The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival is in its last week! Meanwhile, two more comedy-related festivals start this week: “Fillet of Solo” features storytelling and comedy. “Tomorrow Never Knows” is mostly music, but some of comedy’s best will be visiting, too.
This Saturday there’s a special seminar at The Laugh Factory with groundbreaking, comedy great, Chicagoan Tom Dreesen. It’s a private event, but if there’s still space you can go if you contact Dobie Maxwell (see Saturday listings below).
A new TV Land sitcom, Teachers, starts January 13 starring the members of the Chicago female improv troupe Katydids. They got their start at the Playground Theater.
Brandon Wetherbee is a former Chicago comedian and writer now in D.C. with two podcasts you’ll want to catch. Ubi Est Mea premiered last week on WGN Plus where he interviews former Chicagoans who are now doing cool things in other places. He spoke with comedian CJ Toledano, the creative producer for the Detroit Pistons. You can listen here. Also check out Brandon’s classic podcast You Me Them Everybody. Must recent: interview with Chicago fave comedian Marty DeRosa here.
T.J. Miller (Chicago Underground Comedy alum) hosts the Critics Choice Awards this Sunday, January 17 at 7:00 p.m. on A&E.
Just announced shows likely to sell out fast:
February 4-6: Gilbert Gottfried at Zanies.
March 16: David Cross at The Vic.
May 17: Carol Burnett: third show now added after first two sold out. At the Chicago Theatre.
In town this week: Ben Kronberg, Bob Saget, Jermaine Fowler, Nick Thune, Nick DePaolo, Steve Gillespie, Bobcat Goldthwait, Jeff Allen, Ricky Velez,Hari Kondabolu and Rob Stapleton. Chicagoans back to visit: as mentioned, Tom Dreesen and also, DeRay Davis, Megan Gailey, Chris Redd and Dwayne Kennedy.
I’m having a particularly bad week health-wise and so I especially want to say a big thank you to Chicago’s comedy community for the comic relief. If you don’t feel up to going out, you can find a lot of great Chicago comedy online. Check out comedians’ web sites and YouTube.
As always, double check my details before heading out, ok? Especially in this frozen tundra.
MONDAY, JANUARY 11
Ben Kronberg at North Bar, 1637 W. North Ave., 7:00 p.m. Featuring Sean White and Rebecca V. O’Neal. Ben Kronberg combines comedy with music played on guitar, keyboards and iPhone. Lots of material about exes which is apt for the star of the web series Ted & Gracie about a woman unwittingly engaged to a serial killer. Ben is a frequent guest on late night and has his own Comedy Central special. Sean and Rebecca are, of course, two of Chicago’s finest stand-ups.
The New Candy Store Prophets As THE MONKEES at Martyrs, 3855 N. Lincoln, 8:00 p.m. Say what you will about the Beatles. Davy Jones is the reason I love a man with an accent. (Interesting fact: David Bowie was born David Jones, but changed his name so he wouldn’t be confused with the Monkees star.)
I’ve loved this next song my whole life. Confession: I made it to adulthood thinking the words were “Oh, what can it mean to the L.A. Raiders and a pot-bellied queen?”
“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. Mike Cronin hosts Mike Bobrinskoy, Gena Gephart, Geoffrey Asmus, Ashley Huck, Bobby Condon, Dan Drees and Derek Smith. Mike Cronin kindly spoke with me here about his comedy and what it takes to put together a weekly showcase.
104th Mainstage Revue: “Fool Me Twice, Déjà Vu” at The Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. Directed by Jeff-award winning Director Ryan Bernier. The Chicago Tribune’s Chris Jones called this show “exceptionally funny.” Tuesdays thru Sundays. There’s also an 11:00 p.m. show on Friday and Saturday nights. Note: tickets to the weekend early show sell out in advance, so reserve your place as soon as you can.
“Snapshots” at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Comedians talk about the idiocies that make them snap.
“100 Proof Comedy” at Comedy Sportz, 929 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Weekly showcase. Tonight introduces three new cast members: Casey Larwood, Erin Grotheer, and Peter Alexander Bresnan and featuring Josh Johnson (named one of Comedy Central’s Comics to Watch) and headliner Dave Helem.
“Wild Out Mondays” at SLR Bar & Grill, 16409 S. Halsted, Harvey, 9:00 p.m. Improv, stand up and music hosted by Just Nesh. Note: $5 after 9:00 p.m.
