The best national entertainment news is all about Chicago comedians.
Last week, NBC announced the creation of seeso.com, a web-based comedy subscription service for “comedy super fans” to debut in January. The original content will include a stand-up series, Take My Wife, created and produced by Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher. The partners in both life and comedy began their careers in Chicago and now live in Los Angeles. Other Seeso programs are by Amy Poehler, Dan Harmon and Rooftop Comedy. Access to complete seasons of Saturday Night Live and other NBC content are additional perks.
Cameron also announced that her December 10 show at Thalia Hall will be recorded as her first comedy special. Rhea Butcher will also appear and, as I predicted in September, the show has sold out. A second show has been added.
Here are four words I never thought I’d say … Buy this month’s Penthouse! There are some who might argue, but I promise there has never been a better reason. This month’s issue has an extensive interview with Chicago comedian Sean White. Sean makes anger an art form and delivers some of the best stand-up you’ll ever see. He’ll be at “Stand Up Stand Up” on Thursday and at The Laugh Factory next Sunday night (see below). Now who can tell me where to get Penthouse and better yet, who’ll go get it for me? If I have to, I’ll go get it myself.
ABC announced late last week that it is developing a series created by Patti Vasquez and her business partner, Kevin Cleary. Patti will co-executive produce with TV writer Emilia Serrano (Cristela). The show is now titled The Better Half and is based on Patti’s life as a Mexican-American working mom, wife and social activist living in cramped Chicago quarters with her husband, kids and parents. The show has been a long-time dream for Patti, who is a regular headliner at Zanies and host of Pretty Late on WGN 720 radio. As a long-time fan, I am hoping Patti will play herself. Although she is attached to star, apparently that part of the deal is not yet certain.
Patti will be at Zanies for most of this week. I almost went unconscious from laughing too hard at one of her shows and look forward to doing it again soon.
Did you catch Chicago comedian Megan Gailey’s late night debut on Conan last Thursday? If you missed it, you can see it here.
Comic folks visiting this week include: David Sedaris, Norman Lear, Sarah Vowell, Jay Leno, Kristen Wiig, Aasif Mandvi, Bill Burr, Jamie Lissow, Marcus Combs, Ira Glass, Carrie Brownstein, plus Monty Franklin and Joe Sib appearing together.
That list is on top of all the exceptional local comedy happening in Chicago every night of the year. Please share and help spread the word.
If there’s anything you would like me to include, please email me at temewring@gmail.com.
This calendar was fueled by pumpkin pie. Confirming all details would probably be a good idea.
Thank you, Chicago comedy community. Comedy like this couldn’t happen anywhere else in the world.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26
“Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf” at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North, 5:00 p.m. Free staged reading of this new mash-up and coming-attraction preview from Second City. Reservations required. Limited tickets available.
Improv Workshop Graduation at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:30 p.m. I love graduation shows! Lots of passion about comedy and people acting on their dreams. Tickets are $10, but mention instructor Dave Schwensen’s name at the box office and get $5 off.
“The Cricket” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. “The Moth” if iO got a hold of it. A parody of spoken word showcases.
Dobie Maxwell and Friends at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. Dobie Maxwell is “Mr. Lucky.” He’s had to contend with some bad timing and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you go see him, I promise you, you’re in the right place at the right time and you’ll want to go back again and again. I speak from personal experience. Dobie Maxwell is one of the all-time greats.
“100 Proof Comedy” at Comedy Sportz, 929 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Always a great line-up at this weekly showcase. Check the site for who’s appearing. Features comedians who have appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing, The TBS Just for Laughs Festival and more.
“Sadsacks and Wisecracks” at High Hat Club, 1920 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. Free weekly comedy showcase hosted by Natalie Jose. Natalie is a cast member of Chicago Underground Comedy, starred in the OWN network’s My Life is a Joke and was one of the great Chicago comedians on Last Comic Standing this summer. Featuring: Marty DeRosa, T Murph, Deanna Ortiz, Joshua Chambers, Chad Briggs, Charlie Vergos. Music by Natalie Grace Alford.
“The Armando Diaz Experience” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. Chicago’s longest running improv show and one of the most famous. Originally founded by Adam McKay (Anchorman, Talladega Nights), Dave Koechner (Anchorman, Thank You For Not Smoking, SNL) and the actual Armando Diaz (founder of the Magnet Theater in New York). This iconic Chicago comedy experience is a two-act long-form show where one person’s personal stories become improv fodder.
