Everyone loves a good story. The best-told stories pull you in, silence the rest of the noise around you, make you lose track of time, and make you want nothing else than to answer that incomparable question: What happens next?

SpeakeasyDC has mastered the art of turning good storytelling into great performances. Founded in 1997, SpeakeasyDC has become one of the leading presenters of live storytelling performances in the nation, now with over 20 shows a year and more than 150 new and original stories told on their stage each year. A cross between stand-up comedy, theater and memoir, each true story is hilarious and moving, honest and real.

SpeakeasyDC's third annual Top Shelf features the very best stories told on the SpeakeasyDC stage in the between November 2011 and October 2012. With the help of our smart and sexy judges, these final eight storytellers were selected to perform for what promises to be a phenomenal showcase.

STORYTELLERS

Katy Barrett tells about a parking lot drama

John Donvan tells about a lucky break while covering the Middle East

Karen Lee tells about the lengths we’ll go for the men we love

Keith Melnick story about his first time

Molly Peter tells about the fragility of mental health

Liz Richardson tells a cautionary tale about brothers, booze, and naked hippies

Adam Ruben tells about a stressful night in a bed & breakfast

John Tong tells about courting his wife

(pictured L-R: Karen Lee, John Donvan, Keith Mellnick, Katy Barrett, John Tong, Liz Richardson, Adam Ruben, Molly Peter)