Plus multiple shows at each of these theaters:
The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted
TUESDAY, JANUARY 12
Interview with musician Alex Hoffer Live on Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio wherever you are, 7:30 a.m. Follow the link to tune in or download the app!
Jermaine Fowler at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport, 7:00 p.m. Jermaine Fowler’s Showtime special, Give ‘Em Hell, Kid aired last month. A sitcom based on his life is in development with CBS. He is originally from Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, I didn’t know him before this clip. Fortunately, I do now. Off to find more.
“Entertainment Buffet LIVE” at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 7:00 p.m. “Entertainment Buffet is a small production comedy channel that has produced numerous sketches and web shows on YouTube. January 12th for the first time ever we’re giving you Entertainment Buffet LIVE where we will showcase some of Chicago’s young upcoming comedic talents through a variety of forms including stand up, improv teams and live sketches!”
“Flat Iron Comedy” in The Salon at Collaboraction Theater, 1579 N. Milwaukee, 3rd Floor, 7:30 p.m. Rotating house and guest improv teams, plus stand up, music, storytelling and other artists. Free, but donations are appreciated and go to performers.
Shannon Noll at Women & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark, 7:30 p.m. Comedian Shannon Noll joins Moth Grand Slam Champion Lily Be and journalist Deborah Jian Le at W&CF’s monthly Sappho’s Salon.
“Snack Attack Presents Marty DeRosa and Red Vines” at Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Rudy Schultz. Featuring: Jamie Carbone, Sonia Denis and Kevin White.
“The Tuesday Ten” at Zanies, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. “A mix of ten headliners, rising stars and surprise guests!”
Dwayne Kennedy at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Chicagoan Dwayne Kennedy won “Best Comedian” honors at the prestigious 2002 Comedy Arts Festival and went on to appear on Seinfeld and late night with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel and Conan O’Brien. He has had his own comedy specials and also was a writer for Arsenio Hall and a writer and on-air contributor for Totally Biased With W. Kamau Bell. He headlines around the country. Check out this excellent interview with Dwayne Kennedy by David Gavri.
“Cocktail Comedy” at House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn, 8:00 p.m. No cover. Comedy showcase at House of Blues’ VIP lounge, The Foundation Room (4th floor). Presented by comedyofchicago.com
“The Comedy Bowl” at Diversey River Bowl, 2211 W. Diversey, 8:00 p.m. Comedy and trivia showcase hosted by Mona Aburmishan. Tonight is the third season premiere.
“Bad People, Good Comedy” at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 9:00 p.m. Headliner: B. Cole. Featuring comedy by the Comedy Bar interns.
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.
Plus multiple shows at each of these theaters:
The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted
The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont
MCL Chicago Comedy Theater, 3110 N. Sheffield
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13
Mark Peters at The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., 7:00 p.m. The comedy writer and author of Bullshit: A Lexicon appears at local authors’ night. Calling out bullshit is one of my favorite things about comedy. Looking forward to reading this history of words signifying bullshit and expanding my vocabulary.
“Flat Iron Comedy” at The Salon at Collaboraction Theater, 1579 N. Milwaukee, 3rd Floor, 7:30 p.m. Rotating house and guest improv teams plus stand up, music, storytelling and other artists. Free, but donations are appreciated and go to performers.
Lincoln Lodge Showcase at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 7:30 p.m. Wednesday nights, one of Chicago’s most famous stand-up showcases visits one of Chicago’s most famous comedy corners! The new Revival comedy club is on the block where the Compass Players performed. The Compass Players, of course, gave birth to Second City. Lincoln Lodge has given birth to some of the most famous stand-up comedians in the country and continues to showcase Chicago’s best and those traveling through. Tonight: Natalie Jose, Matty Ryan and Kristen Toomey.
“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.
Dwayne Kennedy at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m.
“Comedians You Should Know” at Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., 9:00 p.m. Danny Kallas hosts Joe McMahon, Martin Morrow and the Puterbaugh Sisters in one of their last Chicago performances.
“Blind Bet” at The Pony Inn, 1638 W. Belmont, 9:00 p.m. Weekly showcase.
Plus multiple shows at each of these theaters:
The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway
The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted
The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont
CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park
MCL Chicago Comedy Theater, 3110 N. Sheffield
THURSDAY, JANUARY 14
Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Shows begin at 8:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. Follow the link to the extraordinary schedule of this biggest sketch comedy festival in the world. Twelve shows tonight!
