Batsu! is an improv comedy show with an idiosyncratically sadistic approach: a “live Japanese game show” that airs most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the basement of Jebon Sushi and Noodle House. The term "Batsu," you are told, means both "punishment," as well as the "X" you see when your uncle says something stupid on Family Feud.

Throughout the evening, four comics compete in improv games, some of which include audience members, while the MC acts as the arbiter of each round, awarding points and sealing the fate of those whose jokes fall flat.

In a twisted take on Who’s Line is it Anyway?, the punishment for the loser is typically inflicted by an adorable Japanese stereotype in a plaid miniskirt and knee socks. The penalties may include paint balls to the chest, a tall drink of mop water, product testing the settings on a Taser or a gag and dog collared stroll around the audience. Rest assured, all this extreme stuff is endured by the comics; audience participants are shown a degree of clemency. Losing contestants were recently required to eat a piece of sushi off a hairy chested man, belly button soy sauce dip required. For the victors, a celebratory toast of sake (Kampai!).

Was every round of comedy 100% hilarious? No. Will you still have a good time? Yes* (see "Essential Info" below for a disclaimer).

ESSENTIAL INFO:

Total Cost: About $60 per person for a general admission ticket to Batsu! ($30.50) and drinks during the show ($18 pitchers of Kirin!). Tax, tip and ticket fees included. VIP tickets are available for $35.50, which include prime seating and free sake shots with the comics. However, the general admission ticket is all you need for a good time.

-Doors for the show are 7:30 PM and show time is 8:00 PM. Most tables are communal, but if you want your own two or four top, arrive right when the doors open. That means eating dinner at Soba-ya around 6:30 PM. There is no minimum food and beverage spend during the show.

-*Before the show, a cast member will come around to your table and ask if you want to participate. Just say, "Yes." Here's why: Batsu! is an improv show. And like most improvisational comedy, the performers frequently solicit input and assistance from the audience. Shows like this are collaborative events that require you to abandon your all too cool indifference and be an active participant. If your sheepish demeanor will prevent you from obliging the MC, go see some stand up. For this show, however, reply in the affirmative when invited to join the cast. But, even if you don't end up volunteering (c'mon), the least you can do is be an engaged audience member; when the host asks you to shout out the first thing you can think of, don't be a jerk and blurt it out, no matter how moronic it may sound. You will be doing everyone in the room a service.

NEARBY:

Get a quick dinner at Soba-ya, which features an $18 three course prix fixe from 5:30-7:00pm, Monday-Thursday