This week is all about hometown Chicago and Christmas coming early. Before the holiday even gets here, there’s Junior Stopka on Monday night at North Bar with “The Twelve Comics of Christmas” and it’s free! No charge to see a dozen of Chicago’s most groundbreaking, award-winning, memorable, funniest comedians. Merry Christmas!
Starting Tuesday night, Chicago comedian Mike Lebovitz returns to perform at Zanies. Chicago lost him recently to New York, but we got to see him on Last Comic Standing this summer. There are a lot of rising stars back home for the holidays. Among them, “Lil Rel” Howery, Matteo Lane, Mick Betancourt, Joe Kilgallon and Santa. Look closely at Santa because it’s possible he’s actually from a very well known television series (see below).
The comedians who live and work here and make Chicago a key world comedy destination also make this week especially stellar: There’s Chicago Underground Comedy’s annual holiday open mic. Sixty comedians will have four minutes each. Then there’s “Messing with Mick,” a rare opportunity to see internationally renowned comic innovators Susan Messing and Mick Napier improvising together.
Caryn Bark has two shows in the next two weeks (Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve)! She is a Chicago comedy treasure, but much in demand nationally, so these two shows are welcome opportunities to see her at home before year end.
I started doing these calendars because I wanted to document how you can have a fabulous nowhere-else-in-the-world night of comedy every single night of the year. I was worried that Christmas would break the streak. But I have to confess: that was a ridiculous lapse of faith! Of course there’s comedy on Christmas! Just take a look! Chicago comedy brakes for nothing!
Please share this calendar and help me spread the word. If you have anything to add now or in the future, please email me at temewring@gmail.com.
Thank you and happy holidays all around. Happy holidays and much gratitude to the Chicago comedy community. For everyone who believes in the religion of comedy, this is surely the center of the universe.
Oh yeah, please confirm all details before heading out! Scrooge says what the hell, just go! It’s not that cold out, so something got changed. You’ll take in the bleak landscape, have a traffic adventure and come home empty three hours later. Who cares? I do! Confirm all my details, ok? Sometimes stuff does change. It’s also possible there was too much egg nog in my coffee.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21
Junior Stopka presents “The Twelve Comics of Christmas” at @North Bar, 1637 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. With Mikey Manker, Dale McPeek, Kolin Bohannon, Tyson Karrasch, Adam Kroshus, Sean Flannery, John Margelewski, Reena Calm, Jeanie Doogan, Bobby Budds and “one more.”
“Sadsacks and Wisecracks” at High Hat Club, 1920 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. Weekly comedy showcase hosted by Natalie Jose.
“Best Night Ever” at the GMan Tavern, 3740 N. Clark, 8:00 p.m. Free showcase produced by Mike Cronin, Sam McHale, Thomas Brady and Dave Losso. Tonight Mike Bobrinskoy hosts Dave Losso, Paul Miller, Meredith Kachel, Conor Delehanty, Marty DeRosa. Interview just posted with Mike Cronin here.
“The Second City’s Improv All Stars” at UP Comedy Club, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. Interactive improv directed by Mick Napier.
“Female Funnies” At Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Hosted by Patti Vasquez.
“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.
“Wild Out Mondays” at SLR Bar & Grill, 16409 S. Halsted, Harvey, 9:00 p.m. Improv, stand up and music hosted by Just Nesh.
“3 Peat” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:00 p.m. Two improv teams“3 Peat” and “WRIPT” use an audience member’s personal question or suggestion to fuel a monologue and a long-form piece.
“Holidazed and Confused” Revue at The Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 11:00 p.m. Earlier show is sold out.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22
“Cocktail Comedy” at House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn, 7:00 p.m. No cover. Comedy showcase at House of Blues’ VIP lounge, The Foundation Room. Presented by comedyofchicago.com. Tonight: Marty Derosa, Jeff Steinbrunner and Abi Sanchez.
“Tales of a Solo Skateboarder” at Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. A sketch show about the world of skateboarding and its characters.
Mike Lebovitz at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Mike Lebovitz is one of Chicago most popular comedy alums and was the winner of the international competition at the 2013 Montreux Comedy Festival and a featured performer on this summer’s Last Comic Standing.
Chicago Underground Comedy’s “Everyone Kills Holiday Open Mic” 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. This week’s show is billed as “the craziest open mic/holiday party of the year.” Sixty comics will have four minutes each. Rare opportunity to see this much comedic talent in one night!
104th Mainstage Revue: “Fool Me Twice, Déjà Vu” at The Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 11:00 p.m. Directed by Jeff-award winning Director Ryan Bernier. Tonight’s 8:00 p.m. show is sold out.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23
“Messing with Mick” at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Get tickets early – will sell out – one night only! Two of Chicago’s internationally acclaimed improv stars, Susan Messing and Mick Napier improvise on stage together.