“Second Annual Laugh Your Face Off: Benefit for the Facial Pain Research Foundation” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 7:00 p.m. Hosted by Pat Tomasulo and featuring Kevin Bozeman, Rocky LaPorte, Andy Woodhull and more TBA.
Nick Thune at The Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia Ave, 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Nick Thune brings his music and comedy the Tomorrow Never Knows Festival. Tonight’s show features Lucas O’Neil.
Nick DiPaolo at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Nick DiPaolo was a regular on Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn and on Comedy Central roasts where his atomic insults gushed forth in a frighteningly natural flow. He’s also been a writer for the Academy Awards. Anything could happen tonight except pretense.
“Prohibition Fortnight” at Comedy Sportz Theater, 929 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. “On January 16, 1919 Prohibition was signed into law – ushering in an era of gangsters, bootleggers, and scoundrels that have influenced our nation’s culture … Join us January 14-16 and 21-23, 2016 as we transform CSz Theater Chicago into a 1920s speakeasy, complete with custom drink specials, photo opportunities, code words, bootleggers, and the Downtown Chicago Bosses to show you the true meaning of “Prohibition.” Performances: Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 6pm, 8pm and 10pm on January 14-16 and 21-23. Every night will feature something special, including spirit tastings, a full size craps gambling table (charity rules), and the Chi-Town Hotshots playing authentic 20’s style jazz.”
Steve Gillespie at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. Steve Gillespie is a multiple award-winning comedian. His debut album Stever Fever was named one of the ten best of 2013 by Comedy-Reviews.com.
“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.
“Rat Pack Comedy: Goody Goody New Year” at Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., 8:00 p.m. Headiner: Xavier Lamont. Featuring Kevin Lobkovich, Chris Redd, Casey Larwood, Goodrich Gevart. Hosted by Kahlil Wilson. Music by Mike McCarthy.
“Still Not Friday” at Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, 8:00 p.m. Comedy showcase. Alec Stein hosts John Eide, Claire Swanson and Adam Bauer with special guests Kat Rybarski & Scott Werba.
“The Gift of Gab” at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m. Spoken word and comedy hosted by M’Reld Green.
“Just Dickin’ Around” at Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, 8:30 p.m. “All genders showcase. A women-run, queer-friendly showcase that provides a safe, supportive space with a positive energy for our performers and guests.” Free pizza. Tonight’s host is Krista Atkinson featuring Seth Davis, Marla Depew, Scott Duff, Brian Johnson and Erik Niewiarowski.
“Hound Dog Comedy” at 240 Lounge, 3948 W. Lawrence, 8:30 p.m.
“Parlour Car” at Bar DeVille, 701 N. Damen, 9:00 p.m. Chicago’s talented comedians plus unexpected guests from around the country. New City named Parlour Car “Best Comedy Night” of 2015.
“Transparent” with Kellye Howard at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 9:30 p.m. Kellye Howard has appeared on Last Comic Standing, NickMom Night Out and Wanda Sykes Presents Herlarious. She was also one of the stars of the OWN Network’s My Life is a Joke. Her one-woman shows have had wonderful reviews, so here’s a chance to see another hit.
“Messing with a Friend” at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 10:30 p.m. Improviser extraordinaire Susan Messing improvises with another talented comedy personality every Thursday night. Tonight’s friend is Steve Waltein of iO and Second City.
Plus multiple shows tonight at each of these theaters:
The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted
The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont
CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park
Under The Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport
MCL Theater, 3110 N. Sheffield
FRIDAY, JANUARY 15
DeRay Davis Interview with Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio at your place, 8:50 a.m. Follow link to tune in or download the app and bring DeRay Davis, Tony Carr and Steve Touhy with you. DeRay Davis returns to his hometown Chicago to perform at the Improv this weekend. I’m looking forward to hearing this interview. DeRay Davis has an extraordinary comedic resume. Movies, television, the Grammys, appearing with Kanye, cartoon voiceovers and more …
Comedy Night at Maggiano’s Little Italy, 1847 Freedom Dr., Naperville, 6:00 p.m. Produced by Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio.
Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Shows start on the hour every hour between at 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Follow the link to the extraordinary schedule of this biggest sketch comedy festival in the world. Twenty (!) shows tonight, including Siblings of Doctors with Danny Pudi (Community).
Fillet of Solo Festival 2016 at various venues, 7:00 p.m. The three-week storytelling festival kicks off with tonight’s event. Festival includes much comedy. On my wish list: the kates, Stir-Friday Night and Nicole Hollander.
