This week begins and ends with stand up, sketch, improv and film programs you can only see here.
Visitors this week include Ray Chao, John Cleese, Patton Oswalt, Jake Johannsen, Tony Rock, Frank Caliendo, Paul Hooper, Alingon Mitra, Fortune Feimster, Kevin Williams and New Yorker cartoon guru Bob Mankoff.
Paula Poundstone and Bill Maher will be in Champaign. Vicki Lawrence is coming to St. Charles and I am asking myself how I did not know the singer and the comedian were the same person. No way Carol Burnett’s Mama sung “That’s the night the lights went out in Georgia”! Please don’t count how many years it took me to figure out they’re one and the same. Anyway … a chance to see both Vicki Lawrences at one time!
Two comedy festivals of note: the Chicago Comedy Film Festival begins on Friday. I’ve been browsing the web site for a few months and drooling on the trailers. Lots of Chicagoans represented as well as actors and filmmakers from around the country. Many of them will be visiting the Fest and several big features are having their Chicago premieres.
Serendipitously, a good friend asked me if I wanted an introduction to the Festival M.C., Ray Chao. I said yes! Ray told me about how he went from representing kids as a Cook County State’s Attorney to a second successful career in comedy in L.A. You can meet him this weekend and read about him here.
Corn Comedy Palooza also starts Friday at the Cornservatory. It kicks off a month of sketch, improv and stand-up often at all hours of the day and night.
As usual, please confirm all details to make sure nothing has changed and that I got it all right because yeah, this is coming from someone who all these years thought it was amazing to be a fan of two Vicki Lawrences.
I can only get a fraction of comedy events into these calendars, so please check out venues’ full schedules.
Thank you, Chicago comedy community for the support and for making all this happen. If there’s anything you’d like me to add, please email me at temewring@gmail.com.
Please share and help spread the word.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2
“Sadsacks and Wisecracks” at High Hat Club, 1920 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. 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.
“100 Proof Comedy” at Comedy Sportz, 929 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Always a great line-up at this weekly showcase. Features comedians who have appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing, The TBS “Just for Laughs” Festival and more. Tonight’s headliner: Sherman Edwards. Featuring Zach Peterson with Patrick, McManus, Charlie Vergos, Carly Ballerini, Rachel McCartney. Hosted by Melody Kamali.
“The Cricket” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. Parody of spoken word showcases. You’ll never think of “The Moth” the same way again.
“The Armando Diaz Experience” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. Chicago’s longest running improv show 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 fodder for the improv team.
Independent Movie Shoot at Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport, 8:30 p.m. At Schubas’ open mic tonight, two comics plus an actor will be filmed for an independent film (as yet undisclosed). They are requesting as many audience members as possible to be in the scene as extras.
“Wild Out Mondays” at SLR Bar & Grill, 16409 S. Halsted, Harvey, 9:00 p.m. Improv, stand up and music hosted by Just Nesh. Featuring Lady Lunchabell and comedian Stick.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3
“The Tuesday Ten” at Zanies, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. “A mix of ten headliners, rising stars and surprise guests!”
“BOSS Ladies Night” at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Amy Haeussler and Kristen Tallon, BOSS is a weekly all-female variety show celebrating Chicago’s most talented female improvisers, stand-ups, storytellers, musicians, performance artists and more. Only two more shows!
“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.”
“Chicago Comedy Sampler” at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. “They say that in Chicago the truly great performers all end up moving to New York or LA. The Chicago Comedy Sampler gives you a chance to take a look at the best talent in town- while they’re still here. Join us for an evening of the finest talent that Chicago has to offer- from stand up to music to mind reading. These local favorites will knock your socks off!”
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. Featuring: Rebecca O’Neal, Guerterrius Jackson a/k/a T Murph, Abi Sanchez, Kevin D. Williams.
“Secrets Lies and Alibis” at Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln, 8:30 p.m. “Each month we create new sketches inspired by anonymous secrets from you, the audience.” The show is written and performed by Sarah Albritton, Amanda Lynn Deal, Elliot Lerner and Alex Seligsohn. November special guest performers: Melissa Richelle (The Improv, Jokes and Notes)Rachel McCarthy (Orlando Indie a Comedy Fest, 100 Proof Comedy, Whiskey Journal), Mike Wiley (New York International Fringe Fest, Chicago Snubfest),Marty DeRosa (Comedians You Should Know, Wrestling with Depression, Last Comic Standing), Handsome Naked (The Second City, upcoming album Chicago Style and H.NAKE).