“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.
“Surprise Party” at Lilly’s Bar, 2515 N. Lincoln, 8:00 p.m. Free weekly showcase.
“Special Event: Supply and Demand” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. Featuring Dave Helem , Jeff Arcuri, Drew Frees and more TBA. Chicago’s best and up-and-coming and you never know who else might drop in.
Mike Lebovitz at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Mike Lebovitz is one of Chicago most popular comedy alums and was the winner of the international competition at the 2013 Montreux Comedy Festival and a featured performer on this summer’s Last Comic Standing.
The Puterbaugh Sisters at The Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western, 9:00 p.m. Christmas party show with DJ Dustin Drase and special guest Santa. No one throws a party like the Puterbaughs! Word has it they are leaving soon for L.A.!
“Comedians You Should Know” at Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., 9:00 p.m. Tonight: Ricky Gonzalez hosts Mick Betancourt, Marty DeRosa, Joe Kilgallon, Pete Kuempel, Matteo Lane, Tommy McNamara and Jeff Steinbrunner. Please enjoy a classic moment from Matteo Lane:
Get More: Comedy Central,Funny Videos,Funny TV Shows
“The Open Mic Show” at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 9:30 p.m. Free and unique open mic where comedians get their assignment from a wheel spin. Anything could happen.
“Thunderdome” at MCL Chicago, 3110 N. Sheffield, 10:00 p.m. A comedy variety show starring Chicago’s comedy stars and new talent. A different show every week.
“TJ and Dave” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:30 p.m. A legendary Chicago improv show and duo who have inspired a book and a movie.
104th Mainstage Revue: “Fool Me Twice, Déjà Vu” at The Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 11:00 p.m. Directed by Jeff-award winning Director Ryan Bernier. Tonight’s 8:00 p.m. show is sold out.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24
Caryn Bark in “The Jewish Mother’s Guide to Everything” at The Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave. 7:30 p.m. I recommend this so highly! Caryn Bark is one of Chicago’s premier comedians. She travels the country throughout the year, so take this opportunity to catch her show now! One more chance this year: she is the “ringleader” of Funny Old Broads at the Skokie Theatre on New Year’s Eve.
“Thursday Night Improv” at Bughouse Theatre, 2056 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Chicago Improv Studio.
“Jew Gotta Be Kidding Me” at Underground Wonder Bar, 710 N. Clark, 8:00 p.m. A night of stand-up with some of Chicago’s top Jewish comedians. Seth Davis hosts Mallory Bradford, Joe Nudleman, Kat Herskovic, Raymond Holleb, Reena Calm and Xavier Lamont. Everyone welcome!
“Chicago’s Best Stand Up” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. Featuring Calvin Evans, Matteo Lane , Chris Bader and more TBA.
“Super Human/Baby Wine” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:30 p.m. “SUPER HUMAN is an all-female improv group that gets nuts and never says sorry. Opening team for Super Human: BABY WINE Baby Wine is an all-gay cast improvising universally relatable scenework from unique points of view.”
[JUST ANNOUNCED 12/24] Amy Schumer, John Mulaney and Jason Stein at Constellation, 3111 N. Western Ave., 9:30 p.m. Pop up show announced 12/24.
“Chicago’s Best Stand Up” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 10:00 p.m. Featuring Dave Helem , Felonious Munk, E-Dot Hamilton, Matty Ryan, Rebecca O’Neal and more TBA.
CHRISTMAS: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25
“Bye Bye Liver” at The Public House Theater, 3914 N. Clark St., 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. An interactive sketch show about drinking in Chicago.
“Zima/Dinner Bell” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 11:55 p.m. Veteran improv troupe Dinner Bell invites one newer performer on stage each week. The group Zima opens for Dinner Bell tonight.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26
“The Second City’s Improv All Stars” at UP Comedy Club, 1616 N. Wells, 1:00 p.m. Interactive improv directed by Mick Napier.
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. For the week’s line-up, check the web site in the days before the performance. If you would like to audition, be on the look-out for your opportunity at The Mash, the audition jam that’s announced from time to time on the Paper Machete web site.
“It’s A Wonderful Santaland Miracle Nut-Cracking Christmas Story … Jews Welcome” at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, 5:00 p.m. “Spend time with family and friends amidst a fun flurry of excitement that combines dozens of the world’s most beloved holiday stories in one festivous, cheeky, exciting show! Back by popular demand, audiences are taken on a seasonal adventure with singing, dancing, stories, interactive games and non-holiday specific eggnog. Directed by Brian Posen, with choreography by Matter Dance Company, this is an all holiday and all ages show.”
Mike Lebovitz at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 11:15 p.m. Mike Lebovitz is one of Chicago most popular comedy alums and was the winner of the international competition at the 2013 Montreux Comedy Festival and a featured performer on this summer’s Last Comic Standing.
