Ladies of Laughter

Last year, Vanity Fair caught heat for the article "Why Women Aren't Funny," an investigation of the "humor gap" between the sexes. In April, the magazine made amends with a cover story about the women of comedy. Still, the gripe remains: Comedy is a sausage fest. Too few girls are encouraged to pursue careers in self-deprecation, even though so many deserve the spotlight. Think Lucille Ball, Lily Tomlin, Tracey Ullman and too many others to list. The tables get turned tonight when the all-female variety show Pretty, Funny performs at the Westport Coffee House (4010 Pennsylvania, 816-756-3222). The six-strong troupe uses wigs, props, song and dance to lampoon sex and society. In the tradition of Bridget Jones, Pretty, Funny is a farce with heart. Expect fewer dick jokes than Bob Saget, more dignity than Dustin Diamond and not as many pervs as Stanford's Comedy Club. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and costs $10.
Fri., July 11, 7:30 p.m., 2008