This week in Chicago comedy: parties, festivals and an anniversary! Three comedy festivals: (1) MCL’s Premier Premieres Festival, (2) The Second City/NBC Universal Breakout Comedy Festival and (3) TruTV, A.V. Club and Onion’s 3rd Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival with free after-parties every night. Too many festival-related celebrities in town to list. Have a look below!
As if this weren’t enough, Louis C.K., Brian Kellen, Taylor Williamson, Kaitlin Marone, Rebecca Hosking, Esau McGraw and Laura Simms are in town. Plus all the Chicago comedy stars you can count on every week.
Ticket Alerts!
Elaine Soloway has written a pilot called Layover and will host a free staged reading at iO on Saturday, June 11. Details here.
Mike Birbiglia will be at The Music Box Theatre on July 14 for an advance screening of his new film about the New York improv scene, Don’t Think Twice. Tickets here.
Following are some spotlights for this fabulous week. Please confirm all details! If you have a show you’d like me to add now or in the future, please email me at temewring@gmail.com.
MONDAY, MAY 30
Sadsacks and Wisecracks at High Hat Club, 1920 W. Irving Park Rd., 8:00 p.m. Weekly comedy showcase hosted by Natalie Jose. Headliner: Sean White (Dead & Gone on A Special Thing Records). Featuring Ashley Huck, Mike Makings, Adam Kroshus and Kaitlin Marone. Special musical guest from Nashville: Rebecca Hosking. Free show.
100 Proof Comedy at Comedy Sportz, 929 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Headliner: Sonia Denis. Featuring Jerry Tran, with Samuel Priest, Sarah Vulpio, Casey Larwood, Erin Grotheer, and host Dane Arden.
The Mixer at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted St., 10:00 p.m. “For anyone interested in improv.” At 10:00 p.m. there’s an improv workshop. At 10:30 everyone breaks into teams for a long form show. You can choose to be in the audience or join everyone on stage.
TUESDAY, MAY 31
Flat Iron Comedy at 1579 N. Milwaukee, 3rd Floor, 7:30 p.m. Rotating casts of house-and guest-improv teams, plus stand-up, music, storytelling and more. Admission is pay what you can. All donations go to the performers. Every Tuesday and Wednesday night.
Louis C.K. at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., 8:00 p.m.
The Comedy Bowl at Diversey River Bowl, 2211 W. Diversey Parkway, 8:00 p.m. Trivia contest and stand-up hosted by Mona Aburmishan. Featuring Amy Sumpter, Jonathan Giles, Scott Duff and Ronnie George Phipps.
[One night only!] Having It All: Stories and Improvisation about Being Female at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:00 p.m. Fourteen women of Chicago’s improv community bring you an evening of storytelling and improv based on those stories. The show “aims to highlight the obstacles facing women everywhere as well as the female performers of Chicago.”
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1
Brian Kellen at Zanies, MB Financial Place, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. This Last Comic Standing finalist will be at Zanies in Rosemont through June 4. Check site for show times.
Louis C.K. at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., 8:00 p.m.
Psychotic Break at Schubas Tavern (upstairs), 3159 N. Southport, 8:00 p.m. “ … a show that features candid stories and comedy about mental illness, addictions, compulsions, hallucinations, and other fucked up things comedians/storytellers have done or experienced.” Tonight: Rachel McCartney, Sean White and Andrew Halter.
Tracy Morgan at Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr. 8:00 p.m. Featured show of the Tru TV, A.V. Club and Onion’s 3rd Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival.
Free Festival After Party featuring Ian Abramson’s Bell Hop at Virgin Hotels Chicago, 25th Floor, 203 N. Wabash, 9:30 p.m. Presented by the Tru TV, A.V. Club and Onion’s 3rd Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival. Follow link for tonight’s comedy and musical guests and to RSVP.
TJ & Dave at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:30 p.m. Internationally renowned improv greats TJ Jagodowski and Dave Pasquesi improvise a one-hour play every Wednesday.