LATE BREAKING on 11/3:”We have a secret guest tonight in town from LA…you don’t wanna miss this one!! See you tonight!”
Michael Issac at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Chicagoan Michael Issac is a Zanies regular and also an actor who has appeared in commercials for McDonalds, Walgreens and Old Navy.
Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 9:30 p.m. Birth place of groundbreaking comedy. Original comedy home of Beth Stelling, Cameron Esposito, Dan Telfer, TJ Miller, Kumail Nanjiani and many more. Come see the current extraordinary cast and the always stellar line-up. Tonight: Natalie Jose, Jeff Scheen, Reena Calm, Lainie Lenertz, Jonathan Euseppi, Steven King.
“TNT” (“Tuesday Night Thing”) at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 9:30 p.m. “An explosion of improv.”
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4
“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.
“The Social Takeover” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. Volunteers are invited on stage to open their social media accounts … and hand them over to comedians for the next ninety minutes. You can scare your own family or watch someone else’s friends and families freak. Either way, a great evening.
Alingon Mitra at Zanies, MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. Alingon Mitra won the Boston Comedy Festival and Funniest Comic in New England contests in the same year. He has appeared on Last Comic Standing, Conan and The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
Fortune Feimster at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Fortune Feimster is an international headliner who was also a writer and performer on Chelsea Lately.
“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. Six comedians you should know. Hosted by Marty DeRosa. Featuring Trey Brown, Calvin Evans, Laura Hugg, Lane Pieschel, Bill Squire, Lauren Vino
“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 Tamale Jay Harris, Felonius Munk, Hobert Thompson, Shimmy La Roux, and Casey Larwood.
“Running the Asylum” at Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 10:00 p.m. Sketch with no mercy skewers absurdities in politics and society.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5
“Listen and Discuss: Mitch Hedberg” at Zanies’ Stand Up Comedy Learning Center, 1543 N. Wells, 6:00 p.m. Free. I’ve heard conflicting things about whether these Learning Center events have been canceled. Call Zanies to confirm before you go. (312) 337-4027
Mitch Hedberg died at age 37 in 2005. You probably already know that he was one of the greatest comedians of all time. ChicagoNow’s Patrick O’Hara spoke with Mitch Hedberg’s widow Lynn Shawcroft and wrote a column about him here. The end of the set below is one of my favorite things of all time and one of my favorite things to do is wander around the house muttering, “Yeah, but what about the Dufresnes?” Try it! Once you start, it’s hard to stop. Anyway. Interesting fact: When Mitch Hedberg first wrote this bit, he had “Andersons” instead of “Dufresnes,” but later decided that “Dufresnes” is funnier.
“Congrats on Your Success Three-Year Anniversary Show” at Uncharted Books, 2620 N. Milwaukee Ave., 7:00 p.m. Featuring: All the CoYS producers: Bill Bullock, Justin Covington, Sonia Denis, Odinaka Ezeokoli, Rebecca O’Neal and Charlie Rohrer. Free show. Free beer from Powell Brew House. Free show, but donations encouraged – goes to performers.
John Cleese at The Anthenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, 7:30 p.m. “John Cleese is ‘Not Dead Yet’! And he’s written a book!” tour. John Cleese in conversation with Roe Conn. John Cleese likes the tough questions and Roe Conn is great at asking them. These will be memorable shows.
Tony Rock at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:30 p.m. Tony Rock is one of comedy’s excellent storytellers. He is the host of Russell Simmons’ All Def Comedy Live in Hollywood. Tony’s movie and television credits include Real Househusbands of Hollywood, All of Us, The Tony Rock Project, Think Like A Man and Everybody Hates Chris and yes, he is Chris’s little brother, but his comedy stands on its own.
“Stand Up Stand Up” Presents Derek Smith 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. “Despite being a bag of vices and complaints, Derek Smith (Lincoln Lodge) remains likable and lovable, like a smart, irritated Teddy Bear who makes poor life decisions. He’s been described as disgusting and smart. He could probably write this generation’s definitive dick joke in his sleep. He probably will, but only in between being a hundred kinds of funny, intelligent, and captivating.”
Featuring: T Murph, Sam Norton, Lane Pieschel, Mikey Manker and Todd Massey. Hosted by Keith Paesel.
Alingon Mitra at Zanies, MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m.
