A diverse group of out-of-town visitors this week: Vir Das from India, Trevor Noah formerly from South Africa, Noel Fielding from the U.K., Sophia Loren from Italy, Ralphie May from Alabama. John Mulaney is back in his hometown with Nick Kroll for a few more days. Another former Chicagoan, Mike Lebovitz, returns to headline at the Comedy Bar. Bobcat Goldthwait, D’Lai, Chad Weaver and David Kousgaard are here, too. Plus, the unparalleled comedy you can expect every night of the week from the Chicago community.
Speaking of Chicago comedians, Emily Galati will be on Conan tonight at 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. CST on TBS.
A lot of things are closed for Easter, but never comedy. There were comedy shows here on Christmas and even on Thanksgiving when there was a pop-up Hannibal Buress show among others. So Easter. No problem!
Here is my wishlist of what I’d love to do this week if I could be everywhere and go anywhere. Please confirm all details before heading out!
MONDAY, MARCH 21
POV at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 7:00 p.m. A talk show hosted by Mike McCarthy about what’s happening this week at iO.
Essay Fiesta at The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., 7:00 p.m. A favorite storytelling event at a favorite bookstore. Horrible parking is worth the hassle – just remember to pay the meter – don’t forget like we did on MY BIRTHDAY and then fail to see the ticket until it flies across the windshield to the other side of Lincoln Avenue on the way home.
Oh, Hello at Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, 7:30 p.m. Starring Gil Falzon and George St. Geegland who have brought their show from New York to Chicago for a week. If you squint and look carefully past the hair … could that be Nick Kroll and John Mulaney? Every night this week through Thursday.
Kelsie Huff at 100 Proof Comedy, ComedySportz, 929 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Kelsie Huff headlines. Kelsie is the producer of The Kates, a guest host on Windy City Live and an award-winning comedian. Featuring Tim McLaughlin, David Kousgaard, Jonathan Euseppi, Danny Maupin and more TBA.
Female Funnies at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. A night of female comedians hosted by comedian and WGN radio Pretty Late host Patti Vasquez. ChicagoNow writer and comedian Krista Atkinson is one of the featured acts.
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. Tonight: Mike Bobrinskoy hosts Dave Losso, Chad Weaver (Akron, OH), David Kousgaard (Omaha, NE), Tyler Jackson and Marty DeRosa.
Wild Out Mondays at SLR Bar & Grill, 16409 S. Halsted, Harvey, 9:00 p.m. Improv, stand up and music hosted by Just Nesh. Tonight a fabulous line-up includes Tony Sco and B. Cole.
TUESDAY, MARCH 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 (4th floor). Tonight: Jonah Jurkens, Martin Morrow, Alex Kumin and Marty DeRosa.
Still Standing: A Musical Guide Survival Guide for Life’s Catastrophes at Petterino’s, 150 N. Dearborn, 7:30 p.m. Written and performed by Anita Hollander. A one-night only opportunity to see this award-winning show which Anita Hollander has performed off-Broadway, at The Kennedy Center and at the White House. She is also an accomplished stage and television actress. She is a two-time cancer survivor, but losing a leg to the illness years ago has never slowed her down.
The Comedy Bowl at Diversey River Bowl, 2211 W. Diversey, 8:00 p.m. A night of trivia games and comedy hosted by Mona Aburmishan. Tonight: Kristen Toomey, Raghu Adibhatla, Taneshia Rice, Michael Robinson.
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.” Check site for additional show times throughout the week.
Dobie Maxwell at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. One of my heroes. Please check out our interview here. His memoirs available now here!
Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 9:00 p.m. With Danny Maupin, Mike Sheehan, Lara Beitz, Mike O’Keefe, Erica Clark and a performance by Actual Murderers.