THURSDAY, JUNE 2
Stand Up with the Sox at The Stadium Club at U.S. Cellular Field, 6:00 p.m. Headliner: Pat McGann. Featuring Kevin Bozeman and Jim Flannigan. A White Sox Charities event.
Congrats on Your Success at Uncharted Books 2720 N. Milwaukee, 7:00 p.m. Free show. Free beer from Powell Brew House and a great comedy line-up. Sonia Denis hosts Congrats on Your Success’s Odinaka Od Ezeokoli and Jaboukie Young-White, Mark James Heath, Tafadzwa Gwaze, Guerterrius Jackson and headliner Jeff Arcuri.
Michael Che and Brian Babylon at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln, 8:00 p.m. Featured show of the Tru TV, A.V. Club and Onion’s 3rd Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival.
Chris Gethard and Goodrich Gevaart at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport, 8:00 p.m. Featured show of the Tru TV, A.V. Club and Onion’s 3rd Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival. Here’s Chris Gethard talking about how not to pronounce his name and the early days of his show which debuted on cable access and got snapped up by the Fusion network.
2nd Annual Premier Premieres at MCL Chicago, 3110 N. Sheffield Ave., 8:00 p.m. MCL Chicago Comedy Theater kicks off its festival of new musical comedies. Tonight: Tenure Track. Festival is thru June 4. Visit site for all shows and times. Festival pass available.
The Kates on Broadway at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. Always a great line-up. Tonight is hosted by Kelsie Huff and features Just Nesh, Shannon Noll, Marla Depew, Jillian Ebanks, Kristen Lundberg, Reena Calm, Melody Kamali and Casey Whitaker.
Louis C.K. at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., 8:00 and 11:00 p.m.
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.” Enough reason to go, but also: free pizza! Free pizza! Showcase host: Krista Atkinson (JDA member). Featuring Brandi Denise, Lauren Hooberman, Gwen La Roka and Alexandra Tsarpalas.
Free Festival After Party featuring Ian Abramson’s Bell Hop at Virgin Hotels Chicago, 25th Floor, 203 N. Wabash, 9:30 p.m. Presented by the Tru TV, A.V. Club and Onion’s 3rd Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival. Follow link for tonight’s comedy and musical guests and to RSVP.
Messing with a Friend at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 10:30 p.m. Susan Messing has been named “Improviser of the Year” at The Chicago Improv Festival, “Best Improviser” by The Chicago Reader and “The Funniest Woman in Chicago” by Chicago Magazine. Tonight’s guest: Christina Anthony, a Joseph Jefferson nominee for her work at Second City.
FRIDAY, JUNE 3
Taylor Williamson Interview on Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio, 8:30 a.m. Tony Carr and Steve Touhy interview this week’s Improv headliner. Follow this link or download the app and Chicago comedy will come to you!
2nd Annual Premier Premieres at MCL Chicago, 3110 N. Sheffield Ave., 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. MCL Chicago Comedy Theater continues its festival of new musical comedies. Tonight: Election 2016 The Musical: Bernie Sanders and the No Good, Very Bad, Terrible Election (7:00 p.m.) and Ayn Rand in Love (9:00 p.m.). Festival is thru June 4. Visit site for all shows and times. Festival pass available.
The Second City/NBC Universal Breakout Comedy Festival at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Tonight and Saturday night. Two nights hosted by Tim Meadows. Multiple shows and stars.
“The Break Out Comedy Festival was created in 2015 as part of a relationship between NBC Universal and The Second City with the goal of showcasing diverse voices in comedy. Each night of performances will feature some of the country’s best young, diverse talent in sketch, improvisation and stand-up.” Line-up and tickets here.
Taylor Williamson at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, 8:00 p.m. This second place winner of America’s Got Talent will be at The Improv through Saturday. Check site for show times.