“Wild Out Mondays” at SLR Bar & Grill, 16409 S. Halsted, Harvey, 9:00 p.m. Improv, stand up and music hosted by Just Nesh.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27
“Unspeakable” at The Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut, 7:30 p.m. The play inspired by Richard Pryor’s life continues. Check site for show times throughout the week.
Patti Vasquez at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Patti Vasquez is the host of WGN 720 AM’s “Pretty Late.” Bill Maher called her “the funniest woman in comedy since Carol Burnett.” She talks about parenting, kids with special needs, marriage, social activism and life. Very relatable, very smart, very funny.
“The Tuesday Ten” at Zanies, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. “A mix of ten headliners, rising stars and surprise guests!”
“The Incubator” at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted, 8:00 p.m. A weekly improv showcase which “matches up and coming players with up and coming coaches.”
104th Mainstage Revue at The Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. Directed by Jeff-award winning Director Ryan Bernier. Shows throughout the week.
“The Comedy Bowl” at Diversey River Bowl, 2211 W. Diversey, 8:00 p.m. Comedy and trivia showcase hosted by Mona Aburmishan. This week’s theme is all about scary stuff which includes “bad costumes and crappy candy.” Featuring: Kat Herskovic, Eli Hamilton, Meechie Hall and Vince Acevedo.
“Chicago Underground Comedy Presents: This Halloween Show” at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 9:00 p.m. “All Hallow’s hilarity featuring silly scares, goofy ghouls, funny freaks and more terrible Halloween-related buzzwords … We’ll be up in the spooky Beat Kitchen attic where we just found a box of old timey photos that even though we threw them out, they keep coming back. It’s weird, but doubtful that anything bad will come of it. Show is just $5.00 at the door and those doors open at 9pm. Limited seating available, so if you want to be SCARED out of your seat, that means you need to be there early to be sure you have a seat to be scared out of.”
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28
Norman Lear at The Union League Club, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., 11:30 a.m. The legendary creator of Sanford and Son, All in the Family, Maude, Good Times, The Jeffersons and Mary Hartman Mary Hartman and author of the memoir, Even This I Get to Experience, will talk about his life in television. An opportunity to hear someone who changed American culture for the better. Interesting fact: he was a fighter pilot in the air force and flew fifty bombing missions over Germany.
Sponsored by The Book Stall. The dress code for this event is business casual. They say no denim allowed.
“The Riff” at Brisku’s Bistro & Bar, 4100 N. Kedzie, 8:00 p.m. Host: Jonathan Giles. Comedians pull a topic out of a hat and get four minutes to riff. Keeping with the Halloween spirit, comedians who wear a costume will get an extra minute! Great way to be inspired by lightning minds at work. (If you want to participate, sign-up is at 7:30 p.m.)
“Laugh Battle” at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. It’s March Madness if March Madness is about battling improv teams and happening now. Bracket competition with finals in December.
“Drunk Science” with Sean Flannery at The Comedy Bar, 500 M. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. Sean Flannery’s drinks and high jinx stories are legendary. At “Drunk Science” you’ll find out what’s going on in the mind – literally – when that stuff is happening. The science of comedy combined with the comedy of science by a master comedian and storyteller.
Patti Vasquez at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m.
“Flabbey at the Abbey” at The Abbey, 3420 W. Grace, 8:30 p.m. Weekly showcase. Check site for line-up.
“Comedians You Should Know” at Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., 9:00 p.m. Line-up TBA. Showcase title says it all.
“Brass Chuckles Comedy” at Uptown Underground, 4707 N. Broadway, 9:00 p.m. Weekly showcase featuring stand up, improv, musical comedy, burlesque and more. Hosted by Sayjal Joshi and Tamale.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29
Jamie Lissow Interview with Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio at: interview will come to you, just click link at 8:30 a.m. Jamie Lissow headlines at The Improv through Sunday.
Listen and Discuss: Lenny Bruce at Zanies Standup Comedy Learning Center, 1543 N. Wells, 6:00 p.m. The free series continues. Moderator TBA. Call Zanies to confirm. I heard this was canceled, but the person answering the phone at Zanies says it’s still on. Call before you go.