“The Kates on Broadway” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. Chicago’s acclaimed all women comedy troupe. Featuring: Reena Calm, Mona, Jeanie Doogan, Sameena Mustafa, Kristin Clifford, Tocarra Mallard, Sarah Shockey. Hosted by Kelsie Huff. Follow Kelsie Huff on twitter for more info and free ticket codes @kelsiehuff
Frank Caliendo at The Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave., Peoria, 8:00 p.m. Frank Caliendo is a Chicagoan! He is known for his dead-on impressions of … well, everyone, but including Charles Barkley, John Madden, sportscaster Jim Rome, Mike Ditka and Donald Trump, to name a fraction of them. He was a regular on MadTV and performed on Premium Blend, The Late Show with David Letterman and many other late night appearances.
Hey, follow him on Facebook – he is holding contests for free tickets to his Chicagoland shows, which include tonight, Waukegan on Nov. 6 and Aurora on Nov. 7.
Paul Hooper at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. “An only child with OCD, Paul Hooper channels his dysfunction into a cathartic harangue.” Paul Hooper is a nationally touring headliner. He is originally from North Carolina and now lives in New York City. His first solo album struck a chord with me – it’s Tense and Uncomfortable and was released on Stand Up! Records. It’s also available on iTunes.
Jake Johannsen at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Interesting facts: Jake Johannsen made over forty appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman. He was Jerry Seinfeld’s original choice to play George Constanza.
“Just Dickin’ Around” All Ladies Showcase at Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, 8:30 p.m. “The JDA showcase has top-of-the-line Chicago comics and is a women-run, queer-friendly showcase that provides a safe, supportive space with a positive energy for our performers and guests.” Enough reason to go, but also: free pizza!
“The Blipster Life” at The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West, 9:00 p.m. Dave Helem and Felonious Munk’s popular Laugh Factory show comes to The Promontory. Featuring: Just Nesh, M’Reld Green, Leon Rogers, Gitaa Thomas, Chris Crack, DJ Chris III.
“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!)
“The Attic” at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 9:30 p.m. Featuring: Joel Boyd, Josh Johnson, Ed Towns, and Brandon Kieffer. Hosted by Jayson Acevedo. Four feature-length stand up sets.
“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) Comedy heals the pain (2) Enjoy the mixer after the show. Tonight’s line-up: Paul Farahvar, Jeff Steinbrunner, Krista Atkinson, Scott Duff, Jay Washington and more TBA.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Tony Rock Interview on Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio, 8:45 a.m. Download the app and tune in wherever you are! Tony Rock is this weekend’s Improv headliner.
5th Annual Chicago Comedy Film Festival Red Carpet Reception at The New 400 Theater, 6746 N. Sheridan Rd., 4:00 p.m. You are invited to join the CCFF folks for a drink and Red Carpet reception and stay for the movies as the Festival kicks off. Check out the entire schedule which includes Chicago premieres such as Killing Poe, Up on the Wooftop, Odd Brodsky and comedy shorts you can’t see anywhere else. Festival continues through Saturday.
“The Interview Show” hosted by Mark Bazer at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 6:30 p.m. Mark Bazer interviews Gia Biagi, Thomas Kelley, James Rondeau and Jennifer Hall. Not technically comedy, but Mark Bazer’s interviews always have a lot in common with comedy – they are infused with humor, connection and insight. If you’re a comedy fan you’ll enjoy Mark Bazer’s shows, too. This month’s show is presented in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Biennial & the Association of Architecture. Mark was also one of the hosts of PBS’s My Chicago. (I miss that show. Tell me it’s coming back.)
“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. It’s a Chicago comedy must-see.
John Cleese at The Anthenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, 7:30 p.m. “John Cleese is ‘Not Dead and He’s Written a book!” tour. John Cleese in conversation with Roe Conn. John Cleese has said that he appreciates his fans appreciating him, but prefers tough questions from the audience.
Alingon Mitra at Zanies, MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m., 10:30 p.m. Alingon Mitra won the Boston Comedy Festival and “Funniest Comic in New England” contests in the same year. He has appeared on Last Comic Standing, Conan and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
Frank Caliendo at The Genesee Theater, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan, 8:00 p.m.
Tony Rock at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 8:00 p.m., 10:15 p.m.
“Corn Comedy Palooza” at Corn Conservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln, 8:00 p.m. A month of sketch, stand-up and improv with comedians from all over the city.
“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.