Actual Murderers:
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23
Fooling Buddha at First Folio Theater at Mayslake Peabody Estate Forest Preserve, 1717 W 31st St, Oak Brook, 8:00 p.m. This one-man show by comedian magician David Kovac is about “when you’re the first ‘American Buddhist’ kid on the block in the 1970’s, [and] learn to battle the bully with magic and misdirection … a blend of philosophical humor and skillful prestidigitation.” David Kovac is a popular performer at the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood. The Chicago Tribune called him a “Trickster Hero.” Tonight is a preview. Check schedule for additional dates and times. The show runs through April 24.
Afro-Futurism at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. “Hosted by frequent Nightly Show contributor Felonious Munk, and starring comedians/artists including Dave Helem, Shantira Jackson, Dewayne Perkins, Sonia Denis, Martin Morrow, and MC Mr. GreenWeedz, A-F features up-to-the-week satire with new pieces and new guests every show.”
Winter Formal/Virgin Daiquiri/Carl & The Passions at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. A chance to see three of iO’s top Harold teams and tonight the show is free!
Dobie Maxwell at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. One of my heroes. Please check out our interview here. His memoirs available now here!
United We Fall at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:30 p.m. Preview night for a new iO show: “In these times of virtual judgement, humanity has been brought together in some ways, and atomized in others. Who better to guide us through this confusing new era than cool vampires, angry dads, and the musical accompaniment of a guitar and ukulele.” Directed by Charna Halpern.
Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks, 9:00 p.m.
Obits at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 10:00 p.m. “What happens when we die? No one knows. But for one night the dead will live again. Onstage. In this show. Using real obituaries from the week as inspiration we will honor, celebrate, mourn and laugh with the dead through improvisation … If you’re ready for some laughter, feel free to bring in the obit of someone you know for a chance for us to pay tribute to them.” Directed by Irene Marquette. Violin by Louise Loeb.
TJ & Dave at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:30 p.m. Dave Pasquesi returns and the internationally renowned improv duo is back!
THURSDAY, MARCH 24
An Evening with Sophia Loren at The Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave., 7:30 p.m. A Q&A with the Oscar-, Grammy-, Golden Globe, BAFTA-award winning actress. Sophia Loren’s comedies include Houseboat (with Cary Grant), The Millionairess (with Peter Sellers with whom she also recorded an album of comedy songs) and Grumpier Old Men (with Jack Lemmon and Walther Matthau).
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Vir Das at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:30 p.m. One of India’s top stand-up comedians.
Mind Over Chicago: Special Purim Performance at The Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln, 7:30 p.m. Mentalist Marc Salem presents a special edition of his mind-bending show for the Purim holiday which includes a costume contest and giveaways for the kids.
Hideous at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. A one-woman show by Mary Catherine Curran about what it means to feel hideous.
Mike Lebovitz at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. Shows also Friday and Saturday. Please check site for additional times. Mike Lebovitz was one of the highlights of Last Comic Standing 2015.
#DATEME: An OKCupid Experiment at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. True stories about what happened when a comedian posted fake profiles.
Rat Pack Comedy: My Laugh, My Giggle and Me at The Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Rd., 8:00 p.m. Headliner: Sam Arechar. Featuring: Jamie Carbone, Ty Riggs, Allison Dunne, Scott Meyer. Hosted by Terence Hartnett. Music by Mike McCarthy. Photography by Sarah Larson.
Dobie Maxwell at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. One of my heroes. Please check out our interview here. His memoirs available now here!
You’re Welcome at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m. Jokes and Notes’ monthly showcase hosted by Dave Helem and Eli Hamilton.
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.
Chicago’s Best Stand Up at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 9:00 p.m. Tonight: Kevin Williams, Natalie Jose, Deanna Ortiz, Rebecca O’Neal, Sam Norton, B Cole and more TBA. The Laugh Factory has many “best stand-up” and other shows throughout the week. Check site for details.
Prime Time Nine at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 9:00 p.m. See nine comics for $9. Hosted by Timmy Whitzell and Ryan Croft.
