Visitors to Chicago this week include Alonzo Bodden, Steve Gillespie, Daniel Clowes, and the Silly People’s Improv Theater of the Philippines. It’s a short list, but it’s an interesting one.
Just announced April 1: TJ Miller tonight (Friday 4/1) at The Comedy Bar at 10:00 p.m. Tickets here.
Chicago’s stars shine bright this week, as always.
Ticket alert: SNL‘s Colin Jost will be at Zanies from June 15 to June 18. Tickets here.
Please confirm all details before buying tickets and heading out.
Email me at temewring@gmail.com with any shows to add.
Thank you to everyone who makes this calendar possible!
MONDAY, MARCH 28
Limelight Series: Women in Comedy at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, 7:00 p.m. This monthly program highlights Chicago’s arts community. This month it’s all about comedy and features Krista Atkinson, Marla Depew, Jessica Besser-Rosenberg, and Jan Slavin.
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: Dave Losso hosts Rebecca Fass, Michael Meyers, Nate Simmons, Zach Peterson and Kristen Toomey. Interview with producer Mike Cronin here.
The Showcase at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. iO founder and director Charna Halpern hosts a series of 5-minute solo performances.
Hell of a Show at North Bar, 1637 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. Featuring Jeff Arcuri, Ricky Gonzalez, Dave Helem, Kaitlyn Grissom, Dale McPeek and John Margelewski.
Zach Shornick and the Pathetic Men at Underground Lounge, 952 W. Newport Ave., 8:00 p.m. Music comedy at the 98.6 Comedy Show.
Sadsacks and Wisecracks at High Hat Club, 1920 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. Headliner: Matt Drufke. Featuring: Brandi Denise, Jeff Hansen, Kristin Ryan, Abby Vatterott and Rachel McCartney. Music by Ian Leith.
Tim Slagle Presents CampPain at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. A night of political comedy hosted by Tim Slagle and featuring Tyjuan Markale Williams, Patrick Tomlinson, John Barry, Sarah Manning, Kevin Naughton and Emily Galati who was Conan’s guest just last week.
Wild Out Mondays at SLR Bar & Grill, 16409 S. Halsted, Harvey, 9:00 p.m. Improv, stand up and music hosted by Just Nesh.
Five Star Comedy Showcase at The Four Star Lounge, 2666 N. Halsted, 9:00 p.m. No Cover. Half off all drinks & food. Hosted by David Gavri. Featuring Laura Hugg, Steve Rinaldi, Manny Acosta, Mickey Housely and Kevin Naughton.
TUESDAY, MARCH 29
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).
Flat Iron Comedy at The Salon at Collaboraction Theater, 1579 N. Milwaukee, 3rd Floor, 7:30 p.m. Features rotating house and guest improv teams plus stand up, music, storytelling and other artists. Free, but donations are appreciated and go to performers. Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
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.
The Moth StorySLAM presents: The Dark Side at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse, 8:00 p.m. Comic and non-comic stories about life on the dark side. Listen or prepare a story of your own. Follow link for details.
[LAST SHOW] AWK Presents: Rejected at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. “An evening of storytelling, improv and comedy all centered on the theme of rejection and its sometimes destructive, but always formative effects.”
Adam Burke and Calvin Evans at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Two of Chicago’s best favorites.
Chicago Underground Comedy Presents: Comedy Secrets at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 9:00 p.m. The audience’s vow of secrecy means comedians can tell the whole truth and nothing but. “The stories range from screwball comedy to absolute tragedy, but co-hosts Stephanie Hasz & Andy Fleming, as well as a revolving guest panel of the funniest comics around, are always there to make sure we find the laughter in the sadness. This is a comedy show celebrating celebrating secrets, sadness, and self-loathing. Over-sharing is caring.”
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30
Lola Balatro on the Justin Kaufman Show on WGN 720, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. One of my favorite bands ever. Tune in tonight to hear Lola Balatro live. On Thursday see them live at their Night of Unrelenting Splendor.
My ringtone:
Daniel Clowes at Quimby’s Bookstore, 1854 W. North Ave., 7:00 p.m. Famed graphic novelist Daniel Clowes talks about his latest, Patience. Rumored to be an epic read. I would say get there early if you can! According to the event’s Facebook page, over 300 people are attending and over 800 have expressed interest! Including here since so many of us comedy fans love comics and graphic novels.
Kellye Howard at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. One of the stars of the OWN Network’s My Life is a Joke and of many acclaimed one-woman shows.
United We Fall at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:30 p.m. “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.” A new show directed by iO founder Charna Halpern.
Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks, 9:00 p.m. Hosted by Andy Fleming. Featuring Sammy Arechar, Kristin Clifford, Todd Massey, Shawn Morgan and Aaron Sutherland.
THURSDAY, MARCH 31
Hazel at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, 1:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The world premiere of the musical comedy based on the ‘60s sitcom. Through May 29.
Dr. Bill Miller at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:30 p.m. Dr. Bill Miller is a graduate of Northwestern University Medical School and a comedy headliner since 1980, not including a 15-year break to raise his kids. Come hear his “take on doctors, patients, and health care. His show is about going through life as a son, physician, husband and father.” Shows through Sunday. Check site for details.
The Lola Balatro Night Of Unrelenting Splendor at MCL, 3110 N. Sheffield, 8:00 P.M. “The planet’s premier post-grunge acoustic com-rock group headlines this beast feast of high caliber comedy music. Hosted by Martin Morrow. Music by FYF Crew, Erin Lane & Will Coleman, and CJ Sullivan with practical comedy from Jessica Cloud.” One of the best bands you’ll ever hear. And the funniest.
Dwayne Kennedy at Zanies, Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, 8:00 p.m. Through April 2. One of the top social commentators and comedians of our time. He won the best stand-up award at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen. His credits include Seinfeld, Martin, late night spots with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel and Conan O’Brien and as a writer and on-air correspondent on Totally Biased With Kamau Bell. He recently released his first album, Oh No, It’s Dwayne Kennedy!
I Shit You Not at Township, 2020 N. California, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Michael Sanchez and Angela Vela and featuring Scott Whitehair, Deanna Ortiz, Nicky Martin, Stephanie Douglass and Alannah Courtney. A night of comedy and embarrassing stories. “Not for the faint of fart.” Check out a prior “poodcast” featuring Stephanie Douglass here.
Steve Gillespie at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. Shows also Friday and Saturday. Please check site for additional times. Steve Gillespie’s credits incude Fox’s Laughs, the Boston Comedy Festival, the Bridgetown Comedy Festival and Gilda’s Laughfest (where he was Best of the Midwest runner-up).
Special Event: Eric Schwartz Live at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. “Musical comedy, physical antics, multicultural satire and social commentary.”
#DATEME at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. What happened when a comedian placed 38 “undateable” profiles on an online dating site? A discussion with OKCupid founder Sam Yagan follows the performance.
Stand Up Stand Up Presents Sean White at The Crocodile, 1540 N. Milwaukee Ave., 8:00 p.m. Headliner: Sean White. Featuring: Dale McPeek, Ashley Huck, Mike Bobrinskoy, Keith Paesel and a super special guest. Host: Sammy Arechar. Beats by DJ Spider Webb. Free show. Free pizza.
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.
Prime Time Nine at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 9:00 p.m. Nine comedians, nine dollars.
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 friend is Dee Ryan.
FRIDAY, APRIL 1
Alonzo Bodden Interview on Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio, 8:15 a.m. Tune in to Tony Carr and Steve Touhy to hear their interview with this weekend’s Improv headliner. Connect online through this link or download the App.
The Interview Show Fundraiser at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 6:00 p.m. Food, interviews and a silent auction. This monthly show premieres on WTTW on April 8 at 8:30 p.m. The show will be filmed live at The Hideout. “The Interview Show, held the first Friday of every month at the Hideout, features guests from every walk of life — musicians, authors, comedians, community activists, chefs, CEOs, etc., both local and passing through town — sharing their world views and talents in a laid-back, intimate setting.”
[LAST MONTH!] 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.
Ali Clayton at House of Laughs at Access Chicago Realty, 2256 W. North Ave., 7:30 p.m. Free show. Headliner: Ali Clayton. Featuring Jaime DeLeon and Shannon Noll. Hosted by Anthony Bonazzo.
Dwayne Kennedy at Zanies, Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, 8:00 p.m. Through April 2. One of the top social commentators and comedians of our time. He won the best stand-up award at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen. His credits include Seinfeld, Martin, late night spots with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel and Conan O’Brien and as a writer and on-air correspondent on Totally Biased With Kamau Bell. He recently released his first album, Oh No, It’s Dwayne Kennedy.
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.”
Lincoln Lodge Presents Just For Laughs Festival Showcase at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. Twelve comedians doing their best five minute spots at this renowned showcase.
Alonzo Bodden at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 8:00 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. The internationally touring headliner and winner of Last Comic Standing Season 3.
Ronnie George and Tony T at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Two headliners, both from Chicago.
Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio Live at PT’s, 113 E. Baltimore St., Wilmington, 9:00 p.m. Free show with Jordan Holmes, Marcos, Faizan Hussain and Jenny La.
