Visitors to Chicagoland this week include Derek Sheen, Vicki Lawrence with Mama, Tracy Morgan, Marina Franklin, Warren B. Hall, Tammy Pescatelli, James Adomian with Anthony Atamanuik, Chastity Washington, Dennis Regan, The Three Tenors Who Can’t Sing, and loud alert: Gilbert Gottfried and Gallagher (but not together).
Random unconnected phrases and songs spontaneously ping-pong around my brain at times and I have to ask, “What the hell?” Usually, they’re not as random as they seem and there’s some message attached. This week it’s David Bowie’s “Ch-ch-ch-changes” and Price is Right contestants shouting, “That’s too much!” I pause here to breathe mindfully and stop myself from veering off into the endless topic of my love of The Price is Right and Bob Barker vs. Drew Carey.
On to the ch-ch-change. After this week I’ll be shortening this calendar considerably. Not because I want to. But because that’s too much! It’s not too much comedy. There’s no such thing! Because there’s too much in Chicago for one person to catalog, even when that one person is cataloging just a fraction of it. That’s how prolific our city’s comedy scene is, that there’s such a volume of creativity, comedic points of view, unique takes on life and genius every day all year around.
Starting next week, it will be my top 10-14 recommendations – keeping in mind that for every one noted, there will be fifty others deserving your attention.
Please share this last behemoth and help spread the word about all that’s happening. Next week: my favorite events for getting us all through Valentine’s Day.
Click for Monday, Feb.1 events
Click for Tuesday, Feb. 2 events
Click for Wednesday, Feb. 3 events
Click for Thursday, Feb. 4 events
Click for Friday, Feb. 5 events
Click for Saturday, Feb. 6 events
Click for Sunday, Feb. 7 events
“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, Mike Bobrinskoy, Thomas Brady and Dave Losso.
“Comedians You Should Know” at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. Usually at Timothy O’Toole’s on Wednesdays, tonight CYSK is honored as part of UP’s “Best Stand Up” series. Featuring Marty DeRosa, Ricky Gonzalez, Danny Kallas, Martin Morrow, and Kristen Toomey.
“MiHiChi” at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. Stand up and videos from Michael Issac (Nick Mom Night Out, MTV, Chicago Fire) and Calvin Evans (New City-named notable Chicago performer, first winner of WGN’s “Next Big Comic” contest).
“100 Proof Comedy” at Comedy Sportz, 929 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Weekly showcase. Reena Calm headlines. Featuring Tyler Snodgrass, with Cleveland Anderson, Terence Hartnett, Erin Grotheer, and Peter Alexander Bresnan, hosted by Patrick McManus!
“Wild Out Mondays” at SLR Bar & Grill, 16409 S. Halsted, Harvey, 9:00 p.m. Improv, stand up and music hosted by Just Nesh.
Laser Comedy Show at MCL Theater, 3110 N. Sheffield, 10:00 p.m. Chris Fair’s comedy bursts forth like a “high-tech Etch-a-Sketch.” Through March 7.
Plus your choice of shows at:
The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted
“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 (4th floor). Presented by comedyofchicago.com
“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.
“The Gobbler’s Knob Groundhog Day Spectacular” at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. A night of pageantry, Punxy Phil and prediction.
“The Tuesday Ten” at Zanies, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. “A mix of ten headliners, rising stars and surprise guests!”
“Secrets, Lies & Alibis” at Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln Ave. 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. February featured performers: Zach Peterson (Arguments & Grievances, The Comedy Exposition), Joel Boyd (The Attic), Collin Bullock (Awkward Moments Podcast), Alex Seligsohn (Arch City Comedy Festival, Secrets, Lies & Alibis). Hosted by: Elliot Lerner.”
Marina Franklin at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Marina Franklin has appeared on Inside Amy Schumer, The Jim Gaffigan Show, The Nightly Show, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and at comedy festivals around the world. Louis C.K. named her one of his “Top 7 Comedians to Watch.”
“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: “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 calls 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 days in advance, so reserve your place as soon as you can.
“The Comedy Bowl” at Diversey River Bowl, 2211 W. Diversey, 8:00 p.m. Comedy and trivia showcase hosted by Mona Aburmishan.