Bobcat Goldthwait at The Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia Ave, 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Bobcat Goldthwait is here as part of the Tomorrow Never Knows Festival. Tonight’s show features Caitlin Gill.
Jeff Allen at The Leela Center, 620 Lee St., Des Plaines, 7:30 p.m.
“Funnier by the Lake” at Madame Zuzu’s Teahouse, 582 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Larry Bloom. Feauturing Peter Lipsey, Ricky March, Catye Palomino, Sameena Mustafa, Audrey Jonas. Special guest: Prateek Srivastava.
DeRay Davis at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 8:00 p.m., 10:15 p.m. Award-winning comedian DeRay Davis is originally from Chicago. His credits include Entourage, the Grammy Awards, The Boondocks, Comedy Central specials, performing with Kanye West … and whew … it’s a long list. Follow link for tickets and for the rest of the list of everything he does!
“Prohibition Fortnight” at Comedy Sportz Theater, 929 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. “On January 16, 1919 Prohibition was signed into law – ushering in an era of gangsters, bootleggers, and scoundrels that have influenced our nation’s culture … Join us January 14-16 and 21-23, 2016 as we transform CSz Theater Chicago into a 1920s speakeasy, complete with custom drink specials, photo opportunities, code words, bootleggers, and the Downtown Chicago Bosses to show you the true meaning of “Prohibition.” … Every night will feature something special, including spirit tastings, a full size craps gambling table (charity rules), and the Chi-Town Hotshots playing authentic 20’s style jazz.”
Chris Redd and Megan Gailey at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 8:00 and 10:30 p.m. Two recent Chicago comedians now on the national scene.
Long form improv show at The Comedy Clubhouse, 1642 N. Ashland, 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. One audience suggestion each for three teams followed by three performances. What is long form improv? “The product is usually a piece that has realism and comedy and takes the audience through a roller coaster of emotions and laughter until they find themselves cleverly at the beginning.”
“Hey Laaady” at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 8:00 p .m. A tribute to Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis every Friday and Saturday in January.
“Comedy Killz” at Shakers, 3160 N. Clark, 8:30 p.m. Featuring Keegan Buckingham, Adrienne Brandyburg, Kimberly Marion, Dimitar Ilchev, Russ Shurbert, Ray Arebalo with headliner Mr. Bryant “BLT” Turner.
Just Nesh and Buckwild at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. Host: B. Cole.
Steve Gillespie at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
“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.” Tonight: Mike Bobrinskoy, T. Murph and Dave Helem.
Ricky Velez at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. Variety chose Ricky Velez as one of “ten comics to watch” in 2015. He is also a correspondent on The Nightly Show.
Dan Sheehan at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 10:00 p.m.
Plus multiple shows tonight at each of these theaters:
The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted
The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont
CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park
Under The Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport
MCL Theater, 3110 N. Sheffield
The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway
SATURDAY, JANUARY 16
Tom Dreesen at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 1:00 p.m. Presented by Dobie Maxwell. Tom Dreesen, one of comedy’s greats, talks about “The Joy of Stand Up Comedy and How to Get There.” The talk is intended for the entertainment community, but open to anyone interested. Free event, but space is limited and a reservation is required. Email DobieMaxwell@aol.com or call 312-692-9915.
“Improv Nerd” at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, 3:00 p.m. Jimmy Carrane interviews the Defiant Thomas Brothers during Sketch Fest. Free show!
For another Defiant Thomas Brothers interview, please check out our conversation here. They’re performing at Sketch Fest tonight.
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. Get there early! Seats go fast and then it’s standing room only!
Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Shows start on the hour every hour between at 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Follow the link to the extraordinary schedule of this biggest sketch comedy festival in the world. THIRTY-TWO (!) shows today and tonight.
Fillet of Solo Festival 2016 at various venues, shows start 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The three-week storytelling festival continues.
“Prohibition Fortnight” at Comedy Sportz Theater, 929 W. Belmont, 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. “On January 16, 1919 Prohibition was signed into law – ushering in an era of gangsters, bootleggers, and scoundrels that have influenced our nation’s culture …
Join us January 14-16 and 21-23, 2016 as we transform CSz Theater Chicago into a 1920s speakeasy, complete with custom drink specials, photo opportunities, code words, bootleggers, and the Downtown Chicago Bosses to show you the true meaning of “Prohibition” … including spirit tastings, a full size craps gambling table (charity rules), and the Chi-Town Hotshots playing authentic 20’s style jazz.”
