In the news: Sameena Mustafa was featured in the Chicago Tribune this week with the great news that she is getting ready to run for Congress in 2018.
Ian Abramson appeared on Conan on Monday night and in headlines the rest of the week from The Chicago Tribune to Entertainment Weekly. No surprise to his fans who know him as an original and inventive comedian. He got his comedy start in Chicago and now lives in Los Angeles.
THURSDAY, APRIL 13
Handsome with Jeff Garlin at The Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., 7:00 p.m. Jeff Garlin wrote and co-stars in this movie about Gene Handsome, a L.A. homicide detective working on making sense of his cases and his life. Jeff Garlin will be here for a Q&A. He’ll also be performing at Zanies in Rosemont on Friday and Saturday.
The Kates on Broadway at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. Chicago’s all-female stand-up troupe with creator and producer Kelsie Huff. Tonight: Kelsie Huff, Alexandra Tsarpalas , Sameena Mustafa, Claire Swanson and more TBA.
Jamie Lissow at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 7:30 p.m. From Netflix’s Real Rob.
Jackie Kashian at The Jukebox, 3527 W. Farmington Road, Peoria, 8:00 p.m. The wonderful Jackie Kashian is in Peoria through Saturday. Her new album, I Am Not the Hero of this Story, is excellent! She is one of the most engaging, funniest and relatable comedians I’ve ever heard. Interview coming soon!
Mary Lindsey Presents Esau McGraw at The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave., 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Kevin Simpson. Featuring Tony T. and Vince Acevedo.
Rat Pack Comedy: The Laugh is Yet to Come at The Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan, 8:00 p.m. Headliner: Dave Losso. Featuring: Dane Arden, Jessica Hong, Sam Gordon and Elizabeth Gomez. Hosted by Terence Hartnett. Music by Casey Ritchell. Stand-up showcase with a Rat Pack vibe.
Ralphie Roberts at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Ralphie Roberts is at the downtown Zanies all week as part of the club’s “Spotlight on Chicago” series. He grew up on Chicago’s West Side and his comedy is based on his life story.
Group Improvised Comedy at Comedy Clubhouse, 1462 N. Ashland, 8:00 p.m. Long form improv (20-25 minutes) by three teams of up to 10 improvisers, each based on an audience suggestion. Thursdays through Sundays. Follow link for details, show times and a great explanation of what makes improv an art form like no other.
FRIDAY, APRIL 14
The Kates at The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., 7:00 p.m. Featuring Liz Greenwood, Myriam Raymond, Sam Gordon, Alexandra Tsarpalas, Sydney Davis Jr. Jr., Charlotte Hamilton, Grayson Morris and hosted by Laura Hugg.
Jackie Kashian at The Jukebox, 3527 W. Farmington Road, Peoria, 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Jeff Garlin at Zanies, MB Financial Park, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Through Saturday.
Group Improvised Comedy at Comedy Clubhouse, 1462 N. Ashland, 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Long form improv (20-25 minutes) by three teams of up to 10 improvisers, each based on an audience suggestion. Thursdays through Sundays. Follow link for details, show times and a great explanation of what makes improv an art form like no other.
Ralphie Roberts at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Jamie Lissow at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 8:00 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. Through Sunday.
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.
SATURDAY, APRIL 15
One Night Stand-Up on WCIU at 7:00 p.m. The second episode of this stand-up showcase featuring Chicago’s comedy talent. Hosted by Rebecca O’Neil. Featuring Reena Calm, Pat McGann and Calvin Evans. Rebroadcast on Sunday night at 8:00 p.m.
Jackie Kashian at The Jukebox, 3527 W. Farmington Road, Peoria, 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Jeff Garlin at Zanies, MB Financial Park, Rosemont, 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Norm Macdonald at The Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield, 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Norm Macdonald was a cast member and Weekend Update host on Saturday Night Live, the star of The Norm Show, and one of Last Comic Standing’s most entertaining judges. He is the author of Based on a True Story, published this past fall.
Jamie Lissow at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
Mainstage Mic at The Comedy Clubhouse, 1462 N. Ashland, 8:00 p.m. A new show on Saturdays in April! Each week features 60 minutes of stand-up by three top in-house comedians plus a special guest and a headlining spot by one of Chicago’s renowned comedy vets.
SUNDAY, APRIL 16
Group Improvised Comedy at Comedy Clubhouse, 1462 N. Ashland, 8:00 p.m. Long form improv (20-25 minutes) by three teams of up to 10 improvisers, each based on an audience suggestion. Thursdays through Sundays. Follow link for details, show times and a great explanation of what makes improv an art form like no other.
One Night Stand-Up on WCIU at 8:00 p.m. The second episode of this stand-up showcase featuring Chicago’s comedy talent. Hosted by Rebecca O’Neil. Featuring Reena Calm, Pat McGann and Calvin Evans.