Derek Sheen with Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 9:30 p.m. Tonight: Derek Sheen is in town from Seattle! Please check out my interview with Derek here.
Plus your choice of shows at:
The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted
The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont
MCL Chicago Comedy Theater, 3110 N. Sheffield
“The Ego Trip Club” at 1562 N. Milwaukee Ave., 7:00 p.m. Tonight’s theme is “childhood.” Headliner Charlie Rohrer. Featuring Jonathan Giles. With Derek Moulds, Peter Casey, Amanda Lynn Deal, Marc Levalle, Erin D. Grotheer, Jarrell Scott Barnes and Rebecca Loeser. Hosted by Brandon Kirkman.
“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.
“MINT” at MCL, 3110 N. Sheffield, 7:30 p.m. A weekly showcase of music improv. Some shows will include an end-of-show jam open to audience members.
“Psychotic Break” at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport, 8:00 p.m. “Comedy, music and interviews about the times we were out of our minds.” With Lara Beitz, Chris Trani, Abby Stassen and Lauren Huffman.
JOAN at CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. Monthly variety show showcases women’s voices. All welcome. Hosted by: Emma Pope, Lindsey Smith, and Meghan Babbe. Tonight: JOAN presents The Bachelor with Bill Stern as The Bachelor and contestants: Laurel Krabacher, Jennifer Jackson, Becca Slack, Becca Taubel, Meaghan Strickland, Sarah Ashley, Megan Brennan, Kimberly Michelle Vaughn, Isabeau Dornevil and Amy Pea. Hosted by Tim Lyons.
“The Craig: A Musical Improv Show” at Comedy Sportz, 929 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Cast your vote for the Craig’s List item you’d most like to see a mini musical comedy about and it’s done.
“Dave Maher Coma Show” at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Dave Maher’s one-man show about what happened when he was in a coma, was eulogized on Facebook and everything that happened as a result. I missed this show during its first run last fall, fittingly, due to health problems and it’s back by popular demand and I have until February 24 to see it this time and, so help me, I better not miss it again.
“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.
Warren B. Hall at Zanies, MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m.
“Late Night Laughs” at SugaBabyyy’s, 15414 Park Ave., Harvey, 8:00 p.m. Comedy showcase hosted by Just Nesh.
“Surprise Party” at Lilly’s Bar, 2515 N. Lincoln, 8:00 p.m. Free weekly showcase.
Shannon Cason’s Homemade Stories at The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West, 8:00 p.m. Moth Grand Slam winner Shannon Cason’s storytelling event tonight is part of WBEZ’s Passport series
Marina Franklin at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Marina Franklin has appeared on Inside Amy Schumer, The Jim Gaffigan Show, The Nightly Show, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and at comedy festivals around the world. Louis C.K. named her one of his “Top 7 Comedians to Watch.”
“Comedians You Should Know” at Timothy O’Tooles, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., 9:00 p.m. Featuring Derek Sheen, Mat Alano-Martin, Kristen Toomey, Steven King, Michael Issac and Marty DeRosa. Hosted by Danny Kallas.
Gallagher at Wire, 6815 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn, 9:00 p.m. Bring your raincoat, umbrella and a change of clothes. Or sit in back. With Artie Fletcher, Mike Stricker, Brook Sullivan and Kevin Wood.
“Thunderdome” at MCL, 3110 N. Sheffield, 10:00 p.m. A comedy variety show hosted and curated by Carmen Christopher of Kill All Comedy.
http://www.mclchicago.com/full-calendar.html
Plus multiple shows at:
The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted
The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont
CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park
“Congrats on Your Success” at Uncharted Books, 2620 N. Milwaukee, 7:00 p.m. Odinaka Od Ezeokoli hosts Rebecca V. O’Neal, Allison Dunne, Geoffrey Thomas Asmus, Joe Alden McMahon, special guest Brian Babylon and headliner Kristen Toomey. Plus free beer from Powell Brew House.
Tammy Pescatelli at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:30 p.m. Tammy Pescatelli has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Last Call with Carson Daly, The View and was a finalist on Last Comic Standing and the winner of Comedy Central’s 2010 Stand Up Showdown.
Gilbert Gottfried at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Derek Sheen at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 8:00 p.m. Featuring David Melendez and Joey Ficken. Derek kindly spoke with me when he recorded his album at Timothy O’Toole’s last spring and he changed for the better the way I look at things. Wizard stairs, for one. Please check it out here. He’s an especially vivid storyteller.
Trump vs. Bernie Sanders Debate at SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 8:00 p.m. With James Adomian and Anthony Atamanuik.
“The Attic: Love at First Mic” at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted, 8:00 p.m. Oscar Carvajal hosts Anthony Bonazzo (Zanies), Reena Calm (The Laugh Factory), Ed Towns (The WIP Theater), Jay Washington (Chiraq). $10, but half price if you go through link above.
Russ Williamson at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. Russ Williamson has appeared on Showtime’s Boss, Chicago Fire and Comedy Central.
“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.
“Still Not Friday” at Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, 8:00 p.m. Comedy showcase.
Marina Franklin at Zanies, MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m.
The Brink of Sanity Presents: “Accidental Adults” at Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark, 8:00 p.m. Because every adult is an accidental adult. A sketch comedy show about how none of us “have any idea what the heck we’re doing.”
“Tickle Me Thurdays” at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m. Hosted by Marlon Mitchell.
“Just Dickin’ Around” All Ladies Showcase at Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, 8:30 p.m. The JDA showcase is “a women-run, queer-friendly showcase that provides a safe, supportive space with a positive energy for our performers and guests.” Plus free pizza!
“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.
Gallagher at Wire, 6815 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn, 9:00 p.m. Bring your raincoat, umbrella and a change of clothes. Or sit in back. With Artie Fletcher, Mike Stricker, Tim Brennan and Mark Johnson.
“Transparent” with Kellye Howard at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 9:30 p.m. Kellye Howard has appeared on Last Comic Standing, Nick Mom 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. Susan Messing improvises with another talented comedy personality every Thursday night. Tonight’s guest is Bob Fisher.
Plus multiple shows tonight at:
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
The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway
MCL Theater, 3110 N. Sheffield
The Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark
Tammy Pescatelli interview on Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio, where you are, 8:45 a.m. Tony Carr and Steve Touhy interview this weekend’s Improv headliner. Follow the link to listen live or download the Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio app.
“Defiant Thomas Brothers” at Second City’s Black Out Cabaret, 1608 N. Wells, 7:30 p.m. Due to cheering crowds and rave reviews, DTB 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.
Tracy Morgan at Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Dr., Hammond, IN, 8:00 p.m. The launch of Tracy Morgan’s first stand-up tour (“Picking Up the Pieces”) since his 2014 accident.
Tammy Pescatelli at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 8:00 p.m., 10:15 p.m.
Long form improv show at The Comedy Clubhouse, 1462 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.”
“Off Off Campus” at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 8:00 p.m. Performance by the University of Chicago’s improv troupe, one of the oldest in the country (1986). (The folks who started The Compass Players and Second City were from University of Chicago.)
Warren B. Hall at Zanies, MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Marina Franklin at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Chastity Washington at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. Hosted by Marivin “M Dubbs” Phipps and featuring Vincent Bryant. Chastity Washington is a nationally touring headliner who has appeared on BET’s ComicView, HBO’s Def Jam and with Shaq’s Comedy All Stars. Before becoming a comedian, she was a middle school and high school teacher.
Drew Frees at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. Check out this excellent interview with Drew Frees by David Gavri here.
“Vamp” at MCL Theater, 3110 N. Sheffield, 8:00 p.m., 10:30 p.m.
VAMP Cabaret at 8:00 p.m.
VAMP: A Music Comedy Drinking Show at 10:30 p.m. BYOB. The VAMP folks say it’s like Whose Line is it Anyway, but everyone gets to be the great Wayne Brady. There’s also a full band at every performance. New City called it Chicago’s “best atmosphere for musical comedy” of 2015.
“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: Ali Clayton, Gabe Liebowitz, Russ Williamson.