Just Dickin’ Around at Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, 9:45 p.m. All genders open mic and showcase. “A women-run, queer-friendly showcase that provides a safe, supportive space with a positive energy for our performers and guests.” Free pizza. Co-produced by comedian, writer and ChicagoNow blogger Krista Atkinson. Tonight’s line-up: Showcase host: Scott Duff (JDA member). Showcase guests: Mona Aburmishan, Marla Depew (JDA member), Jonathan Giles,Caitlin Anna Siebold, Chris Trani.
Issues Comedy at Crossroads Public House, 2630 N. Clark, 10:00 p.m. A monthly showcase about “Issues: we all have them.” Tonight: women’s issues. Headliner: Kristen Toomey.
Messing With A Friend at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 10:30 p.m. Susan Messing improvises with another talented comedian. This is a show where the improvisers seem to morph from character to character before your eyes. Believable and magical at the same time. A little bit dangerous, too. Anything can happen. Tonight’s guest TBA.
FRIDAY, MARCH 25
Vir Das and Bobcat Goldthwait in a double interview morning at Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio, 7:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Tony Carr and Steve Touhy interview two headliners visiting Chicago this weekend. Tune in by following this link or downloading the Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio App.
48-Hour Improv Marathon at Crowd Theater, 3935 N. Broadway, 7:00 p.m. Forty-eight Chicago improv teams perform over forty-eight hours. Proceeds benefit Chicago charity Growing Home.
Ralphie May & Friends at The Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave., 7:00 p.m. Friends are Pat Tomasulo, Gwen La Roka, April Rose (The Loop Rock Girl) and DJ Drack Muse. Unless you’re watching his Last Comic Standing clips, you’re gonna be thinking, “Did Ralphie May really just go there?” Yes, he did and yes, he will. Suggested attire: thick skin.
Defiant Thomas Brothers at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 7:30 p.m. If you’re a fan of Steve Martin or Peter Sellers or Key & Peele or the best of SNL, you’ll love this evening and want to go back for more. Interview with Paul Thomas and Seth Thomas here. Through April 29.
Bobcat Goldthwait at The Comedy Shrine, 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora, 8:00 p.m. His long comedy career began at age 15. Early on, he formed a comedy troupe with a couple of guys named Toms. They were known as Bobcat and Tomcat. Bobcat was also known as Jack Cheese when he first teamed up with Robin Williams (“Marty Fromage”), who would become a close friend. He is now also a director and producer and produced Cameron Esposito’s special in Chicago last December. He also pops up unexpectedly at showcases I hear.
Mike Lebovitz at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Shows also Friday and Saturday. Please check site for additional times. Mike Lebovitz was one of the highlights of Last Comic Standing 2015.
Vir Das at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 8:00 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. One of India’s top stand-up comedians.
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.”
Noel Fielding at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport, 8:00 p.m. The comedian of mighty style and of the U.K.’s The Mighty Boosh. His shows tonight and tomorrow are sold out, but I always believe in last minute possibilities. Contact the venue – you never know what might become available.
#DATEME: An OKCupid Experiment at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. True stories about what happened when a comedian posted fake profiles.
Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio Live at Crazy Pour, 105 E. North Ave., Lake Villa, 8:00 p.m. Dinner and a show. Headliner: Sean White. Featuring: Peter Daniel, Carly Ballerini and Mike Stricker. A track on Sean White’s Dead and Gone was selected by axs.com as one of 2015’s nine best, along with tracks by Aziz Ansari, Ron Funches and Ringo Starr.
D’Lai at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. D’Lai is known for humor through adversity. He has appeared on BET’s ComicView and toured with Bill Bellamy’s Ladies Night Out Tour. He was the winner of the Las Vegas Star Search. He has also opened for Dick Gregory.