Hari Kondabolu at The Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia Ave, 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Hari Kondabolu is here as part of the Tomorrow Never Knows Festival. Tonight’s show features Martin Morrow.
Ricky Velez at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 11:15 p.m. Variety chose Ricky Velez as one of “ten comics to watch” in 2015. He is also a correspondent on The Nightly Show.
DeRay Davis at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:00, 9:15 p.m.
The Two-Hour Comedy Hour at Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley, 7:00 p.m. Comedy showcase.
Jeff Allen at The Leela Center, 620 Lee St., Des Plaines, 7:30 p.m.
Chris Redd and Megan Gailey at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 8:00 and 10:30 p.m. Two recent Chicago comedians making it big on the national scene.
Long form improv show at The Comedy Clubhouse, 1642 N. Ashland, 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. One audience suggestion each for three teams followed by three performances. What is long form improv? “The product is usually a piece that has realism and comedy and takes the audience through a roller coaster of emotions and laughter until they find themselves cleverly at the beginning.”
“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!
Steve Gillespie at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
“Hey Laaady” at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 8:00 p .m. A tribute to Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis every Friday and Saturday in January.
Just Nesh and Buckwild at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. Host: B. Cole.
“The Yeah Buddy Awesome Time Comedy Show” at Brainstorm Comics, 1579 N. Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m. Free comedy showcase (donations accepted).
Dan Sheehan at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 10:00 p.m.
“The Big Sexy Show” at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. A new variety show featuring comedy and burlesque produced by Michelle L’amour.
Plus multiple shows at each of these theaters:
The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted
The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont
CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park
Under The Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport
MCL Theater, 3110 N. Sheffield
The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway
SUNDAY, JANUARY 17
“Sunday Morning Stories” at Second City, 1608 N. Wells, 10:00 a.m. For new and seasoned storytellers with opportunities for storytellers-to-be. Please click here to learn how to sign up. 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. Hosts: Adam Bowman, Kevin D’Ambrosio, Justin Flowers, James Knowles, Val Jencks and creator and executive producer, Sanjit Souri. Technical Director: Zach Stinnet
[LAST DAY!] Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Shows start on the hour every hour between at 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Follow the link to the extraordinary schedule of this biggest sketch comedy festival in the world. THIRTY-TWO (!) more shows today and tonight and then it’s over for another year!
Fillet of Solo Festival 2016 at various venues, shows start 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The three-week storytelling festival continues.
“Bust-A-Gut Sundays” at Flavor Brunch, 17575 S. Kedzie, Hazelcrest, 7:00 p.m. The wonderful Tony Sco, of 106.3 and Windy City Live hosts this comedy showcase every Sunday.
Rob Stapleton at The Legacy Event Venue, 11901 S. Loomis, 7:00 p.m. Rob Stapleton is known for his energetic and observational style and has appeared on HBO’s P-Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy, Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam, Jamie Foxx’s Laffapalooza as well as his own half hour special on Comedy Central. He headlines around the country.
DeRay Davis at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m.
“The Shade Show” at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 7:00 p.m. “Watch your favorite comedians play classic games and trivia in front of a live audience with a little bit of shadiness to make the night complete. Hosted & Roasted by Brandi Denise and Erica Clarke. Featuring: Guerterrius Jackson (T Murph), Correy Boyd-Bell, Marilee Pheniece, Mickey Housley, Schmitty Boudreau Music By: Kai Combustibles.”
Chris Redd and Megan Gailey at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. Two Chicago comedians who are becoming national sensations.
Bob Saget at Thalia Hall, 1607 S. Allport, 8:00 p.m. Comedian, author, star of screen and Broadway stage and one of the bluest acts you’ll ever hear. If you don’t know what I’m sayin’, check out the movie The Aristocrats or read Dirty Daddy.
The Ladies of Stacked Present the Can Can Show at Crowd Theater, 3935 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. All female musical improv.
Dwayne Kennedy at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m.
“For Those Who Can’t” at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 9:00 p.m. “Performance showcase to shed light on racial injustice through empowering speech.This showcase is a means to celebrate Black lives through comedic and dramatic storytelling, spoken word, improvisation and sketch performed by a diverse and talented lineup. Produced and hosted by Maya Haughton and Allison Reese. We will be collecting donations during the show for the William H. Brown Elementary “The Civil Rights Movement/Stand Up For Your Rights!” project listed on the site below:
Plus your choice of shows at these theaters:
The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont
CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park
Under The Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport
The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway