Guests!
Comedians visiting this week include Jerry Seinfeld, Margaret Cho, Alycia Cooper, JSmiles, Chris Fleming, Butch Bradley, Steve Rannazzisi, Adam Ferrara, Frank Conniff and Trace Beaulieu. Mike Stanley returns to his comedy hometown with his new album and DVD, Shiner, available on the Stand Up! Records label.
Ticket alert!
Paula Poundstone at Thalia Hall on May 13, 2017. Not too soon to get tickets here.
Classes!
Lots of comedy classes just announced. Kevin Mullaney, formerly with Under the Gun Theater, has started his own company, The Improv Resource Center, which will offer classes and workshops at its Ravenswood location.
Fans of the kates can now learn some of their comedy secrets at the new kates university. Courses include adult storytelling, stand-up classes, all female stand-up classes, corporate comedy workshops, college comedy intensives, and youth outreach programs. I love how they put it: “the kates university is the first step in YOUR comedy revolution.” The university launches in January. Details here.
In the news:
In September, I spoke with Brian Posen, the founder of the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. It was the first interview for the 2017 Festival, which takes place January 5-15 at Stage 773. At the time, Brian told me there was big news brewing, but he couldn’t announce it yet. It was worth the wait. This week, Festival organizers announced that Danny Pudi (of the hit show Commmunity and also a Chicago native) will debut his one-man show, Danny Pudi: In Progress at the Festival. Also appearing: L.A.’s Heavy Weight featuring TJ Miller and Nick Vatterott, and New York’s Pop Roulette with SNL writer Sudi Green. These are just a few examples of the 180 shows you can see in eight days. Check out the calendar and buy tickets here.
Here is this week’s Comedy Spotlight. Please confirm all details before heading out into the tundra!
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 5
Holidazed and Confused at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. The annual holiday revue. Check site for additional times.
Camp: A Comedy Show at The Village Tap, 2055 W. Roscoe, 8:30 p.m. Tonight this free stand-up showcase celebrates its 6th month with Matty Ryan, Jessica Michelle Singleton, Sabeen Sadiq, Stephanie Weber, Toler Oswald Wolfe and Camp’s Tessa Orzech. Hosted by Camp Counselor Samantha Berkman. Zach Bartz will live paint during the show and create a custom t-shirt to reflect the show’s spirit. Free. Donations appreciated.
MiHiChi at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. A stand-up, multimedia comedy show with Michael Issac and Calvin Evans.
Wild Out Mondays at SLR Bar & Grill, 16409 S. Halsted, 9:00 p.m. Hosted by Just Nesh with Sonya D.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6
Behind the Scenes Tour at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 5:30 p.m. A rare look at Second City secrets ending with dinner at its new restaurant, 1959 Kitchen and Bar.
Tomato Throw Show at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. Comedian with least tomatoes thrown is the winner.
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.
Secrets, Lies & Alibis at Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln, 8:30 p.m. Stand-up, sketch and music with Brandi Denise, Krista Atkinson, Brandon Kieffer, Abby Vatterott, Heather King, Evan & Mary Jane. Hosted by Alex Seligsohn. Sketches written and performed by Sarah Albritton, Ryan Croft, Heather King, Elliot Lerner and Alex Seligsohn.
Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen 2100 W. Belmont, 9:30 p.m. This groundbreaking showcase is where Cameron Esposito, Beth Stelling, TJ Miller and Kumail Nanjiani got their starts. ChUC is promising comedy fireworks and top line-ups for the last three shows of 2016, though for real you can count on them every week of the year. Follow link for all details.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7
Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O’Tooles, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. New York’s Matt Ruby is here to record his album tonight.
Home for Hanukkah with Bubbe at Comedy Sportz, 929 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. An interactive holiday party experience. Wednesdays through December 21st.
Alycia Cooper at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Alycia Cooper has appeared on Comicview, Last Comic Standing, America’s Got Talent, The Mo’Nique Show, Wanda Does It, Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell and as a regular panelist on Fox’s Bethenny. Shows thru Saturday. Follow link for all show times.
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).
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8
Jilly Gagnon at The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., 7:00 p.m. Jilly Gagnon reads and signs her new timely, potentially life-saving book, Choose Your Own Misery: the Holidays.
Jerry Seinfeld at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Shows Thursday and Friday night.
Chris Fleming Live in Chicago at The Music Box, 3733 N. Southport, 7:30p.m. Chris Fleming is the comedian behind the 40-episode web series hit Gayle Waters-Waters (2012-2015).
Adam Ferrara at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 7:30 p.m. Adam Ferrara’s credits include Chief Needles Nelson on Rescue Me with Denis Leary and Frank Verelli on Nurse Jackie with Edie Falco. He also co-starred with Kevin James in Paul Blart: Mall Cop and in Definitely Maybe with Ryan Reynolds and Isla Fisher. He has three Comedy Central specials. Shows thru Sunday. Follow link for all times.
Alycia Cooper at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 7:30 p.m. Shows through Saturday. Follow link for all details.
Mike Stanley at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. Shows thru Sunday. Follow link for all times. Mike Stanley’s new album and DVD, Shiner, are now available on the Stand Up! Records label. Check it out on the SUR site and itunes.
Comedy Roast of Mr. Scrooge at Chicago Theater Works, 1113 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Seven performances through December 23rd. Follow link for all show times. You can bet Tiny Tim and some ghosts will have something to say.
Rat Pack Comedy: Have Yourself a Funny Little Christmas at The Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan, 8:00 p.m. The showcase celebrates its anniversary with Rebecca O’Neal, Derek Smith and Kristen Toomey.