Hoo Ha Spring Break at The White Room, 1907 N. Mendell St., 9:00 p.m. Lainie hosts Ali Clayton, Mary Zee, Jeff Arcuri, Miles Hendrix, Dave Helem and Natalie Jose. Full on spring break theme.
There’s No “We” In Loser at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 9:00 p.m. “Deeply human with a hint of the absurd, this rapid-fire show explores everything from the horrors of prom night to the trials of workplace relationships and even life as a modern-day Hogwarts student.”
The Boys. We Make It Worse at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 9:00 p.m. A night of improv with Susan Messing, Rachael Mason, Craig Uhlir, Norm Holly and Ryan Archibald. These are some of the people who have made the Chicago improv scene internationally famous.
SATURDAY, MARCH 26
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.
Trevor Noah at The Chicago Theatre, 175. N. State St., 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. The new host of The Daily Show brings his stand-up to Chicago.
Two Hour Comedy Hour at Gallery Cabaret 2020 N. Oakley, 7:00 p.m. The line-up is usually announced a few days before the show, so check the Facebook page. I’m always impressed when I see it and wanting to go.
The Kates at The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., 7:00 p.m. Chicago’s all female comedy troupe led by Kelsie Huff.
Vir Das at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:00 and 9:15 p.m. One of India’s top stand-up comedians.
Steve Cochran Morning Show Comedy Eggstravaganza at The Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette, 7:00 p.m. The WGN morning show live and at night.
Sirens at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 7:30 p.m. The country’s longest-running all female improv ensemble takes on life’s foibles in all their beauty and awkwardness. Saturdays through April 9.
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.
Mike Lebovitz at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Shows also Friday and Saturday. Please check site for additional times. Mike Lebovitz was one of the highlights of Last Comic Standing 2015.
Noel Fielding at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport, 8:00 p.m. The comedian of mighty style and of the U.K.’s The Mighty Boosh. This show is sold out, but I always believe in last minute possibilities. Contact the venue – you never know what might become available.
Below The Mighty Boosh‘s “Vince” and “Howard” appear to forecast a Chicago winter.
Noel Fielding:
#DATEME: An OKCupid Experiment at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. True stories about what happened when a comedian posted fake profiles.
D’Lai at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
The Yeah Buddy Awesome Time Comedy Show at Brainstorm Comics, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave., 8:30 p.m.
Marty DeRosa at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 10:00 p.m. A founding member of the acclaimed Comedians You Should Know showcase, a comedian who has held the #1 spot on iTunes and the creator and host of the podcast, Wrestling with Depression.
Defiant Thomas Brothers at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 9:30 p.m. This venue is very fittingly on the same corner where Second City began. Hosted by Clark Atlanta University’s Alumni Association – Chicagoland Chapter. All proceeds directly support scholarships. Show is followed by an “after party” with DJ Sean Alvarez.
Dumptruck at Second City, 1616, N. Wells, 10:30 p.m. Up and coming improvisers from the Second City Training Center’s Severn Darden Graduate Center.
Slanted Door: A Night of Queer Comedy and Storytelling at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:30 p.m. “Chicago’s finest LGBT Qomics and improvisers present a beautifully raunchy and totally illegal marriage of stand up and storytelling.”
SUNDAY, MARCH 27
New Country at The Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave., 6:00 p.m. This new comedy drama stars and was written by Mark Roberts. Mark Roberts, who is from Urbana, began his career as a stand up comedian. His credits include appearances on The Tonight Show, Seinfeld, Friends and Fresh Prince of Bel Air, co-executive producer and writer for Two And A Half Men, executive consultant for The Big Bang Theory and creator of Mike & Molly. Through May 14.
The Blender at CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. Improv featuring veterans, various teams and the audience.
Broad Squad at Skylark, 2149 S. Halsted, 8:00 p.m. Tonight: Kristen Lundberg, Sammy Arechar, Mary Zee, Michael Robinson, Erin Grotheer. Hosted by Ju Lee Anna.
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