Performers and celebrity judges deliver a one-night-only improv showdown where comedy, literature, and history collide.

What happens when Shakespearean heroines tackle modern-day dilemmas? Or when historic women’s movements get the TikTok treatment? Hosted by Seth Herzog, resident comedian at The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, four fierce female improvisers and a live keyboardist will battle for comedic glory in this laugh-fueled competition inspired by Women’s History Month. Judged by special celebrity guests including actor Gina Gershon and designer Cynthia Rowley. History has never been this funny.

Presented in partnership with NY Laughs, the only nonprofit devoted to enriching NYC through the transformative power of laughter, NYLaughs brings free, live stand-up comedy to public spaces—turning parks, streets, and rooftops into stages for connection, joy, and thought-provoking social commentary. With support from NYC City Councilmember Keith Powers, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, A.R.T./New York, A.R.T./New York’s NYC Small Theatres Fund (with support from the Howard Gilman Foundation), and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul.

To join the event in person | Doors will open 45 minutes before the program begins. For LIVE from NYPL events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment; we will do our best to accommodate everyone. Booked seats that have not been claimed will be released shortly before start time, and seats may become available then. A standby line will form 45 minutes before the program.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Gina Gershon is a versatile actress, singer, and author known for her bold choices and distinctive screen presence. After studying drama at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, she co-founded the Naked Angels theater company and quickly made a name for herself in film, television, and theater. She gained widespread recognition for her roles in Showgirls (1995) and Bound (1996), solidifying her status as a fearless performer willing to push boundaries. Gershon has worked across genres, appearing in Pretty in Pink, Cocktail, Face/Off, and numerous TV shows, including Riverdale and Curb Your Enthusiasm. A seasoned stage actress, she has graced Broadway in Cabaret and Boeing Boeing. Beyond acting, she is a musician and author, co-writing the children’s book Camp Creepy Time, which was optioned by DreamWorks, and releasing her album In Search of Cleo. With an unmistakable on-screen presence and a career spanning decades, Gershon continues to captivate audiences with her talent, charisma, and adventurous spirit.

Cynthia Rowley is a celebrated designer, author, and pioneer of “surf-leisure” who has redefined fashion as an adventure. Originally studying painting at the Art Institute of Chicago, she shifted to fashion and moved to New York City with a small amount of seed money to launch her brand. Her bold, risk-taking spirit has shaped a global lifestyle brand and earned her numerous accolades, including a CFDA Award and Designer of the Year at the American Image Awards. She has received an honorary doctorate from the Art Institute of Chicago and is also a best-selling author. Beyond fashion, Cynthia’s influence extends into television, collaborations, experiential events, and her annual CR Surf Camps, all reflecting her philosophy of fearless living. Based in New York but constantly exploring new places, she continues to inspire women everywhere to take risks and embrace adventure.

Seth Herzog is a longtime & beloved NYC comedian/actor/writer. He's currently the resident comedian and sketch performer at the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, (and was with Late Night with Jimmy Fallon). He also spent ten years as an on-air talking head for VH1 and hosted two science/comedy shows for Nat Geo, Duck Quacks Don't Echo and Science of Stupid. He's also had memorable turns on NBC's 30 Rock, Comedy Central's Broad City, Chappelle Show, Stella, @midnight, and John Oliver's NY Stand Up Show, as well as in the films, Prime, Role Models, The Winning Season, In the Weeds, The Ten, and he stars in the feature comedy Boy Band. 

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If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or suspect you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please stay home.

ACCESSIBILITY

In-Person | Assistive listening devices and/or hearing loops are available at the venue. You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template. This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs. 

CONNECT

For questions and inquiries, please email publicprograms@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

Please submit press inquiries at least 48 hours before the event: email press@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

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LIVE from NYPL is made possible by the continuing generosity of Celeste Bartos, Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos and Adam Bartos, the Margaret and Herman Sokol Public Education Endowment Fund, and the support of Library patrons and friends.

Courtesy Gina Gershon
Courtesy Cynthia Rowley
Courtesy Seth Herzog