“Crazy 8’s Stand Up Contest” at The Comedy Shrine, 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora, 8:00 p.m. Eight comics, eight minutes each competing for $188.
“Comedy Sportz” at Comedy Sportz Theatre, 929 W. Belmont, 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. Classic Chicago improv show. Two teams compete based on audience suggestions to create the best comedy scenes, songs and games. For all ages. Check schedule for many shows throughout the week.
Warren B. Hall at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:00, 9:15 p.m.
“Gold, Frankincense and ‘Merica” at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, 7:30 p.m. America’s holiday traditions viewed through the lens of “outrageous sketch.”
“Blackout Diaries” at High Hat Club, 1920 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Sean Flannery, this evening features comedians and regular folk telling their own legendary drinking stories. The audience will have a chance to ask questions. Featured on NPR, Comedy Central and in all the major Chicago papers as one of the city’s most recommended events. Saturdays. Get tickets soon – sells out fast!
‘Lil Rel’ Howery at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. “Lil Rel” is a Chicagoan now doing great things in Hollywood from Comedy Central to starring in NBC’s The Carmichael Show.
Joe Kilgallon and Mick Betancourt at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 8:00 p.m. Tonight’s co-headliners are Chicago comedians making good in L.A. Joe’s new album Pay Attention reached #1 on iTunes. Mick is a comedian and writer who has appeared on NBC, HBO and Comedy Central and written for Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D. and Law and Order among many others. He was also featured in Studs Terkel’s book Death-Will the Circle be Unbroken. Tickets to Joe’s shows at WIP have sold out quickly in the past and tonight’s show is by suggested donation, so reserve your place early!
Shawn Morgan at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. Shawn Morgan has performed all over the country from Las Vegas’s MGM Grand Hotel to BET’s Comic View. Featuring Sherelle.
“Your F!@$ed Up Relationship” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:30 p.m. A chance to see your f!@$ed up relationship play out in long form improv if your name is picked from the bowl.
“The Yeah Buddy Awesome Time Comedy Show” at Brainstorm Comics, 1579 N. Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m. Tonight Dave Losso hosts this free comedy showcase (donations accepted). Featuring Sammy Arechar, Reena Calm, Dale McPeek, Jason Melton, Gene Renfroe, Natalie Shure, Tommy McNamara.
“Based on a True Story with Santa Claus” at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 9:00 p.m. “We invite a special guest, interview them about their life and improvise scenes based on those stories.” Tonight, now that he has time, Santa Claus will talk about his life. (Shhh … tonight is billed as an evening with Santa Claus, but it’s actually Antoine McKay of the hit series Empire playing Santa Claus.)
“Holidazed and Confused” Revue at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 11:00 p.m. All new sketches featuring Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. (Tonight’s earlier show is sold out.)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27
“Sunday Morning Stories” at Second City, 1608 N. Wells, 10:00 a.m. For new and seasoned storytellers with opportunities for storytellers-to-be. 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. Click here to sign up. Hosts: Adam Bowman, Kevin D’Ambrosio, Justin Flowers, James Knowles, Val Jencks and creator and executive producer, Sanjit Souri. Technical Director: Zach Stinnet
“The Second City’s Improv All Stars” at UP Comedy Club, 1616 N. Wells, 1:00 p.m. Interactive improv directed by Mick Napier.
[LAST PERFORMANCE] “It’s A Wonderful Santaland Miracle Nut-Cracking Christmas Story … Jews Welcome” at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, 3:15 p.m. “Spend time with family and friends amidst a fun flurry of excitement that combines dozens of the world’s most beloved holiday stories in one festivous, cheeky, exciting show! Back by popular demand, audiences are taken on a seasonal adventure with singing, dancing, stories, interactive games and non-holiday specific eggnog. Directed by Brian Posen, with choreography by Matter Dance Company, this is an all holiday and all ages 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 hosts this comedy showcase every Sunday.
“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.”
Warren B. Hall at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m.
“Space Warps: Revenge of the Recaps” at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 7:30 p.m. Everything you need to know about the first six. An “unauthorized parody recap.”
“The 4 Skins of Comedy” at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. “Showcases diverse character-based scenes, stories, and songs from four featured comedians. Produced by Miguel Lepe Jr., the show culminates with an improvised set by the four artists who use the audience, new characters, and each other to reach comedic heights.”
Comedy of Chicago Showcase at Henry’s, 18 W. Hubbard, 8:00 p.m. A showcase curated by comedyofchicago.com
Mike Lebovitz at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Mike Lebovitz is one of Chicago most popular comedy alums and was the winner of the international competition at the 2013 Montreux Comedy Festival and a featured performer on this summer’s Last Comic Standing.
“Screen Shot” at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 10:00 p.m. A screening of the film Holiday Inn.
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