Judd Apatow wraps his 'Evening of Comedy' at L.A. UCB

With shooting scheduled to start this week for Funny People, Judd Apatow’s upcoming movie about stand-up comedians, three of the film’s leads, Seth Rogen, Adam Sandler, and Jonah Hill, squeezed in one last rehearsal on Saturday night — in front of a live audience. The three actors, along with King of Queens star Kevin James and newcomer Aubry Plaza, took up residence at the West Coast Upright Citizens Brigade theater (capacity: 92) twice this month, in order to hone their stand-up skills. Apatow played MC, at times doing a few bits of his own — like explaining how his wife (and a member of the Funny People ensemble) Leslie Mann couldn’t be less interested in seeing his schtick in action, or entertaining movie pitches from audience members. Sets by Rogen, Hill, and James were heavy on masturbation jokes, but light on pop culture references, while Adam Sandler’s ran longest and came with a disclaimer: Jokes about being single were based on his character and not Sandler’s real life (though the distinction was less clear with later rants about fame, the paparazzi, and living large).

So how did they do? Despite their visible nervousness, the crowd’s response was enthusiastic for all, especially ringleader Apatow, but it’s safe to assume some won’t be hitting the comedy club circuit anytime soon. Take Rogen, for one, who said on his way out: “I’m so glad that’s over.”