Visitors to Chicago this week include Wanda Sykes, Steven Wright (in Skokie and St. Charles), Andy Kindler, Tony Roberts, Darren Carter, Nick Offerman, Ben Moore and Carlos Mencia. Jeff Foxworthy and Larry The Cable Guy are here on their “We’ve Been Thinking” tour and Pauly Shore, Tom Green, Bobby Lee, Harland Williams are throwing a “Comedy Party” … twice!
I feel like Rod Roddy or Johnny Olson here, but may I just say this week is filled with faaabulous showcases! Take a look at the line-ups!
Ticket alerts: The Dan Band (Old School, The Hangover) will be at House of Blues on April 16. Tickets here.
On May 23, Netflix presents Adam Sandler, David Spade, Nick Swardson and Rob Schneider in the “Do Over Tour” at the Chicago Theatre. Tickets here.
Gad Elmalah returns to Chicago on September 4. Tickets here. Born in Morocco (where his dad was a mime), Gad Elmalah now lives in France where he is known as the “French Seinfeld.” He speaks French, Hebrew, Arabic and English. He won the French Ministry of Culture’s “Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres” and was voted “Funniest Person in France.”
If I could do anything and be everywhere, here is my wishlist!
Please confirm all details before heading out!
Thank you to the Chicago comedy community and everyone reading and/or sharing.
MONDAY, APRIL 4
Best Night Ever Turns Two! 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: Derek Smith, Reena Calm, Dale McPeek, Alex Kumin, Jason Melton, Kevin Lobkovich, Steven King, Joe Alden McMahon. Interview with producer Mike Cronin here.
Sadsacks and Wisecracks at High Hat Club, 1920 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. Free weekly comedy showcase hosted by Natalie Jose. Tonight: Rebecca O’Neal, Bill Bullock, Joe Nudelman, Stephanie Hasz. Music by The Millers.
Wild Out Mondays at SLR Bar & Grill, 16409 S. Halsted, Harvey, 9:00 p.m. Improv, stand up and music hosted by Just Nesh who just received a Chicago Music Awards nomination as Comedian of the Year.
TUESDAY, APRIL 5
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.
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: Mona Aburmishan’s birthday celebration with Krista Atkinson, Glen Martino, Lyssa Laird and Mike Samp.
Andy Kindler at SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 8:00 p.m. Andy Kindler is known for his appearances on Bob’s Burgers, Maron, Everybody Loves Raymond and as a frequent late night talk show guest, to name a few. I loved reading in Splitsider that he met Marc Maron at a Misanthropes Convention. I could secretly go for that. Featuring Stephanie Hasz.
Patrick O’Hara at Ain’t Jokin’ Wit Chu at Abram Gale Lounge, 2366 N. Neva, 8:00 p.m. Free weekly stand-up showcase. Headliner: Bridget Clymore. Featuring: Patrick O’Hara, Angela Vela, Trevor Gertonson, Sharup Karim and Brian Johnson. This show also streams live, so if you can’t be there in person, you can still be there! To stream, go to Periscope.TV and follow @Danette614.
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.
Secrets, Lies and Alibis: Elbo Room, 2871 N Lincoln Ave., 8:30 p.m. Price: $3 suggested donation (no drink minimum) “A comedy show inspired by your secrets.” Tonight is hosted by Amanda Lynn Deal and features Adam Burke (Comedy Bar, Bridgetown Comedy Festival, Oddball Comedy Festival), Rebecca O’Neal (Laugh Factory, Congrats on Your Success), Ralph Laguerre (The Improv Miami), Natalie Carneal (The Annoyance), Sarah Albritton (Secrets, Lies, and Alibis, Sleeping with Sarah podcast) and Nathan Cotter (The Annoyance, iO).
Darren Carter at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Darren Carter appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and in Be Cool with John Travolta. At Zanies throughout the week.
Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 9:00 p.m. One of Chicago’s best known stand-up showcases. Cameron Esposito, Beth Stelling, TJ Miller and Kumail Nanjiani all got their start here.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6
Do You Believe in Ego Trip Club? at Bru Chicago, 1562 N. Milwaukee Ave., 7:00 p.m. This month’s theme is “faith.” Line-up: Toby McMullen, Amanda Lynn Deal, Carma Nibarger, Jonathan Shannon, Charles Belt, Amanda Cohen and featuring Max Friedman. Promising a sermon by Father Wisdom. Hosted by Brandon Kirkman.
Nick Offerman at Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College, 117 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by Anderson’s Bookshops, Nick Offerman will hold a Q&A and sign his new book, Gumption, which profiles historical figures. The Q&A is sold out, but tickets are still available for the signing at 8:00 p.m. If you want to attend the Q&A, it may be worth showing up to see if you can get in or calling Anderson’s. Ya never know! Please note, you must purchase your book at this event to get it signed here.
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.
JOAN at CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. Emma Pope, Lindsey Smith and Meghan Babbe host a monthly comedy showcase with the goal of creating a positive space for women’s voices.
Rape Victims Advocates Fundraiser at East Room, 2354 N. Milwaukee Ave., 8:00 p.m. This organization’s budget has been cut due to the state financial crisis, so comedians and other entertainers are pitching in to help. Featuring comedians Reena Calm, Ross Berman and Christopher Condren and musical guests Charles Williams, MKoobz, Natalie Grace Alford (aka Lil ol’ me) and Bad Bad Meow.
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.” Check schedule for additional dates and times. Through April 24.
Drunk Science at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. The mysteries of the tipsy mind are explained by Sean Flannery, one of comedy’s top storytellers and “Chicago’s best drunk” according to the Chicago Reader.
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.
Darren Carter at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Darren Carter appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and in Be Cool with John Travolta. At Zanies throughout the week.
Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks, 9:00 p.m. Kristen Toomey hosts Marty DeRosa, Ricky Gonzalez, Tyler Jackson, Michael Palascak, Ramon Rivas and Pat Tomasulo.
The Blind Bet at The Pony, 1638 W. Belmont, 9:00 p.m. Headliner: Martin Morrow.
THURSDAY, APRIL 7
Congrats on Your Success at Uncharted Books, 2620 N. Milwaukee Ave., 7:30 p.m. First Thursdays of the month. I love the combination of Chicago bookstores and free, original comedy events. Free craft beer from Powell’s Brew House, too. Tonight’s line-up: Justin Covington hosts Congrats on Your Success’s Sonia Denis, Kristen Lundberg, Danny Maupin, Claire Swanson and headliner Nate Burrows.
Derick Lengwenus at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:30 p.m. Derick is originally from Montreal and is now based in Chicago. He won the Best Comedy Award at the Montreal Fringe Festival and the Audience Choice Award at the Just For Laughs Festival. He was also a finalist at the San Francisco Comedy Competition and brings his comedy to clubs and theaters nationwide.
Menopause: The Musical at The Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, 7:30 p.m. Set to the music from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Hot flashdance!
Ben Moore at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. Shows also Friday and Saturday. Ben Moore was a finalist at The Laughing Skull Comedy Festival and his joke writing was singled out for praise by Marc Maron.
Comedy Party Featuring Pauly Shore, Tom Green, Harland Williams and Bobby Lee at Rialto Square Theater, 15 E. Van Buren St., Joliet, 8:00 p.m. I have the feeling anything could happen here.
The Kates on Broadway at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. Fabulous line-up: Hope Rehak, Sameena Mustafa, Kaitlyn Grissom, Elizabeth Gomez, Kat Herskovic, Michelle Krajecki and Rebecca Fass hosted by Kelsie Huff. Please check out my interview with Hope Rehak here.
The Attic: Ed’s Still Alive at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted, 8:00 p.m. David Gavri hosts this line-up on Ed Towns’ birthday, featuring Oscar Carvajal (2015 Mic Fest winner), Rebecca O’Neal (Laugh Factory), Ed Towns (Birthday Boy) and Joey Villagomez (HBO Latino).
Darren Carter at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Darren Carter appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and in Be Cool with John Travolta. At Zanies throughout the week.
