Comic Elayne Boosler at the Improv

Elayne Boosler has been doing standup since 1973 — in comedy terms, that’s like a million years, give or take. But the groundbreaking funny girl — one of the first women to star in a one-hour cable comedy special, which she had to produce herself! — says not a whole lot has changed in the way she rolls. “I read everything I can and keep the act fresh. I update before every show because I’ve always treated standup as a living, changing thing. Plus, it keeps me from falling asleep during work.” A native New Yorker who now splits her time between N.Y., L.A. and the road, Boosler has become adept at managing new media: She’s an active presence on Facebook and Twitter, and a regular contributor to the online mag Huffington Post. In fact, one of her newest comedic gems is a rap — “Facebook is a Clocksucker” — packed with clever lines that pretty much sum up the social-media experience. (Check it out at elayneboosler.com.) As for her upcoming appearances at the Cleveland Improv — five shows set for Friday April 27 through Sunday, April 29 — Boosler promises an experience so profound it could actually save your life. “I always try to leave the audience feeling better than when they came in, so if you’re having the kind of frustrating life we all seem to be having these days, you should come see me intstead of jumping off a building. There’s your choice: Elayne or death.” Tickets are $22 by phone, online, or at the Improv box office.