“Drink, Date, Laugh” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. “WE ARE BAD AT DATING AND SO CAN YOU!” Paul Farahvar hosts an evening of funny, embarrassing, horrifying relationship stories. Select audience members will have a chance to take the stage, do the same and compete for a $100 gift certificate. Featuring Tristan Triptow, Danny Kallas, Natalie Jose and more TBA.
“Mad Chiste” at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 8:00 p.m. “A night of Latin Comedy with 2 of Chicago’s best Latino sketch groups; Dominizuelan and Spic & Tan.”
Patrick O’Hara at Prime Time Nine at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 8:00 p.m. Timmy Whitzell hosts nine of Chicago’s up-and-coming comedians, including writer and fellow CN blogger, Patrick O’Hara.
Dennis Regan at The Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, 8:00 p.m.
“The Boys” at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 9:00 p.m. Rachael Mason and Susan Messing improvise with Norm Holly, Ryan Archibald and Craig Uhlir. A night with some of Chicago’s world famous improvisers.
Damon Williams at Riddles, 5055 W. 111th St., Alsip, 9:00 p.m. Damon Williams presents “Funny First Weekends Classic Comedy Showcase.”
Pat Tomasulo at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 10:00 p.m. Stand up from the WGN sports anchor and comedian tonight and tomorrow.
“Funked Up Friday” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 10:00 p.m. Host AJ Lubecker, who has been a comedian for six years and is only twenty-one, brings unique energy to this memorable evening of comic unpredictability, dance, music and audience participation. Featuring Chris Bader, Ali Clayton, Abi Sanchez and more TBA.
“Laugh Near Minimalist Furniture” at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 10:30 p.m. A comedy variety show.
“Horrible Fun” at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 10:30 p.m. Interactive improv show based on “Cards Against Humanity.” “Be aware this show is dirty, ridiculous, offensive, and horrible. Are you ready to be horrible with us?” Extended through April 1 by popular demand.
“A Big Bright Beautiful Disaster” at Second City’s Beat Lounge, 1608 N. Wells, 10:30 p.m. Jake Farrington and Michelle Davey with a comedic take on “fear, choice and owning oneself amidst chaos.” Directed by Andel Sudik. Through February 19th.
“BEEF” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 11:59 p.m. Chicago’s only comedy insult game show. Comedians compete and audience members can volunteer to be roasted in the Machine Gun … or sit as far back and unnoticed as possible. Featuring Sean White, Kyle Scanlan, Andy Fleming, Stephanie Hasz, Sam Norton and more TBA.
Plus your choice of shows at:
The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted
Comedy Sportz Theatre, 929 W. Belmont
The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont
CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park
Under The Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport
The Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark
“Late Late Breakfast Made You a Mixtape *blush*” at Hideout Inn, 1354 W. Wabansia, 2:00 p.m. “We made you a mixtape, and we made you games to go along with every song on the mixtape. Games that let you know how we FEEL about you, games to let you know that we’re THINKING about you, that these feelings are REAL and TRUE and RIGHT. Come play our Mixtape games, everybody. Come eat some pancakes and drink some beer and tell some jokes while you play our mixtape-themed games.”
Paper Machete at Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway, 3:00 p.m. Early arrival recommended! Seats go fast. 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 on the Paper Machete web site.
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.
Marina Franklin at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
Tammy Pescatelli at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:00, 9:15 p.m.
Gilbert Gottfried at Zanies, MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
The Two-Hour Comedy Hour at Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley, 7:00 p.m. Comedy showcase.
Sean Flannery at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 7:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. No one tells real life comedic tales like Sean Flannery. The arcs are epic, near lethal – he’s come close to accidentally offing himself dozens of times – and often illustrated by the talented comedian and artist himself.
Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two Woman Show at The Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan, 8:00 p.m. Vicki Lawrence and the irascible, glorious Mama are in town from one of the best comedy variety shows of all time. Vicki Lawrence was only 24 when she created Mama, also known as Thelma Harper, mama to Carol Burnett’s Eunice Harper Higgins.
“The Revival Hour” at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 8:00 p.m. An hour of improv on the same corner where The Compass Players got their start.
Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio Live at Wallace Hall, 813 LaSalle St., Ottawa, 8:00 p.m. The team behind the radio station presents a night of stand-up.