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.
TJ Miller at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 10:00 p.m. Just announced Friday afternoon.
Funked Up Friday at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 10:00 p.m. AJ Lubecker hosts a one-of-a-kind comedy event and party every first Friday of the month. Interview with AJ here.
SATURDAY, APRIL 2
Defiant Thomas Brothers Workshop at Second City Training Center, 230 W. North Ave., 1:00 p.m. “Focus on writing scenes that present your point of view without losing the funny.” A writing workshop taught by the award-winning Defiant Thomas Brothers, Paul and Seth.
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.
Alonzo Bodden at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. The internationally touring headliner and winner of Last Comic Standing Season 3.
Dwayne Kennedy at Zanies, Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Through April 2. One of the best social commentators and comedians of our time. He won the best stand-up award at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen. His credits include Seinfeld, Martin, late night spots with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel and Conan O’Brien and as a writer and on-air correspondent on Totally Biased With Kamau Bell. He recently released his first album, Oh No, It’s Dwayne Kennedy.
Wham City Comedy at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 7:30 p.m. Fran Hoepfner, Goodrich Gevaart, Cricket Arrison. “A comedy & video collective based in Baltimore, Maryland known for bizarre viral videos and absurdist presentational performances. We tour the United States once a year and we have very little money. We thought our lives would be different and that comedy would save us, but oh god we fucked up so so bad. We suck and we hate ourselves. Please come to one of our shows. We recently created the Adult Swim late night horror-prank Unedited Footage of a Bear which was called “the year’s scariest show” by The Guardian, which is a very nice thing to say to someone about their video. We also created Live Forever As You Are Now With Alan Resnick and Commencement Speech, also for Adult Swim.”
Chicago Comedy Transit at Deacon’s Restaurant & Bar at The Golf Farm, 2100 N. US-12, Wauconda, 8:00 p.m. Headliner: Sean White. Host: Jeff Hansen. Featuring Abi Sanchez, Angela Vela and Emily Galati.
The Blackout Diaries at The High Hat Club, 1920 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. True drinking stories followed by a Q&A with the audience. Hosted by master storyteller and comedian Sean Flannery.
HilariTea at Madame Zuzu’s Teahouse, 582 Roger Williams Ave, Highland Park, 8:30 p.m. Featuring co-producers Krista Atkinson, Elizabeth Gomez and Denise Medina and Joseph Ivan, Jayme Allen, Joe Nuccio, Seth Davis and Kenny Metroff.
The Yeah Buddy Awesome Time Comedy Show at Brainstorm Comics, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave., 8:30 p.m.
Blipster Life Presents The Green Room at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 10:00 p.m. A showcase hosted by Dave Helem (TBS Just For Laughs) and Felonious Munk (Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show).
Bit Tank at 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:30 p.m. Like Shark Tank, but it’s comedians selling their original material to investors for cash then and there.
SUNDAY, APRIL 3
Laughing Matters: The Life and Laughs of Carol Burnett at The Skokie Theater, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie, 2:00 p.m. Hilary Ann Feldman and Becky Menzie recreate favorite sketches and characters from The Carol Burnett Show.
Alonzo Bodden at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m. The internationally touring headliner and winner of Last Comic Standing Season 3.
T Murph Presents at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 7:30 p.m. Comedian T Murph presents a variety show of his favorite performers. Comedy and more.
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.
Arguments and Grievances at Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport, 8:00 p.m. This month’s debates: Kolin Bohannon vs Sammy Arechar (Top Gun vs Top Chef), Dan Abromowitz vs Fran Hoepfner (IMDB vs BDSM), Nate Burrows vs Zach Peterson (Jurassic Park vs South Park), Angela Vela vs Dean Carlson (Summer Lovin’ vs Winter Lovin’). Hosted by Kevin Brody.
Blood!/ Cultural Exchange featuring Silly People’s Improv Theater (SPIT) of the Philippines at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. One night only. “SPIT is the premiere improvisational theater group in Southeast Asia. With close to five hundred performances in 12 years, SPIT has delighted local and international audiences with their unscripted, unrehearsed and totally spontaneous shows. Composed of thespians, teachers, commercial models and professionals from varied fields, the group also does regular shows to packed audiences in some of the best entertainment spots throughout Metro Manila and is a staple of corporate functions with their lap slappingly smart and incisive brand of comedy. Opening for the Cultural Exchange: BLOOD!”
Cole’s Comedy Cabaret at Cole’s, 2338 N. Milwaukee Ave., 8:30 p.m. Headliner: Sean White. With Toler Wolfe and variety from Ben Kaye. Hosted by Peter-john Byrnes.
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