Listed below is a roundup of CL's top picks for comedy shows in Charlotte this week. Hopefully, they keep you entertained and, more importantly, laughing out loud.

Folks who found the Star Wars and the Lord of the Rings movies too long will appreciate comedian Greg Morton's condensed renditions. In two-minute intervals, the comedy veteran uses his own live sound effects to sum up the films. Morton's observational humor and impersonations make for an unpredictable fusion. His video tune "Obama Man," set to the peppy children's song "Candy Man," may have gone viral back in 2009, but it still has us laughing. Don't go thinking Morton endorses everything the president does, though. He objects to Obama's wardrobe, specifically those britches Morton refers to in his jingle as "Obama in Mom Jeans". $12-$17. June 20, 8 p.m.; June 21, 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone Charlotte at N.C. Music Factory, 900 N.C. Music Factory Blvd., Suite B3. 980-321-4702. www.cltcomedyzone.com.

Comedians who joke about nothing are a dime a dozen, but that doesn't mean they're all Jerry Seinfelds. Finding humor in day-to-day life and shaping it into funny tales requires talent and great timing. Brian Regan, who performs at The Comedy Zone in Charlotte this week, has a knack for side-splitting storytelling. He makes random events and topics - from UPS shipping issues to why dogs bark - funny without any profanity, raunchy additions or low-blows aimed at gender or ethnic groups. That's not to say Regan doesn't over-dramatize to the point of occasional buffoonery. His animated visuals combined with a sarcastic take on randomness has earned Regan recurring spots on Comedy Central. $45. June 22, 8 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.; June 23, 6:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m. The Comedy Zone at N.C. Music Factory Blvd., 900 N.C. Music Factory Blvd., Suite B3. 980-321-4702. www.cltcomedyzone.com.

Getting a big break in the entertainment biz usually doesn't happen overnight. Comedian Sara Schaefer knows this, which is why she launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund her Iddy Biddy Teeny Tiny Sara Schaefer Tour. With a YouTube video plea, some crafty bribery (she's promised to knit high bidders items like potholders and blankets) and a little dildo-won't-fit-in-the-suitcase action, she managed to scrounge up $4,437, far surpassing her original goal of $2,500. If you ask us, that's pretty good for an aspiring comic! The New York City-based Schaefer, who formerly worked as a blog writer for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, stops in Charlotte for a performance at Petra's Piano Bar & Cabaret. With NYC funny man Scott Moran and local comedians DeVan Penegar, Chris Layton, and Derek Blackmon. $10. June 23, 8 p.m. Petra's Piano Bar & Cabaret, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. 704-332-6608. www.petraspianobar.com.