Audio By Carbonatix
Reader support matters more than ever
We're in the final stretch of our summer campaign. Our goal is to raise $15,000 by August 9 to support the journalism our community relies on. Reader support is helping shape the future of local news.
Audiences love epic showdowns. Ali versus Frazier. Jerry Springer brawls. Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. This weekend, National Comedy Theater-Phoenix (NCT for short) squares off against NCT-San Diego in what Dorian Lenz, founder and director of NCT-PHX, says should be a “high-energy, very exciting and fun show.”
Lenz’s performing history spans more than a decade, and includes time with FLD Productions, a seminal comedy stable in the East Valley. After a stint in San Diego, where he performed with NCT-SD, Lenz returned to establish his own branch here. He celebrated the grand opening this past February in the same location that FLD had its first show in the late ’90s.
A typical NCT shindig showcases teams facing off in short improv scenes and games. A ref keeps things moving and family-friendly while the audience provides suggestions to inspire the onstage action. The fast-paced whirlwind of creativity keeps comedy fans involved and performers on their toes.
Fri., July 11, 7:30 & 9:45 p.m.; Sat., July 12, 7:30 & 9:45 p.m., 2008