Talk-show host. Two-time author. Gay-pride parade grand marshal. Add QVC jewelry designer and Chelsea Handler has become a brand name. But she hasn't done it alone. Five nights a week on E!'s Chelsea Lately, Handler assembles a panel of like-minded comics who turn the latest tabloid headlines into comedy gold and take part in celeb-mocking sketches — the one of Angelina wrestling Jennifer in the bathroom and squirting breast milk in her face was worthy of a People's Choice Award. After two years on basic cable, Handler is taking her troupe of fellow wiseasses on the road as part of The Comedians of Chelsea Lately, a sort of updated USO tour without Bob Hope or the general sense of hope. Some of her cohorts write for the talk show, while others have made their mark in TV and film. And you know you've hit it big when your Web site has its own merchandising section. Tonight's two shows feature Heather McDonald, Chris Franjola, Loni Love, John Caparulo, Jen Kirkman and the Sklar Brothers during the first half, and Whitney Cummings, Sarah Colonna, Brad Wollack, Josh Wolf, Jo Koy and “office homosexual” Guy Branum in the second. Of course, Handler will be making an appearance alongside her co-host and “little nugget,” Chuy, who will no doubt be waving from his own tissue-paper parade float one day.

Thu., June 25, 7:30 & 10:30 p.m., 2009

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