Stand-up comedy shows in LA: Comedians headlining in LA in December

Oswalt, who starred as a nerdy tollbooth guy in Big Fan and a nerdy foodie rat in Ratatouille, is a dork-delighting stand-up. His carefully crafted turns of phrase have always revealed him to be as much a writer as a performer, but his blistering rants about food, film and the asshats of the world keep even the uninitiated in rapt attention.

Yeah, he's Eddie's brother and he played supporting roles on Chappelle's Show, but when Charlie Murphy steps onto the stage, he's his own person. His stand-up is thoughtful and understated, addressing social issues you wouldn't necessarily expect when looking into his wild eyes.

Mike Birbiglia, the NPR-lover's stand-up, is funny and endearing, and has impeccable timing. On the heels of his one-man storytelling shows Sleepwalk with Me and My Girlfriend's Boyfriend, Birbigs tests out new material for a bargain price during this series of gigs. Get tickets early.

Posehn, who first garnered acclaim for his contributions to Mr. Show, has toured the nation with the Comedians of Comedy, and is currently writing for Charlie Sheen's Anger Management. While his gross, angry geek persona has always hit home with crowds, his joke writing only gets better with time.

The All Things Comedy podcast network, founded by the brutally funny Bill Burr and Daily Show correspondent Al Madrigal, rounds up its on-air regulars for a stand-up showcase. Dave Anthony hosts Al Madrigal, Harland Williams, Graham Elwood, Randy Liedke and Baron Vaughn.

Once called the "comic's comic," Pardo's credits include everything from bit parts in sitcoms like That '70s Show to opening for Conan O'Brien at his late-night tapings. When it comes to comedian podcasts, his award-winning "Never Not Funny" ranks second only to Ricky Gervais' and has featured guests like Sarah Silverman and Jon Hamm. But he truly shines when interacting with audiences; experience the funnyman's routine firsthand and you may even end up as the butt of one of his jokes.

Need any further evidence that comedy's lowbrow is becoming accepted in the hallowed halls of high culture? Silverman will bring her acerbic, off-color act to Largo at the Coronet.