Sixth to Last Comic Standing

Comedian Doug Benson was headlining clubs long before Last Comic Standing. But the show did help raise his profile even further. "I finished in sixth place," he notes dryly. "Which means I'm the sixth-funniest person in the world. They did an international search this year." It also gave him some new material. But mostly, his act is still anchored by "sex and drugs, with a little alcohol on the side. My nerdy, hard-living lifestyle." When it comes to drug jokes, Benson's got credentials. The San Diego native was voted 2006's "Stoner of the Year" by High Times and once made a documentary about his tokin' exploits. He called it, of course, Super High Me. His act's not all about leafy substances though; he's got a few Demetri Martin-flavored observational skills too — like in the one about the caged dog wearing a sign that reads "I Bite!" He feels the dog should have a different sign: "I Can Write Signs!" Benson's discarded everything he did on LCS and is working with all new material, which he'll unload at the Improv at 8 p.m. today, 8 and 10:15 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday, April 26, and 7 p.m. Sunday, April 27. Tickets are $16 to $18. Call 216-696-4677 or visit www.clevelandimprov.com.
Thu., April 24, 8 p.m.; April 25-26, 8 & 10:15 p.m.; Sun., April 27, 7 p.m., 2008