Plenty of punch lines

What better way to stave off the fall chill than with a hearty chuckle or two? That is what Philadelphia Comedy Month offers during its opening weekend at the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre.

"A big part of summer is escapism, but in the fall, you're back in the office or in school," Matt Nelson, executive producer of Improv Fest, said in a phone interview. "Comedy offers an indoor form of escapism."

The lineup for this month will appeal to a "wide range of audiences," he said, from die-hard improv geeks to casual theatergoers. The schedule promises variety thanks to assorted local and national talents from cities such as New York, Washington, Austin, Texas, and Los Angeles.

The ever-unpredictable thrills of improv opened Comedy Month on Monday. Through Sunday, more than 200 comedians will converge on the theatre to banter with and amuse audiences.

Among the most well-known names in the show, Minneapolis-based improv artist Jill Bernard is expected to wield her trusty Zoom Rhythmtrak 123 drum machine in her multi-character, one-woman, and totally unscripted musical. Bernard's comedy effortlessly spans eras, once even delving into the French Revolution. At 10 a.m. Sunday, she will offer a special session of personal instruction for $30-$45.

Other don't-miss highlights of the week include performances from Chicago's Banquet, L.A.'s Billy Hawk and Philly's homegrown "enfants terrible," the Rare Bird Show and the Real Housewives of Philadelphia, considered cultural institutions among comedians in this area.

"It's a great opportunity to see both local comedic talent and from around the country," said Alli Soowal, a festival producer from Cherry Hill. She is a member of the Real Housewives, who performed earlier this week, and BWP, which will hit the stage late Saturday night.

"To perform in this is just a joy. I found that improv is such a supportive audience that you perform in front of. They are pulling for you and want you to do well."

Increasingly popular over the last two years and returning this year is ComedySportz Philadelphia's "The In-Complete Works of Shakespeare."

Fueling the comedic momentum will be Sketchfest week, following the free-wheeling improv with scripted routines, offered through live action and video sketches. From Oct. 10-15, Sketchfest will showcase the wealth of talent on the local and national scenes.