One-hundred-eight years. One week. In true Cubs’ fashion, we had one measly week of World Series happiness before the election hit.
So there’s welcome good news if you’re a comedy fan in Chicago. This week’s comedy is so big, I need two posts to contain it. Starting out here with ten events over the next three days. In town: Mara Wilson and Lady to Lady podcasters Brandie Posey and Barbara Gray who will also be at the Chicago Podcast Festival on Thursday.
Speaking of the Podcast Festival, it’s Thursday, November 17- Saturday, November 19. A behind-the-scenes look with Festival organizers Jonathan Pitts and Tyler Greene here. Schedule and tickets here. I’ll have more details in the next spotlight, but in the meantime, get tickets! They’re going fast.
Stay tuned for the end of the week’s comedy spotlight. Clear your schedules! Drink coffee! Invent a way to be in ten places at once! But you don’t have to wait. The week of original and outstanding Chicago comedy starts now! (Please confirm all details before heading out.)
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Death, Sex & Money with Mara Wilson at The Music Box, 3733 N. Southport, 8:00 p.m. Anna Sale’s podcast about life’s big, often unspoken questions. Special live recording with Mara Wilson (Mrs. Doubtfire, Bojack Horseman, Matilda, author Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame).
Camp: A Comedy Show at Village Tap, 2055 W. Roscoe, 8:00 p.m. Free stand-up showcase featuring Martin Morrow, Jeff Scheen, Jason Earl Folks, Sarah Manning, Max Walter, Nathan Simmons and Camp’s Samantha Berkman. Hosted by Tessa Orzech. Live painting during the show by Zach Bartz.
The Apocalypse is Nigh at The Crowd Theater, 3933 N. Broadway, 10:00 p.m. “This is a dystopian comedy show, come join us as we enjoy the last few days of light before the long night sets in and we all shed these mortal coils. Admission is done by bartering. Please bring tribute of some kind.”
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Tyler Snodgrass Does an Hour of Sincere Comedy at The Crowd Theater, 3935 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. One night only! “Tyler, who runs the famously-earnest Chicago storytelling comedy show We Still Like You, will be telling heartfelt jokes and vulnerable stories, featuring special appearances from true friends and a genuine banjo. He is being seriously no-nonsense about cramming as much authentic nonsense into an hour as possible.” Also featuring Dan Sheehan and Steven King.
Second City’s 105th Main Stage Revue at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. Tickets sell out fast. Check site for additional shows throughout the week.
How the Fuck Did We Get Here? at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. The question on all of our minds one way or another. Tonight’s focus is Chicago.
Dobie Maxwell at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Author, radio personality, comedy mentor, one of the all-time great stand-ups. He won’t sugar-coat, but he will get laughs out of even the most dire situations. Check out Dobie’s memoirs, Monkey in the Middle, just published this year.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Mom Genes Stuffs Your Turkey at Café Mustache, 2313 N. Milwaukee Ave., 8:oo p.m. Headliner: Peter-john Byrnes. Special guests: Brandie Posey and Barbara Gray of Lady to Lady podcast in town from L.A. Featuring Denise Medina, Cynthia Shur Petts and Zach Peterson. Free show. Donations appreciated and go to performers.
Kristen Toomey Album Recording at Timothy O’Tooles, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., 9:30 p.m. Much anticipated album recording. Kristen Toomey combines comedy and honesty exponentially. No BS. Much laughter and feeling understood. Hosted by Adam Burke.
TJ & Dave at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:30 p.m. Long form improv by internationally renowned legends TJ Jagodowski and Dave Pasquesi who “improvise a one-hour play filled with elaborately imagined characters whose relationships reveal the wildly funny quirks of human nature.” TJ & Dave have inspired both a book (Improvisation at the Speed of Life) and a movie (Trust Us, This is all Made Up).