COMEDY

Comic Relief, the Festival: Comic Relief, known for its annual Whoopi Goldberg/Robin Williams/Billy Crystal-hosted HBO comedy specials that raise funds for the homeless, will inaugurate a new venture next month to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The first American Comedy Festival will take place at Universal CityWalk March 27-31, culminating with a two-hour live comedy show at the Universal Amphitheatre, with scheduled performers including Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi, John Goodman, Steve Allen, Brett Butler, Mark Curry, Fran Drescher, Bobcat Goldthwait, Arsenio Hall, Shelley Long, Howie Mandel and Judy Tenuta. The festival kicks off on March 27 with the premiere of Universal Pictures’ Steve Martin comedy “Sgt. Bilko.” Then from March 29 through 31, prominent comedy institutions across the country--including the Improv, New York’s Caroline’s and Los Angeles’ Comedy Act Theatre--will host shows at various CityWalk locations, including an outdoor stage. Other festival events will include various celebrity book and CD signings by comics including Richard Pryor and Steve Allen.