Add up shows a la carte this week and you can easily see one hundred comedians in three days or less. And that’s just Monday through Wednesday.
Please confirm all details before heading out!
MONDAY, JANUARY 2
42×42 at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. Forty-two Chicago comedians each get a forty-two second slot. A few more slots will be given out and before you know it, you’ve seen fifty Chicago comedians in one night! Featuring Andy Fleming, Deanna Ortiz, Will Miles and many more TBA. A joint presentation of the Two Hour Comedy Hour and The Laugh Factory.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3
Top $10 Tuesdays at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 7:30 p.m. Only $10 to see a top line-up of Chicago comedians. Hosted by Rebecca O’Neal. Rebecca is a comedian and author whose work has appeared in Vanity Fair, Vulture.com and The Rumpus, among many others. She is also the host of WCIU’s new show, Chicago’s One Night Stand-Up which premiered on New Year’s Eve and the producer of the popular comedy showcase, Congrats on Your Success. Tonight Rebecca hosts: Lainie Lenertz, Drew Michael, Mary Zee, David Banks, Gena Gephart , Anthony Bonazzo and more TBA. Interview with Rebecca here.
50 First Jokes at @North Bar, 1637 W. North Bar, 8:00 p.m. Fifty comedians present their first joke written in 2017. “Fifty First Jokes” began in New York and became an annual sold-out event across the country, including in New York, Los Angeles, Austin, Atlanta, DC, Denver and New Orleans. This is the show’s FIRST TIME in Chicago!
Winner … of our Discontent at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. Second City’s 105th Mainstage revue. Tickets sell out fast. Check site for additional shows throughout the week.
Dobie Maxwell at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Dobie Maxwell is a nationally touring headliner, author, radio host and TV guest who is also an iconic Chicago comedian. A guaranteed great night of stand-up. Dobie released his memoirs, Monkey in the Middle, in 2016 and it’s got biker dads, a catastrophic car wreck, bank-robbing gorillas, tangles with the FBI and a remarkable personal story. Dobie is at Zanies in Chicago tonight, Wednesday and Sunday. He is at Zanies in St. Charles Thursday thru Saturday night.
Secrets, Lies & Alibis at The Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln Ave., 8:30 p.m. A comedy variety show based on the audience’s anonymous secrets. Featuring Merrit Landsteiner, Vickie Lynn and Michael Njuguna Robinson. Music by Nick Jester. With performances by SLA Producers Sarah Albritton and Ryan Croft. Hosted by Heather King. Also featuring a surprise guest.
One Night Only: Matt Damon featuring Julia Weiss at Second City Beat Lounge, 1616 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Opening stand-up by Adrienne Brandyburg. “Matt Damon” is improv by women of color accompanied by a special guest white guy (Matt Damon) or white lady (Lena Dunham), who may speak only when repeating something already said in the show.
Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen is closed tonight for building repairs.
MOLLY at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:30 p.m. For only $5, here’s a chance to see two of Chicago’s internationally famous improvisers, Susan Messing and Norm Holly.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4
Seriously Unprepared Presents “Lives of the Prepared” at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. A live video interview with an iO alum inspires Armando-style improv.
Puppy Party: A Fundraiser/Memorial at Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley, 8:00 p.m. Andy Fleming, co-host of the Two-Hour Comedy Hour lost his best friend River last month. This show is a memorial to her and a fundraiser with all proceeds going to final vet bills and to the Humane Society. Sociable dogs are welcome to attend with their owners. Comedians tonight include Stephanie Hasz, Dan Sheehan, Bobby Condon, Matt Drufke, Meredith Kachel, Kyle Scanlan and more TBA.
Dobie Maxwell at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Dobie Maxwell is a nationally touring headliner, radio host and TV guest who is also an iconic Chicago comedian. A guaranteed great night of stand-up. Dobie released his memoirs, Monkey in the Middle, in 2015 and it’s got biker dads, a catastrophic car wreck, bank-robbing gorillas, tangles with the FBI and a remarkable personal story.
Detention Hall at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 9:00 p.m. Comedy, storytelling and music from Chicagoland educators. Tonight: comedy from Tyler Snodgrass, spoken word poetry from Joel Chmara, a story by Don Hall, music by Phil Rockrohr & The Lifters, and confessions of bad teaching from host, David Narter.
Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O’Tooles IS BACK ON JANUARY 18
Hello, My Name is Nadia at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 9:30 p.m. A true story about growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness.
TJ and Dave at iO 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:30 p.m. The internationally renowned improv duo who are the subject of both a book (Improvisation at the Speed of Life) and a movie (Trust Us, This is All Made Up).