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. Hear nine comedians for nine dollars. Headliner: Kristin Clifford. Featuring: Terence Hartnett, Lisa Peters, Aaron McDavis, Jayson Acevedo, Rad Turkin, Kendall Kitzkie and Josh Ejnes. Hosted by Ryan Croft.
Just Dickin’ Around All Ladies Showcase at Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, 9:45 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.” Free pizza. Co-produced by comedian, writer and ChicagoNow blogger Krista Atkinson. Tonight: Le Aboav, Liz Barrett, Marla Depew (JDA member), Dina Nina Martinez, Maureen San Diego.
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 is actress and Second City alum Claudia Wallace. She has appeared on Shameless, Key & Peele and Parks and Recreation.
FRIDAY, APRIL 8
Carlos Mencia interview on Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio at your place, 6:00 a.m. Start your day with Steve Touhy and Carlos Mencia. Follow the link or download the app to bring Chicago comedy with you everywhere.
Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio Live at Maggiano’s, 1847 Freedom Drive, Naperville, 6:00 p.m. Headliner: Ricky March. Featuring Patrick Chase, Mike Stricker and Melissa Richelle.
The Kates at The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N Lincoln Ave., 7:00 p.m. Another fab line-up: Kelly Bolton, Amy Sumpter, Bridget Ballek, Mallory Bradford, Tamale Sepp, Portia Turner and Val Jencks hosted by Jan Slavin.
Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy at Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E. Van Buren St., Joliet, 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The two multi-award winning comedians and “Blue Collar Comedy” alums bring their “We’ve Been Thinking” Tour to Joliet.
[LAST WEEKS] 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. Interview with the Thomas Brothers, Paul and Seth here.
Steven Wright at The North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, 8:00 p.m.
“I broke a mirror in my house and I’m supposed to get seven years bad luck, but my lawyer thinks he can get me five.”
“Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.”
“I went to a restaurant that serves ‘breakfast at any time’ so I ordered French toast during the Renaissance.”
“I intend to live forever. So far, so good.”
Steven Wright’s shows are a beautiful, scenic marathon of surreal insight. Must experience. He is at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles tomorrow night.
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.”
Ben Moore at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. Ben Moore was a finalist at The Laughing Skull Comedy Festival and his joke writing was singled out for praise by Marc Maron.
Comedy Party Featuring Pauly Shore, Tom Green, Harland Williams and Bobby Lee at The Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, 8:00 p.m. Hopefully, Joliet and Rockford are still standing after this week.
Carlos Mencia at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. The star of Comedy Central’s Mind of Mencia (2005-2008) has had a long and controversial career. In its second season, the show was the second highest rated on Comedy Central. (South Park was the first.) Allegations of joke-stealing, which he vehemently denies, dogged him for a long time and threatened to bring him down. Interesting interview with him in the Modesto Bee here. Interesting fact: originally from Honduras, he is the seventeenth of eighteen children. He studied electrical engineering in college before he dropped out to pursue comedy.
Tony Roberts at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tony Roberts is a nationally touring headliner. He has appeared on Def Comedy Jam, It’s Showtime at the Apollo and BET’s ComicView. He is the winner of BET’s Robin Harris Award for Most Original Comic.
Darren Carter at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Darren Carter appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and in Be Cool with John Travolta. At Zanies throughout the week.
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.
Come As You Aren’t at Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark St., 10:00 p.m. “Have you ever made an enormous mistake? Have you ever embarrassed yourself in front of someone who matters? Have you ever thought of the perfect thing to say once the argument is replaying itself in the shower? You’re not alone! For all those times you wish you had a “do over” or a time machine there’s a sketch for you. Come laugh at the times you were the most human and know that if it doesn’t get better, but at least it will always get a little funnier.” Fridays in April.
Liquid Courage: A Drinking Show at Second City’s Beat Lounge, 230 W. North Ave., 10:30 p.m. “What made Queen Mary get so bloody pissed? Why are Gin and Tonic getting a divorce? Will Shirley Temple ever stop being a buzz kill? Join us as these drink characters chat, sing and, of course, drink the night away in this interactive drinking show!” A new show featuring: Katherine Biskupic, Terrence Carey, Leah Frires, Adam Levin, Katie Nixon, Mollie Rehner.