Cameron Esposito at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., 8:00 p.m. Cameron Esposito is one of Chicago’s favorite comedic daughters. She grew up in the western suburbs and got started in stand-up here. She moved to L.A. several years ago where she’s found a ton of success and become of one of the stars of NBC’s Seeso network. Her comedy special Marriage Material which was filmed in December at Thalia Hall, is available now on Seeso. Her series Take My Wife, created with her real-life wife Rhea Butcher, premieres on Seeso on August 11. She also appeared in Garry Marshall’s Mother’s Day with Julia Roberts and is working on a series (which takes place in Chicago) for the FX network.
Featured show of the Tru TV, A.V. Club and Onion’s 3rd Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival.
Esau McGraw at Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Drive, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Shows tonight and tomorrow night.
Will You Accept This Rose? at Under The Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 9:00 p.m. “An improvised parody of The Bachelor weekly through July 29 (no show June 24). Each week will feature a bachelor from the actual television series or one of Chicago’s most eligible bachelors. This week: Justin Reich, a personal trainer from Naperville who appeared in Season 11 of The Bachelor (Kaitlyn’s season) and Season 2 of Bachelor in Paradise.
How to Find Romania at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, 9:00 p.m. Laura Simms, “ world renowned storyteller combines memoir and myth by telling the piercing story of growing up in Brooklyn in a Jewish family after World War II. It is a story … revelatory of family, gender, race and historical reconciliation. Her journey is to both a physical and spiritual place of renewal. Humorous, outrageously poignant and forceful.” Shows tonight, Saturday and Sunday. Check web site for all show times.
Two Year Anniversary Show at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 10:00 p.m. Celebrate WIP’s second anniversary with Timmy Whitzell, Tony Valle, Aaron Sutherland, Kristen Toomey, Casey Hartenberger and Mike Sheehan. Tonight and Saturday night.
Funked Up Friday at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 10:00 p.m. Everyone gets to party at this party of a show hosted by AJ Lubecker.
The Clickhole Writers Present “Amazing” at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 10:00 p.m. With special guest Jacy Catlin. Featured show of the Tru TV, A.V. Club and Onion’s 3rd Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival.
Free Festival After Party featuring Ian Abramson’s Bell Hop at Virgin Hotels Chicago, 25th Floor, 203 N. Wabash, 10:00 p.m. Presented by the Tru TV, A.V. Club and Onion’s 3rd Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival. Follow link for tonight’s comedy and musical guests and to RSVP.
Louis C.K. at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., 11:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, JUNE 4
Defiant Thomas Brothers Workshop at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 1:00 p.m. “Learn some specific approaches to help elevate your comedy songwriting and style.” A chance to learn from the multi award-winning Defiant Thomas Brothers. Paul Thomas is also a member of the outstanding com-rockers, Lola Balatro. Note: DTB are also featured at the Second City/NBC Universal Breakout Comedy Festival this weekend!
2nd Annual Premier Premieres at MCL Chicago, 3110 N. Sheffield Ave., 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Last night of MCL Chicago Comedy Theater’s festival of new musical comedies. Tonight: Howard Zinn Jr’s A People’s History of the Twentieth Century (6:00 p.m.), Admissions: The Musical (8:00 p.m.) and Muffins: The Musical (10:00 p.m.).
Nothing But Laughs Groove at The Hidden Shamrock, 2723 N. Halsted, 7:00 p.m. Featuring Erik Scott and Steve Tapas. Headliner: LaRoyce Hawkins from NBC’s Chicago PD. Music by the Jeff Gibbs Quartet.
Ian Abramson and Seven Minutes in Purgatory at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 7:00 p.m. Featured show of the Tru TV, A.V. Club and Onion’s 3rd Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival.
Jo Firestone with Martin Morrow at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 7:00 p.m. Featured show of the Tru TV, A.V. Club and Onion’s 3rd Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival.
The Second City/NBC Universal Breakout Comedy Festival at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Multiple shows and stars. Hosted by Tim Meadows.
“The Break Out Comedy Festival was created in 2015 as part of a relationship between NBC Universal and The Second City with the goal of showcasing diverse voices in comedy. Each night of performances will feature some of the country’s best young, diverse talent in sketch, improvisation and stand-up.” Line-up and tickets here.
