Unlike his "In Living Color" buddy Jim Carrey, comedian David Alan Grier never made an "Ace Ventura" breakout movie. Even so, Grier has done just about everything else since their sketch-comedy show was cancelled 15 years ago. He returned to his Broadway roots (he graduated from Yale's drama school, after all) with a role in David Mamet's "Race." He wrote a book called "Barack Like Me: The Chocolate-Covered Truth." However, some of his exploits haven't been so successful. See: The eighth season of "Dancing With the Stars" and 2008's "Chocolate News," a "Daily Show" rip-off that never got off the ground at Comedy Central. Sounds like he's back where he belongs -- telling jokes on stage. He plays the House of Comedy this weekend.

8 and 10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. and 8 p.m. Sun., Mall of America, 4th level. $28.95.

952-854-6228. www.houseofcomedy.net.

Laugh fest If you're looking for more laughs, the Southern Theater is stacked next week with the Brouhaha Comedy Festival. The five-day fest features six comedic plays and performances. The pieces run the gamut, from Sarah Agnew in "Igloo Glue" (a comedy about keeping your life together in frigid Minnesota) to a music-heavy sex romp called "[Something clever goes here]." Also in the mix is the latest installment of actor David Hanbury's drag alter ego, "Mrs. Smith" -- the neurotic socialite who can't seem to find her beloved cat, Carlyle. Check the Southern Theater's website for a complete schedule.

Wed.-Jan. 23, 1420 Washington Av. S., Mpls. $16 single show ($45 three-show pass and $84 six-show pass). 612-340-1725. www.southerntheater.org.

The saga continues ... By now, you've probably heard about the "Shanghaied" New Year's Eve party debacle. The massive soirée was supposed to happen at Om (a day before the Indian restaurant closed), but was moved to the Graves 601 at the last minute. Partygoers were angry, some demanded refunds. The party's co-promoter, Thrifty Hipster, is still working out plans for possible refunds and is planning a free redo party later this winter. Here's a new twist: The folks at Whisky Park are apparently in a charitable mood (or simply looking to generate buzz for their new bar) because they're offering disgruntled "Shanghaied" partygoers free booze from 6 to 10 p.m. this Friday. All you need to do is show proof that you bought a ticket to "Shanghaied." Whisky Park owner Gene Suh said he'll recreate a NYE countdown and offer a free Champagne toast at midnight.

6 p.m. Fri., 15 S. 5th St., Mpls. 612-545-5235. www.whiskyparkmpls.com.

TOM HORGEN