Sarah Vowell at Chicago Humanities Festival, Art Institute, Rubloff Auditorium, 230 S. Columbus Dr., 6:00 p.m. Bestselling author and popular late night guest Sarah Vowell will discuss her latest book, Lafayette in the Somewhat United States. I saw her talk about the book on The Daily Show, where she was a regular guest, and afterwards I really badly wanted to know more about Lafayette. Please don’t mention this to anyone, but I nearly failed history throughout high school and never took it again. It’s taken a comic historian to make me see the error of my ways. If making history funny and interesting isn’t enough, she was also the voice of Violet Parr in The Incredibles among other memorable acting credits.
North Pole Comedy and Hip Hop Showcase at Piccolo Lounge, 2610 W. Peterson, 7:00 p.m. Pre-party starts at 7:00 p.m. Show starts at 9:00 p.m. Featured comedians: Schmitty B, Jari and Muhammed. Featured artists: Chise Up, Ess Jones, Jah Safe.
Jay Leno at The Genesee Theater, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan,7:30 p.m. A rare opportunity to see this true titan of comedy. I am a fan and became even more of a fan when he called Chicago’s Cameron Esposito “the future of comedy.” He was right, too. Interesting fact: Supposedly, he has never spent his Tonight Show money and lives entirely off of his stand-up.
Note: Jay Leno will be at The Paramount Theatre in Aurora tomorrow night. See below. (Tickets are cheaper in Waukegan.)
Jamie Lissow at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:30 p.m., Jamie Lissow co-stars with Rob Schneider in The Rob Show which premieres on Netflix on December 1. He also appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, Last Comic Standing, and many more.
Here is Jamie in his own enjoyable words: “On a personal note we are having another baby. This makes three. My wife really wanted to have a third as she finds it very annoying when we have extra money and time. You can CLICK HERE to hear your mouse make a clicking sound. I’m adding a lot of new dates to the calendar, like January 32nd and March 50th. But seriously folks, I’m excited to be going back to a lot of my favorite clubs …”
C. J. Sullivan at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. C.J. Sullivan has won the Comic Choice “Best Comic in Chicago” Award and was named one of Chicago Magazine‘s “Top 12 Rising Stars to look out for.” He has also appeared on Comedy Central’s Mash Up and is a champion poker player who earned a “World Series of Poker” third place title. C.J. gave me one of my favorite answers in an interview when I asked him if he’d ever had a memorable encounter with a fan and without pausing, he came back with “An oscillating fan?”
“I Shit You Not” at The Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee, 8:00 p.m. “We are a live, monthly storytelling show and weekly podcast featuring true stories of failed restraint and bodily blunders by some of the finest comedians, storytellers and regular people we know.” Tonight features: Dave “The Coma Guy” Maher, Mary Runkle, Jeff “Not Jesse” Baltes, Kat Herskovic, Adrienne Brandyburg, and Keith Paesel. This show sounds like it would feel relatable and hilarious to everyone on earth. I love that so much.
Bill Burr at The Chicago Theater, 175 N. State St., 8:00 p.m. Bill Burr calls out humanity on its barbarian bullshit in his tough-guy Massachusetts accent. Expect no mercy. Expect unexpected sweetness like when he showed up on the OWN Network’s Funny Girls this summer in support of one of its up-and-coming cast members. Much respected by other comedians, he’s a popular guest on podcasts like Marc Maron’s WTF, You Made it Weird with Pete Holmes and The Adam Carolla Show. He also hosts Bill Burr’s Monday Morning Podcast.
He was a voice in “Grand Theft Auto,” played Patrick Kuby in Breaking Bad and at the end of this year he will star in Netflix’ animated sitcom F is for Family. Bill Burr writes and exec produces the series which is based on his stand-up. Interesting fact: he is a licensed helicopter pilot.
Monty Franklin and Joe Sib at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. Monty Franklin, who is Rob Schneider’s opening act, teams up for one night only with Joe Sib, co-chair of the record label SideOneDummyRecords. Also featuring Chicagoan Chris Bader.
