Chicago comedians are in the spotlight for this end of summer calendar. (End of summer … Blargh!) Where did the summer go?! This being Chicago, there are – yay! – daily/nightly opportunities to see the summer out with laughs.
This spotlight is just a fraction of the great comedy happening here in just four days. When a show catches your eye, be sure to check out the venue’s full offerings. You’ll find regular weekly shows by clicking on “Comedy Each Day of the Week” above.
Labor Day Weekend spotlight coming later this week. It’s a monster. Warning: no time for barbecues at all!
Please check all details before heading out. Thank you to the Chicago comedy community and thank you to you for reading and helping me spread the word.
MONDAY, AUGUST 29
Camp Comedy: Bunk Mates at The Village Tap, 2055 W. Roscoe, 8:00 p.m. This showcase produced by Tessa Orzech and Samantha Berkman is getting rave reviews. Tonight: Adam Levine, Brad Einstein, Kendall Klitzke, Angela Vela, Ron Ervin, Shannon Noll and Tucker Millett with Tessa Orzech.
Ladylike at Café Mustache, 2313 N. Milwaukee Ave., 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. A safe space for the happiness of shared grossness. For audience members, too. Audience stories will be read onstage by the host and kept anonymous. Tonight features Melody Kamali, Stephanie Weber, Becca Brown, Gena Gephart, Deanna Ortiz and Kristen Toomey.
Laugh Till You’re Winded at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Tonight’s all-star line-up of Chicago comedians benefits Michael Alexander’s upcoming documentary about Chicago comedy, Laugh Till You’re Winded.
Featuring documentary participants Danny Kallas, Larry Reeb, Rachel McCartney, Adam Burke, Merrit Landsteiner, Kristen Lundberg, Pat McGann, Kristen Toomey, Pat Tomasulo, Lilly Allison, Kevin Bozeman, Mike Wiley, Josh Ejnes, Michael Alexander, CJ Sullivan, Prateek Srivastava, Peter Lipsey, Sabeen Sadiq, Aaron McDavis, Ilana Abby Gordon, Ricky Gonzalez and Ed Towns.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 30
Fool Me Twice, Déjà Vu at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. The 104th Main Stage Revue. The Chicago Tribune’s Chris Jones called it “exceptionally funny” and “Second City like you’ve never seen it before.” Tickets sell out fast. Check site for additional shows throughout the week.
A Roast of JK Rowling by Her Characters at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. Harry Potter, Ginny Weasley, Professor Snape, Dobby and the Sorting Hat will be there and they have plenty to say about the woman who penned them. Will “Golden Snitch” mean something different by the end of the evening?
Comedy Secrets at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 9:00 p.m. Non-disclosure agreement required. What happens at Comedy Secrets stays at Comedy Secrets.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31
Second City Neighborhood Tour at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 4:00 p.m. Humorous walking tour led by Margaret Hicks, author of Chicago Comedy: A Fairly Serious History. Wednesdays and Saturdays through Oct. 29. Additional Sunday tour through Sept. 4. Follow link for details.
Chicago Fringe Festival at the Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence, 7:00 p.m. The festival kicks off with a preview party and continues with performances at five different Jefferson Park locations (all within walking distance) through September 11. Follow link for complete schedule.Shows are from 7–11 pm on weekdays and 1 pm–11 pm on weekends and Labor Day. Filtered list of only comedy shows here.
You Joke Like a Girl at Volumes Bookcafé, 1474 N. Milwaukee, 7:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. This all women’s open mic and showcase hosted by Elyse Nylin is another evening with great reviews. Open mic sign-up is at 7:00 p.m., followed by open mic at 7:30 p.m. Showcase at 8:30 p.m. Tonight features Amy Sumpter, Colleen Brennan, Alicia Swiz and Kelly Bolton.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Chicago Fringe Festival at multiple locations, 7:00 p.m. Performances at five different Jefferson Park locations (all within walking distance) through September 11. Follow link for complete schedule. Shows are from 7–11 pm on weekdays and 1 pm–11 pm on weekends and Labor Day. Filtered list of only comedy shows only here.
Congrats on Your Success at Uncharted Books, 2620 N. Milwaukee Ave., 7:00 p.m. Hosted by Rebecca V. O’Neal. Featuring Congrats on Your Success’s Alex Dragicevich, Justin Covington, Stephanie Weber, Odinaka Od Ezeokoli and Bill Bullock. Free show and free beer from Powell Brew House. Donations are appreciated and go to the performers.
Jon Lovitz at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 7:30 p.m. Well, hellllo! Jon Lovitz got his comedy start with the Groundlings and went on to SNL where his forever memorable characters included Tommy Flanagan of Pathological Liars Anonymous, Hannukah Harry and Master Thespian. His film work includes Big, A League of Their Own, The Wedding Singer, High School High, Small Time Crooks, and Rat Race. He will be at the Improv through Sunday. Follow link for all show times.
A Red Line Runs Through It at Second City’s e.t.c. Theater, 1608 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. The e.t.c.’s 40th Revue “rides the rails of Chicago in order to answer life’s tough questions.” Chris Jones called it “an admirably fearless” look at our city. Thursday-Sunday.
the kates on Broadway at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:30 p.m. Featuring Kelsie Huff, Krista Atkinson, Katie Nixon, Marsella Lopez, Jaime Engle, Brittany Meyer, Soli Santos, Tocarra Mallard and Kristen Lundberg.
Just Dickin’ Around All Ladies Showcase at Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, 8:30 p.m. Open mic begins at 8:30 p.m. Showcase at 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 show and free pizza! Tonight’s showcase is hosted by JDA producer Marla Depew (JDA member) and features Sydney Davis Jr. Jr., Leah Eva, Melody Kamali and LeeAnn Yops. Interview coming soon for this uniquely warm, inclusive event where you’ll feel like family in the best sense of the word.
ChiGaygo at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 10:00 p.m. Featuring Chicago’s best gay and gay-friendly comedians. Produced and hosted by Scott Duff who has some of the funniest, warmest and most uplifting energy you’ll find anywhere.
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