The Tokyo Comedy Store is the Big Mikan's only on-going live Improv and stand-up comedy group. While most shows are in English, the TCS gang also wow the locals with monthly Japanese-language performances

Roppongi's Cars is the newest venue for the TCS's Improv group which bares up under the name Until Further Notice. This amalgam of mayhem includes: handsome founding member Chris Wells; actor, narrator and all around sensitive guy Michael Naishtut; actor/narrator Paul Lucas; writer Monty DiPietro; thespian/vulgarian Lenne Hardt and web geek meek Nick Cook. Musical accompaniment is provided by the dancing fingers of Rachel and the lovely, multi-talented Nishi-chan.

The brand-new Car Crash Comedy Night careens onto the big stage at Roppongi's Cars 03-470-5944 every Wednesday night, and the admission price of only 1,500 yen includes one drink.

Stand-up and Improv shows are also held in both English and Japanese at Shibuya's Club Asia 05458-5963 on the last Sunday of every month. Stand up comics include the uproarious Cloudy B.-- Australia's cultural ambassador and an alleged hamster killer, Canadian hockey legend and balladeer Herb Irving, Dave "Cubby" Carter (who is in no way affiliated with the military), and a gaggle of others.

The TCS funnybone-ticklers also perform most Mondays at Dr. Jeekhan's in Shibuya (3476-7811). In addition to performances, there are on-going workshops in which TCS members reveal the myriad secrets of improvisation techniques. These priceless, time-tested secrets have been passed down from the masters - unfortunately they were passed down to Michael Naishtut, but the TCS director does still remember a few of the best ones.

Tokyo Comedy Store Schedule:

Sun. Jan 25, 8:00pm - Tokyo Comedy Store stand-up and Improv show at Club Asia. 2500yen includes 1 drink.

Wed. Jan 28, 8:30pm - Car Crash Comedy Improv show at Cars. 1500yen includes 1 drink.

Mon. Feb. 2, 7:30pm - Stand-up Comedy Jam at Dr. Jeekhan's. 1000yen.

Wed. Feb. 4, 8:30pm - Car Crash Comedy Improv show at Cars. 1500yen includes 1 drink

Wed. Feb. 11 8:30pm - Car Crash Comedy Improv show at Cars. 1500yen includes 1 drink.

Mon. Feb. 16 7:30pm - TheatreSports Improv show (with surprise guest!) At Dr. Jeekhan's. 1000yen.

Wed. Feb. 18, 8:30pm - Car Crash Comedy Improv show at Cars. 1500yen includes 1 drink.

Sun. Feb. 22, 8:00pm Tokyo Comedy Store Stand-up and Improv show at ClubAsia, also, a Japanese-language Improv Show from 7:00pm. Both shows 2500yen 1 drink

Wed. Feb. 25, 8:30pm Car Crash Comedy Improv show at Cars. 1500yen includes 1 drink.

If you enjoy making crank calls, contact TCS director, Michael Naishtut at 033-389 -5284. For more coherent information contact Monty DiPietro 1-12-3-1102 Okubo Shinjuku, Tokyo 169, Japan Tel/Fax: [+81-3] 5273-0996

--By Carter Witt
Japan Correspondent