“Stand Up Stand Up” at The Crocodile, 1540 N. Milwaukee Ave., 8:00 p.m. Free show. Free pizza. Weekly comedy showcase acclaimed by Splitsider.com and The Chicago Tribune. Tonight is a spooky Halloween show and also a farewell to Katie McVay with Marty DeRosa, Katie McVay, Sean White, Rudy Schultz, Jake McKenzie and more. Hosted by Sammy Arechar.
Patti Vasquez at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m.
“Leaders of the New School” at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m. Hosted by Just Nesh. Featuring: Tony T., Correy Bell, Ronnie George, Doc Love, Marvin Barry, Johnny Lane. Note: online tickets sales end 24 hours before the show.
“Parlour Car” at Bar DeVille, 701 N. Damen, 9:00 p.m. Chicago’s talented comedians plus unexpected guests from around the country. Check Twitter for line-up.
“The Wiggle Room” at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 9:30 p.m. Comedy/burlesque brought to you by Michelle L’amour (Burlesque Hall of Fame) and hosted by Adam Burke. (The Reader’s Best Stand-Up in Chicago (2014), Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me.)
“Singles Only” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 10:00 p.m. Horror stories from the dating world. Audience members will have a chance to share their own relationships from the devil and win prizes. Master plan: (1) Let comedy heal the pain (2) Enjoy the mixer after the show. Tonight’s line-up: Paul Farahvar, Natalie Jose, David Drake, Tristan Triptow, Abi Sanchez.
“Messing with a Friend” at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 10:30 p.m. Susan Messing improvises with another talented comedy personality every Thursday. Tonight’s guest: Second City and “Schadenfreude” ensemble member Kate James.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
Carrie Brownstein at Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., 6:00 p.m. Carrie Brownstein reads from her memoir, Hunger Makes Me A Modern Girl and talks about about her life in music (Sleater-Kinney) and comedy (Portlandia). Note: this show is SOLD OUT, BUT see web site. There is still a possibility of getting in via the wait list if you arrive early.
Kristen Wiig at The Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport, 5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. Kristen Wiig comes to the Music Box for opening weekend (Friday and Saturday) of her latest film and a “Q and A.” Nasty Baby is about boyfriends trying for a baby with her assistance. Kristen Wiig’s previous films include Bridesmaids and Welcome to Me. She was also unforgettable on Saturday Night Live as chronic one-upper Penelope, The Target Lady, Kathy Lee Gifford and Kat of “Garth and Kat.”
“Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host” at Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, 7:00 p.m. Ira Glass dances to productions choreographed by Monica Bill Barnes who the Washington Post called, “the Tina Fey of dance.”
“The Defiant Thomas Brothers” at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 7:30 p.m. Due to cheering crowds and rave reviews, DTB now have an open run at Second City. This sketch duo has original, comedic spins where others fear to tread and always with a stratospheric level of creativity and no fear. In 2005, they had an 80-week run in Chicago and went on to take HBO’s Aspen Comedy Arts Festival by storm, returning home with the “best sketch group” award. What happened after that? No one knows. I just know that DTB were already a legend when they reunited this past September. Go understand why. It’s a Chicago comedy must-see.
“The Day Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert Nearly Killed Me” at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 7:30 p.m. “In 2010 Angie McMahon was six months pregnant. She organized the Rally to Restore Sanity in Chicago … In 38 days she got $ 25,000 donated, permits from the city, and a Jumbotron. 7,000 people showed up to the event and about 4,000 left before it ended (but not before each and every one of them screamed at her for various reasons). This is her story.”
“The Best of Traffic Jam Showcase” at The WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 8:00 p.m. “At The WIP we’re dedicated to helping raw talent build and grow. We run an open mic every Tuesday called “Traffic Jam” and it’s a huge hit. Comics from the deep suburbs, Chicago, and as far as Milwaukee make the trek every week to get on our stage. For one night only we’re opening up our stage for a showcase to show off some of our new funny friends. Some of these comics have been around for a bit and are about to break out, some are brand new to the scene and are growing so fast!” Featuring: David Gavri, Adam Bowman, Scott Drueck, Elaine Phillips, Andrew Burcastro, Derek Graff, Alex T, Ryan Croft, Casey Hartenberger. Hosted by Peter Maj.
Bill Burr at The Chicago Theater, 175 N. State St., 8:00 p.m.
Jamie Lissow at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 8:00 p.m., 10:15 p.m.
