KEEPING IT REAL

Whether he’s acting in an award-winning television series (BBC’s The Office, 2001-2003; HBO’s Extras, 2005-2007) or performing a live stand-up routine, award-winning British comedian Ricky Gervais (left) prefers to draw his material from everyday life. “Even if I’m talking about something as bizarre as a conversation between Hitler and Nietzsche, I always try to shroud things in the mundane because that’s what people identify with,” he says. “Excruciating social faux pas and taboos are great catalysts for comedy for that same reason.” When planning his national Out of England tour, Gervais began by writing a 25-minute script based on personal observations and anecdotes about people he’s encountered over the past four decades. The other 35 minutes is comprised of jokes developed through trial and error during pre-tour warm-up shows held at small-scale venues around Los Angeles. “With stand-up, the audience picks your best hour for you,” explains Gervais. “If they don’t laugh, the joke doesn’t stay in.” » Ricky Gervais, WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Seventh Ave., at W. 33rd St., 307-7171, Jul. 14-16

ABOVE: FORMERLY THE PRIVATE OFFICE OF TYCOON JOHN W. CAMPBELL, THIS SWANK LOUNGE FEATURES 1920S-AND 1930S-THEMED DRINKS, SUCH AS "PROHIBITION PUNCH," AND RECENTLY UNDERWENT A CHIC REDESIGN. CAMPBELL APARTMENT, 15 VANDERBILT AVE. (INSIDE GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL), 953.0409

LEFT: IN A CHORUS LINE, A TRUE TRIPLE-THREAT, SIGNER, ACRESS AND DANCER CHARLOTTE D'AMBOISE PLAYS CASSIE, A TALENTED FORMER BROADWAY DANCER WHO PUTS HER SKILLS, ASPIRATIONS—AND HEART—ON THE LINE IN THIS POPULAR REVIVAL OF THE 1970S HIT MUSICAL. GERALD SCHOENFELD THEATRE, 236 W. 45TH ST., 239.6200

Day of performance tickets at TKTS booths (walkway behind NY Marriott Marquis, W. 45th St.; or South Street Seaport, 768.1818); cash/travelers checks only. Watch hotel TV's Broadway Channel 38 for a mini-preview of the best of Broadway. Credit Cards: American Express (AE), Discover (D), Diners Club (DC), Mastercard (MC), Visa (V). Key to symbols: $=inexpensive, $$=moderate, $$$=expensive.