” “A Star Is Born” and HBO’s “We’re Here,” which she hosts alongside Bob the Drag Queen and Eureka O’Hara. Her Fully Lit Tour will be a mixture of comedy and cabaret, the perfect showcase for her unforgettable persona. Halleloo! $37.50-$87.50.13th and E St. NW, DC; livenation.com // @warnertheatre

1.27

Tom Papa at The Kennedy Center
There’s a good reason acclaimed comic Tom Papa is one of the biggest comics in the country: he’s very good at stand-up comedy. A regular panelist on some of the biggest podcasts and radio shows out there, you may also recognize him from his absolutely massive Netflix comedy special “You’re Doing Great!” $29-$39. 8 p.m. 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter

Matt Byrne