The Lincoln Lodge Showcase at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. “The show’s mission is to showcase Chicago’s finest up-and-coming and touring comedians and past performers include Amy Schumer, Hannibal Burress, Fred Armisen, T.J. Miller, Marc Maron, Janeane Garofalo, Natasha Leggero and Kristen Schaal.”
Jay Leno at The Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. Aurora, 8:00 p.m.
Aasif Mandvi at Chicago Humanities Festival, Thorne Auditorium, Northwestern University Law School, 375 E. Chicago Ave., 8:00 p.m. The Daily Show correspondent discusses his book No Land’s Man with Chicago comedian Brian Babylon. This program is sold out, BUT there are still two possible ways to get a ticket. Call 312-494-9509 to be added to the wait list. Or if you’re in your 20’s or 30’s, check out the Shortlist Package for young professionals which includes a ticket to this event.
David Sedaris at The Auditorium Theater, 50 E. Congress Parkway, 8:00 p.m. No guarantees, but I’ve heard that David Sedaris often shows up early to chat with fans in the lobby. David Sedaris is superlatively hilarious as a writer and a fabulous reader of his own work.
He became famous with his Santaland Diaries, about his gig as a Christmas elf at Macy’s. His later works include Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, Me Talk Pretty One Day and many more.
I once waited until 1 a.m. at a book signing to meet him and I would do it again right now! Never have I met anyone as kind and as personally interested in his fans, even when they approach you after midnight with eight books to sign. Highly, highly, highly recommend going to this event. The book signing was one of the most memorable nights of my life. Everyone should see David Sedaris in person.
“Bible Bingo” at Royal George Theater, 1641 N. Halsted, 8:00 p.m. The latest comedy from playwright Vicki Quade (Late Night Catechism). Audience members will play Bingo, win prizes and share religion stories. Catholicism not required. Open run. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
C.J. Sullivan at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
“Title Bout Comedy Challenge” at Celtic Crown Public House, 4301 N. Western, 8:00 p.m. A Friday night stand-up comedy competition. Tonight: Adam Kwaselow, Abby Stassen, Eric Orren, Taylor Williams and Elliot Lerner. Headliner: Anthony Bonazzo. Hosted by Tyler Ross. Through November 20.
Patti Vasquez at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.
Marcus Combs at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. Marcus Combs headlines at clubs throughout the country.
“Hollaween Party” at The Improv Den, 1333 N. Milwaukee, 9:00 p.m. “JUST A GOOD OLD-FASHIONED DANCE PARTY with lots of spooky extra’s– Mind-Reading with George Kouros, FOOD TRUTH or Dare, Scary-oke, Candy galore, Tarot Card Reading, PLUS A COSTUME CONTEST with a $150 bar tab prize!!”
“Hoo Ha Comedy Hoo Halloween” at The White Room, 1907 N. Mendell, 9:00 p.m. “In case you needed more reasons to come to this show, Marty DeRosa will be there too!! Holy hot shit this is gonna be the best, you’ll see. Come have some free beer from New Belgium Brewing and laugh at our favorite funnies and then we dance and ppl will probably make out. Yeah, it’s THAT kind of party. Back to my original point, MARTY IS ON THE SHOW!!”
“Pimprov” at CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park Rd., 10:30 p.m. This famous night of comedy features pimps improvising. Back at CIC for a limited run.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31
“Paper Machete” at Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway, 3:00 p.m. This fabulous weekly spoken-word showcase features comedians, actors and writers. Lots of famous names, but you don’t have to be famous to participate. If you would like to audition, be on the look-out for your opportunity at The Mash.
Kristen Wiig at The Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport, 5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. See Friday 10/30 for details.
“Mortified Prom Night Massacre” at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln, 7:00 p.m. “Mortified stars everyday people reading aloud their most embarrassing, pathetic and private teenage diary entries, poems, love letters, lyrics and locker notes… in front of total strangers. Witness “personal redemption through public humiliation” in a refreshing show that is equal parts comedic, cathartic and voyeuristic.” Also tonight: a horror-prom-night-themed costume contest and ex-Goth teen poetry slam contest. Featuring works by Owen Lowery, Debbie Schmall, Mariah Kaplan, and Paula Ann Lopez (including her burlesque act as Lacey Bones). Hosted by Shay DeGrandis.