“Title Bout Comedy Challenge” at Celtic Crown Public House, 4301 N. Western, 8:00 p.m. A Friday night stand-up comedy competition. Tonight: Hosted by Keegan Buckingham. Featuring: Max Walter, Dylan Scott, Alex Seligsohn, Brian Johnson, and Dimitar Ilchev. Guest headliner Seth Davis. Through November 20.
Kevin Williams at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. Kevin Williams is a nationally touring headliner. He is originally from Chicago and grew up in the Harold Ickes Housing Projects. He credits the military as the place where he first started to develop his humor and won the “Funniest Person in the Military” contest in New York in 1997 and many other comedy competitions since then. He describes his comedy as “in your face silliness.” His comedy is observational and even musical. Hosted by Marvin “M Dubbs” Phipps.
Paul Hooper at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
“Chicago’s Best Stand Up” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. Featuring: Kelsie Huff, Sam Norton, Chris Bader, Pat Tomasulo and more TBA.
Jake Johannsen at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.
“The Dave Maher Coma Show” at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 10:00 p.m. “After being in a month-long diabetic coma, during which he was almost taken off life support and subsequently eulogized on Facebook, Dave Maher woke up to find himself like Tom Sawyer at his own internet funeral. “Dave Maher Coma Show” is the comedian’s story of what happened and how, plus all the jokes and questions it spawned: What’s the grossest part of coming out of a coma? What’s the best way to flirt with nurses in physical rehab? What now?”
Pat Chase at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 10:00 p.m. Pat has a unique style of self-deprecating humor and has no problem with all the laughter it generates.
“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.
“BEEF” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 11:59 p.m. Chicago’s insult comedy game show. You’ll have a chance to decide whether you want to stand in the line of fire or remain at a safe distance. Featuring Sean White , Adam Burke, Jeff Arcuri and more TBA.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
5th Annual Chicago Comedy Film Festival at The New 400 Theater, 6746 N. Sheridan Rd., 12:00 p.m. The second day of the Festival begins with the Chicago premiere of Come Simi. Feature films, shorts and discussions continue throughout the day.
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: it will be announced on the site.
“Fully Loaded” at The Second City, 230 W. North Ave., 4:00 p.m. Featuring the best of Second City sketch and song. New stuff along with material made famous by Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert and more.
Viola Spolin’s Birthday Party at the ETC Theatre at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 4:30 p.m. Viola Spolin is the mother of improv. She invented the concepts behind today’s improv games while working with immigrants at Hull House. She believed the games helped new arrivals feel at home, promoted community, and made the mind capable of reaching levels of genius. Her son Paul Sills founded Second City based on his mom’s principles. To learn more, check out one of my favorite books, Jeffrey Sweet’s Something Wonderful Right Away. It is a profound, easily readable oral history of Second City in the words of the people who started it all. Second City will celebrate with pizza, cake and music.
Comedy Sportz at Comedy Sportz Theatre, 929 W. Belmont, 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. Classic Chicago improv show. Two teams compete based on audience suggestions to create the best comedy scenes, songs and games. For all ages. Check schedule for many shows throughout the week.
Bob Mankoff: A Life in Cartoons at the Chicago Humanities Festival, UIC Forum Main Hall AB, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd., 6:00 p.m. A lively discussion between The New Yorker’s veteran cartoon editor and New Yorker cartoonist Pat Byrne about cartoons and psychology and why the two work so well together. (Bob Mankoff’s original career ambition was a doctorate in experimental psychology which he happily confesses that he abandoned.)
Jake Johannsen at Zanies, MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 7:00, 9:30 p.m. http://rosemont.zanies.com/
Alingon Mitra at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 11:15 p.m.
Tony Rock at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:00, 9:15 p.m.
Patton Oswalt at the Chicago Humanities Festival, UIC, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd., 8:00 p.m. He is known for his stand-up comedy and for his multiple film and television roles (Ratatouille, Bojack Horseman, The Goldbergs, Veep), but his cinephilia made him a bestselling author. Patton Oswalt will discuss his books Silver Screen Fiend and Zombie Spaceship Wasteland with former NPR host Alison Cuddy who is now the Associate Artistic Director of the Chicago Humanities Festival.
Paula Poundstone at The Virginia Theatre, 203 W. Park Ave., Champaign, 8:00 p.m. One of the quickest, funniest minds of our time.
Frank Caliendo at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, 8:00 p.m.