Reggie Watts and Karen at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport, 8:00 p.m. Featured show of the Tru TV, A.V. Club and Onion’s 3rd Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival.
Guest List at Anciens Cycle, 688 N. Milwaukee Ave., 8:30 p.m. Produced and hosted by Rebecca O’Neal. Headliner: Sonia Denis. Sonia Denis is stand-up comedian originally from Washington, D.C. She is also a cast member of Second City’s Afro-Futurism. She has performed at The Bridgetown Comedy Festival, The Onion & A.V. Club’s 2nd Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival, The Comedy Exposition of 2014 and 2015, The Chicago Women’s Comedy Festival, and many others in Chicago and around the country. Her writing has appeared on McSweeney’s Internet Tendency and Brightest Young Things. $10 at the door. $5 for students with ID. FREE with email rsvp to guestlistanciencycles@gmail.com.
HilariTea at Madame ZuZu’s Teahouse, 582 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park, 8:30 p.m. Co-producers Krista Atkinson, Elizabeth Gomez (tonight’s host) and Denise Medina (performing) present: Mike Maxwell, Jayson Acevedo, Kelsie Huff, Ashley Huck, Hobert Thompson and Steve Rinaldi
Free Festival After Party featuring Ian Abramson’s Bell Hop at Virgin Hotels Chicago, 25th Floor, 203 N. Wabash, 10:00 p.m. Presented by the Tru TV, A.V. Club and Onion’s 3rd Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival. Follow link for tonight’s comedy and musical guests and to RSVP.
Porn Minus Porn at Under the Theater, 956 W. Newport, 10:30 p.m. Real scripts, just the dialogue. So what will you hear? You don’t know and neither do the actors … until showtime. Creator Ben Bowman keeps the script a secret until then. He says, “When a line is so stupid that our actors start laughing, the audience inevitably follows along. It’s a ticking time bomb of laughter and I know exactly when it’s going to explode.” Recommended by Redeye, The Chicago Reader and New City Stage. Behind the scenes interview with Ben Bowman here.
Doom and Gloom at Second City’s Beat Lounge, 230 W. North Ave. 10:30 p.m. “Doom and Gloom is a dark sketch comedy making light of the futility of existence, grim topical issues, and the things we put up with in day-to-day life.” Starring Tierney Acott, Alyssa Davis, Matt A. Fox and Alex Wiseman. Written by Tierney Acott and Alex Wiseman. Directed by Matt A. Fox.
SUNDAY, JUNE 5
Improv Nerd at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 5:30 p.m. Jimmy Carrane interviews Tara DeFrancisco and Rance Rizzutto.
And the Parody Lingers On at Skokie Theater, 7924 N. Lincoln Ave. 4:00 p.m. Original songs and parodies by Scott Urban, Carla Gordon, Pam Peterson, Jan Slavin and more. Personal note: of this line-up, I’ve only seen Pam Peterson and Jan Slavin and can say I’m a big fan- they are very, very funny.
Sunday Night Nick at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 6:00 p.m. Nick at Night improv.
Jimmie and Johnny at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 7:30 p.m. Improv with Jimmy Carrane, John Hildreth and a special guest.
Sarah Silverman, Dwayne Kennedy, Todd Barry and Todd Glass at The Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr., 8:00 p.m. Featured show of the Tru TV, A.V. Club and Onion’s 3rd Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival. Why didn’t Sarah Silverman get an Oscar nomination for I Smile Back? I’m still not happy about that, so, yeah:
Dating App Double Dip at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 8:00 p.m. Double feature: Tinderella (two audience members meet – improv plays out the fairy tale) and #Grindme (the best and worst sides of social media).
Mic Check and SPELL at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:30 p.m. Mic Check is Cat McDonnell’s recreation of characters she’s encountered in Chicago’s open mic scene. SPELL is an interactive solo show by Zach Zimmerman. Characters from Christian magicians to a rhyming witch will engage the audience in “escalating” interactions. Through June 12.
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