The Two-Hour Comedy Hour presents “Which Witch Is Which?” at Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley, 7:00 p.m. Featuring the Puterbaugh Sisters, Natalie Jose, Reena Calm, Kristin Clifford, Alex Kumin, Meredith Kachel and “token warlock” Nicholas Rouley. Stand-up from Michael Timlin and Kenneth Witzgall. Free show.
“Haunted HouseCo” at the de Maat Studio Theatre at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 7:30 p.m., 9:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. “Grab your favorite ghoul and come to Haunted HouseCo on Halloween night! Our three house teams will be performing in costume, and audience members are encouraged to dress up too as you may get to play in an improv set at the end of each show! Come for Halloween decor, treats, prizes, giveaways and more!”
“Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host” at Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Ira Glass dances to productions choreographed by Monica Bill Barnes who the Washington Post called, “the Tina Fey of dance.”
“Shicago” at CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Tucker Millett. A showcase featuring “only the best underground stand-up comedians.”
C.J. Sullivan at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
Bill Burr at The Chicago Theater, 175 N. State St., 8:00 p.m.
Patti Vasquez at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m., 10:15 p.m.
Jamie Lissow at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
Marcus Combs at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.
“The Beta Test” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 11:55 p.m. “Each week Beta Test brings you 1 hour of original sketch comedy from a rotating cast of performers. Eight performances running at 5 minutes or less keeps this show fast-paced and energized with one CATCH, all material must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to the performance. Come see what Chicago comedians bring to the table when they’re given free rein to experiment with some extra prep time in the mix.”
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1
“Sunday Morning Stories” at Second City, 1608 N. Wells, 10:00 a.m. For new and seasoned storytellers with opportunities for storytellers-to-be. Second City says: “Watch the show, then sign up to perform at a future date.” Note: more serious than other Second City events, but you can count on the good storytelling to connect and uplift. No doubt there’ll be humor, too. Please click to learn how to sign up for a slot. Hosts: Kevin D’Ambrosio, Justin Flowers, Lauren Huffman, David Slattery, Billy Sullivan and Ranjit Souri who is the creator and executive producer of the show. Technical Director: Zach Stinnett
“Sunday Morning Stories” is followed by …
“The Sunday Morning Open Mic” at Second City, 1608 N. Wells, 11:00 a.m. Please click to learn how to sign up for a slot. Hosts: Adam Bowman, Kevin D’Ambrosio, Justin Flowers, James Knowles, Val Jencks and creator and executive producer, Sanjit Souri. Technical Director: Zach Stinnet
“Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host” at Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, 7:00 p.m. Ira Glass dances to productions choreographed by Monica Bill Barnes who the Washington Post called, “the Tina Fey of dance.”
Jimmy Carrane’s “Improv Nerd” at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, 5:00 p.m. Jimmy interviews and improvises with Anthony LaBlanc, director of the current Second City E.T.C. revue, Soul Brother Where Are Thou? A chance to see Jimmy Carrane twice in one day is a good day in Chicago comedy, see below.
“Jimmy and Johnnie” at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 7:00 p.m. An evening of improv with two Chicago greats, Jimmy Carrane and John Hildreth.
“Blipsters on Broadway” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 7:00 p.m. An alternative comedy show hosted by The Nightly Show’s Felonious Munk and Dave Helem. Expect anything: music, commentary, comedians touring through who drop in to test stuff out. All possible. The show’s mantra is “If you think you’ve seen this, you haven’t.”
Jamie Lissow at The Improv, at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m.
Patrick O’Hara hosts “Solo Sunday Contest” with Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Each comedian gets seven minutes for stand-up, crowd work, or roasting the other performers. Winner determined by audience vote. Hosted by October’s winner, Patrick O’Hara.
“Improvised Kurt Vonnegut” at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 7:30 p.m. Your suggestions will be used to create a new Vonnegut story on stage.
Comedy of Chicago Showcase at Henry’s, 18 W. Hubbard, 8:00 p.m. A showcase curated by comedyofchicago.com
Patti Vasquez at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m.
“Chicago’s Best Stand Up” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 9:00 p.m. Featuring Jeff Arcuri, Sam Norton, Sean White, Rebecca O’Neal, Jay Washington and more TBA.
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