“Corn Comedy Palooza” at Corn Conservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln, 8:00 p.m. A month of sketch, stand-up and improv with comedians from all over the city.
“Blackout Diaries” at High Hat Club, 1920 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Sean Flannery, this evening features comedians and regular folk telling their own legendary drinking stories. The audience will have a chance to ask questions. Featured on NPR, Comedy Central and in all the major Chicago papers as one of the city’s most recommended events. Saturdays. Get tickets soon – sells out fast!
“Whirled News Tonight” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. This satirical take on current events has won rave reviews from The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun-Times, The Chicago Reader and the Onion A.V. Club. Weekly.
“Comedy for a Cause” at Bryan’s American Grill, 2009 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove, 8:00 p.m. Presented by “Charismatic Comedy.” Please bring a donation of canned goods. Hosted by Vicky Victoria. Headliner: Xavier Lamont. Featuring Jonah Jurkens, Peter Daniel, Maurice Shaw, Deanna Ortiz, KB Marion.
Paul Hooper at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
“Cupid Has a Heart On” at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Chicago’s longest running musical comedy is a sketch show about body image, love, relationships and the way they haunt us. Created by Chicago comedy icon Brian Posen who is also Stage 773’s creative director. He directs the play and provides the musical accompaniment. This production has toured nationwide. Most Saturdays through December.
“HilariTea” at Madame Zuzu’s Tea Shop, 582 Roger Williams Highland Park, 8:30 p.m. Comedians Krista Atkinson, Elizabeth Gomez and Denise Medina host a showcase of comedians featured at Zanies, The Laugh Factory, Second City and more. Tonight: Aaron Ellsworth, Alicia Molina, Jonathan Giles, Miles Hendrix, Erik Niewiarowski and Melissa Richelle.
Billy Corgan’s place at its funniest.
Pat Chase at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 10:00 p.m.
Kevin Williams at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.
“In Stereo Presents: David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:30 p.m. “We invited a dozen or so of our favorite performers to select a track from an album of our choice and to interpret and perform that track however they please. What occurs is a celebration not only of the original album and artist, but the revelation of talents and forms formerly unimagined and unwitnessed Some will disturb you. Some will inspire. All never to be repeated.” Produced by Ron Harvey and Adal Rifai.
“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 8
“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 here 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 here 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
“Late Late Breakfast” at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 2:00 p.m. The Late Late Breakfast crew has been touring the country, but this afternoon they’re bringing it back to Chicago and promising a party show, including: “all your favorite parties and party supplies! Bar/Bat Mitzvahs! Birthdays?!! DEVILED EGGS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Underage Goings Ons! ABSOLUTELY NO POLICE. Welcome Back!!! Old Friends! Streamers!!! Signs!!! Letters!!! Holidays and seeing your family! And as always, FREE PANCAKES and PLENTY OF OPEN MIC SPOTS!”
Vicki Lawrence and Mama at The Arcada Theater, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, 5:00 p.m. I can’t believe I’m just finding out now that my beloved Vicki Lawrence of Carol Burnett Show fame and my beloved Vicki Lawrence who sung “The Night That the Lights Went Out in Georgia” are the same person. How could I go all this time and not know that?! You can see Vicki Lawrence in both incarnations tonight.
“Solo to Stage” at The Chicago Improv Den, 1333 N. Milwaukee, 5:30 p.m. Improv Den founder Dina Facklis premiers her one-woman show.
“Bust-A-Gut Sundays” at Flavor Brunch, 17575 S. Kedzie, Hazelcrest, 7:00 p.m. Tony Sco, of 106.3 and Windy City Live, just announced that he’ll be hosting this comedy showcase every Sunday. One of my favorite things is when Windy City Live begins and I see Tony Sco co-hosting.
“Blipsters on Broadway” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 7:00 p.m. An alternative comedy show hosted by Dave Helem and The Nightly Show’s Felonious Munk. 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.”
Tony Rock at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m.
Bill Maher at The Virginia Theatre, 203 W. Park Ave., Champaign, 7:00 p.m. The fearless political commentator from HBO’s Real Time, previously of Politically Incorrect.
Comedy of Chicago Showcase at Henry’s, 18 W. Hubbard, 8:00 p.m. A showcase curated by comedyofchicago.com
Alingon Mitra 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 Kristen Toomey, Sam Norton, Brandi Denise, Jonah Jurkens, Natalie Jose, Martin Morrow and more TBA.