OPENING NIGHT! “No Boys Allowed” at Flat Iron Comedy, 1579 N. Milwaukee, 8:00 p.m. “A showcase of women and other unique performers.” Hosted by Wes Perry. Shantira Jackson, Becca Brown, Kate O’Connor, Erin Kathryn Morrill & Alyson Morrill, Lauren Oprah Walker, Katy Conroy.
Damon Williams at Riddles, 5055 W. 111th St., Alsip, 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Damon Williams presents “Funny First Weekends Classic Comedy Showcase.”
Long form improv show at The Comedy Clubhouse, 1462 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.”
“Shark Showcase” at Pilsen Breakfast and Grill, 1454 W. 18th St., 8:00 p.m. Free showcase. With Mark Robinson, James Fisher, Mallory Bradford, William Martinez.
“Blackout Diaries” at High Hat Club, 1920 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. Comedians and regular folk tell 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!
The Three Tenors Who Can’t Sing at The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, 8:00 p.m.
Chastity Washington at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. Hosted by Marivin “M Dubbs” Phipps and featuring Vincent Bryant.
“HilariTea” at Madame Zuzus Tea House, 582 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park, 8:30 p.m. ChicagoNow writer and comedian Krista Atkinson along with co-producers Denise Medina, and Elizabeth Gomez present Cody Melcher, Marla Depew, Paul Thomas, Helen Schweitz and Matt Chiaramonte. Special appearance by Dan Peff, host of Good Drinking!.
Pat Tomasulo at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 10:00 p.m. Stand up from the WGN sports anchor and comedian tonight and tomorrow.
“Love Ain’t Rocket Science (However It is Extremely Difficult)” at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 10:00 p.m. “So you want to be more casanova and less casa embrujada? Wanna find a lover but all the guys run for cover? Want to turn dead ends into boyfriends or girlfriends? This multimedia seminar will take you step-by-step through the process of finding and building the relationship you want. Written and Performed by George Viebranz, Jr.”
“Blipster Life Presents the Green Room” at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 10:00 p.m. Music and comedy showcase hosted by Dave Helem (TBS Just for Laughs) and Felonius Munk (Comedy Central’s Nightly Show).
“The Hey Man Comedy Showcase” at Cigars and Stripes, 6715 Ogden Ave, Berwyn, 10:00 p.m Hosted by: Jon “Hey Man” Griffin. Featuring: Kevin Wood & Josh Cocks. Headliner: Mat Alano-Martin (Founder and director of the Limestone Comedy Festival).
“We Still Like You” at Collaboraction Theater, 1579 N. Milwaukee, Suite 336, 10:00 p.m. “WithTyler Snodgrass (Actually a bunch of skunks in a trenchcoat), Danii Gallegos (Got into a fight at church), Tim Barnes (It’s All True), Nicholas Rouley (Freak Happening, Record Ranch), Kristen Toomey (Laugh Factory, Comedians You Should Know), Derek Smith (The Lincoln Lodge), Natalie Jose (Last Comic Standing) with live art from king goon J. Michael Osborne and your hosts, shame-goblins Shannon Noll and Dan Sheehan. The show will have lots of free beer (and posters!) for a pay-what-you-will donation (it’s a weird legal thing) but feel free to bring your own drinks too! After Party Location TBA.”
“Vamp” at MCL Theater, 3110 N. Sheffield, 10:30 p.m. A BYOB musical comedy drinking show. The VAMP folks say it’s like Whose Line is it Anyway?, but everyone is Wayne Brady. There’s also a full band at every performance. New City called it Chicago’s “best atmosphere for musical comedy” of 2015.
“The Big Sexy Show” at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 11:00 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
The Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark
“Jimmie and Johnnie” at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 7:00 p.m. Improv with Jimmy Carrane, John Hildreth and a special guest.
“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.
“Super Bowl Stand Up” at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.: Featuring Kevin Williams, Dave Helem , Rebecca O’Neal, Chris Bader, Adam Burke and more TBA.
9:00 p.m.: Featuring Jeff Arcuri, Sam Norton, Kevin Williams, Kristen Toomey, Jay Washington and more TBA.
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
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