Brian Doby ‘Seriously Sarcastic’ Live Album Recording at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 10:00 p.m. When asked, Brian Doby says his style is most like Dave Chapelle. He also cites Bill Burr, Louis C.K. and Bernie Mac as favorites.
SATURDAY, APRIL 9
The Mom & Dad Show at The Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights, 7:00 p.m. Two single parents dish on life.
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.
Darren Carter at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. Darren Carter appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and in Be Cool with John Travolta. At Zanies throughout the week.
Carlos Mencia at The Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall Store K120B, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Wanda Sykes at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State, 8:00 p.m. We saw her at The Chicago Theatre and a bunch of us in the first row of the mezzanine almost laughed ourselves over the side. One of the best comedic storytellers of all time.
Steven Wright at The Arcada Theater, 105 E. Main St., St Charles, 8:00 p.m. The master of surreal logic.
Patrick O’Hara at Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio Live at Wallace Hall, 813 LaSalle St., Ottawa, 8:00 p.m. Headliner: Kevin Wood. Featuring: Patrick O’Hara, Tim Brennan and Mark Johnson.
Story Jam at The Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette, 8:00 p.m. Music and storytelling. Featuring Nestor Gomez, Scott Whitehair, Jasmine Cardenas, Diane Castiel, Lindsay Eanet, Mac MacDevitt, Julie Saltzman, Jill Howe and Tori Szekeres. Hosted by Stephanie Rogers. Not strictly comedy, but the same elements of humor, honesty and connection.
Ben Moore at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. Shows also Friday and Saturday.
Tony Roberts at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tony Roberts is a nationally touring headliner. He has appeared on Def Comedy Jam, It’s Showtime at the Apollo and BET’s ComicView. He is the winner of BET’s Robin Harris Award for Most Original Comic.
The Yeah Buddy Awesome Time Comedy Show at Brainstorm Comics, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave., 8:30 p.m.
Brian Doby ‘Seriously Sarcastic’ Live Album Recording at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 10:00 p.m. When asked, Brian Doby says his style is most like Dave Chapelle. He also cites Bill Burr, Louis C.K. and Bernie Mac as favorites.
VAMP: A Musical Comedy Drinking Show at MCL Chicago Comedy Theater, 3110 N. Sheffield, 10:30 p.m. In 2015, New City named this show the “best atmosphere for musical improv.”
SUNDAY, APRIL 10
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. Check site for additional performances throughout the week. Through May 14.
The History of Alcohol in Chicago at Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark St., 7:00 p.m. Chicago’s historical figures take you back in time. Featuring tales, music and authentic liquid refreshment from each era.
Bust-A-Gut Sundays at Flavor Brunch, 17575 S. Kedzie, Hazelcrest, 7:00 p.m. Tony Sco, of 106.3 and Windy City Live, just announced that he’ll be hosting this comedy showcase every Sunday. One of my favorite things is when Windy City Live starts and I see Tony Sco co-hosting.
Stand Up Then Sit Down at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 7:30 p.m. Host: Michael Rice. Line-Up: Kristen Lundberg, Austin Lafond, Tristan A. Smith, Steve Gerard & Ben Banach. Headliner: David Drake.
Lady Business at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 7:30 p.m. A comedy variety show “by and for women.”
Tony Roberts at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr., 8:00 p.m. Tony Roberts is a nationally touring headliner. He has appeared on Def Comedy Jam, It’s Showtime at the Apollo and BET’s ComicView. He is the winner of BET’s Robin Harris Award for Most Original Comic.
Different But Better at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. Being different is a much better thing than you probably think. Sundays through April 24.
Darren Carter at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Darren Carter appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and in Be Cool with John Travolta. At Zanies throughout the week.
Cole’s Chicago Cabaret at Cole’s, 2338 N. Milwaukee Ave., 8:30 p.m. Stand-up showcase “with a little weirdness thrown in.”