Butch Bradley at Zanies, Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, 8:00 p.m. Shows Thursday thru Saturday. Check site for all times.
Shrink Ray’d Fundraiser at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:30 p.m. Audience interaction followed by improv with special guests TJ and Dave. Tonight is a holiday fundraiser for Expanding Lives, which brings “education and leadership experiences to young women in West Africa and young people in the United States.”
Just Dickin’ Around All-Genders Showcase at Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, 8:30 p.m. Open mic followed by showcase at 9:45. 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. Donations appreciated and go to performers. Tonight hosted by Marla Depew (JDA member). Featuring Krista Atkinson (JDA member), Scott Duff (JDA member), Derek Graff, Jonah Jurkens and Casey Larwood. Interview with JDA here!
Steve Rannazzisi at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 9:30 p.m. At Zanies in Chicago and Rosemont this week. Follow link for all show times.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9
Alycia Cooper Interview on Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio, 8:00 a.m. This interview comes to you when you download the Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio app or follow the link. This interview is part of CCSR’s morning show with Tony Carr and Steve Touhy.
the kates at The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., 7:00 p.m. Featuring Claire Swanson, Sydney Davis Jr. Jr., Maggie Jenkins, Jessica Besser-Rosenberg, Kate Cullan, Amanda Cohen, Charlene Orsine, Stephanie L. Seweryn, Alisa Rosenthal and host Erin Grotheer.
Jerry Seinfeld at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Shows Thursday and Friday night.
The Mads: Live Riffing at The Logan Theater, 2646 N. Milwaukee Ave., 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Mystery Science Theater 3000’s Frank Conniff and Trace Beaulieu screen worst movies ever made. Presented by @NorthBar. Two shows and two different films.
Mike Stanley at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. Shows thru Sunday. Follow link for all times. Mike Stanley’s new album and DVD, Shiner, are now available on the Stand Up! Records label. Check it out on the SUR site and itunes.
Margaret Cho at The Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan, 8:00 p.m.
Adam Ferrara at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 8:00 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. Shows through Sunday. Follow link for all times.
Butch Bradley at Zanies, Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, 8:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Lodge at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. The Lincoln Lodge is known for the comedians it helped launch: Cameron Esposito, Hannibal Buress and TJ Miller and more. Always high quality comedy with local and visiting performers. Dedicated to making comedy accessible and affordable.
We Still Like You: Shame on Wheels at Cole’s Bar, 2338 N. Milwaukee, 8:00 p.m. Meet at Cole’s, then embark on a “We Still Like You” fundraiser ($20) aboard a trolley, a tour of Chicago with some its top comedians including Shannon Noll, J. Michael Osborne, Rodescu Hopkins, Matt Riggs, Kyle Scanlan and secret guests to be announced, free beer, a free poster, and of course, stories celebrating shame, we’ve all got it.
Alycia Cooper at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
JSmiles at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 7:30 p.m. JSmiles is a lawyer who left the corporate world after taking Josh Harris’ stand-up course at Atlanta’s Improv club. Her mission is “to improve the everyday life of people.” She cites Richard Pryor, Wanda Sykes, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Rock and Katt Williams as influences.
Funked Up Friday at Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 10:00 p.m. Finish the week and start the weekend with this party hosted by AJ Lubecker (Interview here.) and featuring Matty Ryan, Abi Sanchez and more comedians to be announced.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10
Alycia Cooper at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. Thru Sunday. Check site for all show times.
Adam Ferrara at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Thru Sunday. Follow link for all show times.
The Two Hour Comedy Hour at Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley, 7:00 p.m. Free show. Special guest is Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt writer and one of Comedy Central’s “Comedians to Watch” Marlena Rodriguez with David Drake, Jessica Michelle Singleton, and James Doyle! With Chicago’s Arish Singh and Deanna Ortiz, and a special appearance from Sarah Shockey of Marty & Sarah Love Wrestling.
Mike Stanley at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 7:30 p.m. Shows thru Sunday. Follow link for all times. Mike Stanley’s new album and DVD, Shiner, are now available on the Stand Up! Records label. Check it out on the SUR site and itunes.
Butch Bradley at Zanies, Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
The Therapy Players at The Open Door, 902 S. Ridgeland, Oak Park, 8:00 p.m. Chicago’s all-psychotherapist improv group.
Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio at Wallace Hall, 813 LaSalle St., Ottawa, 8:00 p.m. With Marz Timms, Marcos, Amanda Cohen, Melissa Richelle. Receive a $5 discount with advance ticket purchase.
Nasty Women Live at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 10:00 p.m. Hosted by Reena Calm. Featuring Erica Nicole Clark,
Sarah Squirm, Natalie Jose, Kellye Howard and Kristen Toomey.
[LAST SHOW!] Defiant Thomas Brothers at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., 10:30 p.m. Last show of the Defiant Thomas Brothers second season!! You won’t find their show on YouTube or anywhere else, so grab this chance now or regret forever! The Chicago Tribune’s Chris Jones said DTB rival Key & Peele. A behind-the-scenes talk with Seth and Paul here.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11
Adam Ferrara at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m.
Tuxedo Cat Comedy at Inner Town Pub, 1935 W. Thomas St., 7:00 p.m. Free show. Hosted by Natalie Jose. Headliner: Rachel McCartney. Featuring Bill Bullock, Andrew Tavin, Michael Rice and new TCC producer Brittany Meyer.
Off the Record: A Storytelling Show at Goldies Pub, 3839 N. Lincoln Ave., 7:00 p.m. Hosted by Jonathan Giles and featuring Jessica Besser-Rosenberg and more TBA. Off-the-record stories from comedians and artists.
Steve Rannazzisi at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 7:30 p.m.