Amelia Ritthaler and Evan Lazarus tackle Brooklyn’s thriving comedy scene

For the past few years, Amelia Ritthaler and Evan Lazarus pursued comedy through stand-up performances, social media content and a podcast. It’s no surprise that the pair have found a niche in Brooklyn, where an emerging local, alternative comedy scene has bolstered the industry with comedians like Sam Morrison breaking into the mainstream and Second City establishing its first NYC space in Williamsburg. 

Ritthaler and Lazarus have already made names for themselves in the city’s comedy scene. Ritthaler hosts a monthly all-women and nonbinary show at Cafe Balearica in Williamsburg called “Girl Church,” and she joked that the tagline is “We don’t book even one straight man.” Lazarus co-hosts a monthly show at Club Cumming called “Is This Gay?” But the pair have gained most of their notoriety from their “Girls Rewatch” podcast, where they comically and intellectually dissect the cultural significance of girl-themed shows. 

The pair are gaining traction in the alternative comedy scene — comedy centered less on the joke-to-laugh format and instead focused on anecdotal storytelling revolving around a primary themes — where they perform at classic venues like the Bell House and Union Hall, along with DIY shows in apartments or rooftops, or at stand-up shows and open mics hosted by indie venues.

“We’re living in a resurgence where people are wanting to see stand-up more than ever,” said Lazarus “In the last year, three comedy clubs in Brooklyn opened up. That’s an absurd amount.”