In town! Rita Rudner, Rod Man, Nicole Byer, Russian comedians Revva & Galustyan, The Dollop’s Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds, and David Sedaris.
Please confirm all details before setting out!
THURSDAY, APRIL 20
Legendary Laughs at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 7:00 p.m. This new show combines Second City’s favorite scenes from its history, plus scenes created just for the audience and lots of interaction.
Special Event: Rod Man at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 7:30 p.m. Rod Man doesn’t come through too often, so definitely take this opportunity to see this Last Comic Standing champion (Season 8) and one of comedy’s best storytellers. He was kind enough to speak with me here. Through Saturday night.
Stand Up Stand Up 5-Year Anniversary at 1367 N. Milwaukee Ave., 7:30 p.m. Five top headliners and more TBA. Marty DeRosa, Blake Burkhart, Dennis Banks aka Felonious Munk, Mikey Manker and Kristen Toomey. Hosted by LiZ ZiNER
Cago! at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted St., 8:00 p.m. A new comedy variety show. “The ‘Cago mantra is “Bring new shit to the table and make a hooplah of it.” Through a multi-media, multi-genre platform, we strive to showcase passionate performers celebrating all faces of Chicago.” Tonight features EbonyEssenceJet, Josh Furlin, Paul Harris and Keegan/Smeza.
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.
Larry Reeb at Zanies 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Get some tips from your Uncle Lar’.
In Polite Company: A Political Comedy Show at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 10:00 p.m. Azhar Usman hosts an evening of “hilariously rude political comedians.” Featuring David Carter and more TBA.
FRIDAY, APRIL 21
Rita Rudner at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, 8:00 p.m. Spend the evening with one of comedy’s true icons. Rita Rudner is a world-renowned, multi-award winning comedian and a New York Times bestselling author. She was kind enough to speak with me here.
Russian comedians Revva & Galustyan at The Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence, 8:00 p.m. These Russian comedians, TV stars and writers are in Chicago for their “Best of the Best of the Best” tour.
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.
Special Event: Rod Man 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.
Nicole Byer at Zanies 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Through Sunday. Check site for all details.
Black Friday: Enter the Blatrix at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 9:30 p.m. Comedy variety show featuring The Martin Luther Kings of Comedy with Jayson Acevedo & Mike Robinson. Special guests: Asia Martin and Raych Jackson. Headliner: Denny Love.
Black Box Comedy presents Junior Stopka at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 10:00 p.m. Tonight and Saturday night.
SATURDAY, APRIL 22
Special Event: Rod Man at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Through Saturday.
Nicole Byer at Zanies 1548 N. Wells, 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 11:15 p.m. Shows through Sunday.
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.
The Dollop at The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, 7:30 p.m. Live recording of this comedy podcast which discusses a figure or event from American history. Hosted by Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds. A presentation of the Chicago Podcast Festival which is produced by Chicago Improv Productions.
Fuck Trump: A Collection of Songs to Demonstrate What a Horrible Person Donald Trump Is at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Directed by Mick Napier, the world renowned founder and director of The Annoyance.
Group Improvised Comedy at Comedy Clubhouse, 1462 N. Ashland, 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.
SUNDAY, APRIL 23
An Evening with David Sedaris at The Peoria Civic Center, 201 S.W. Jefferson Ave., Peoria, 7:00 p.m. A reading and signing. David Sedaris sometimes arrives early and hangs out with the audience. He is one of the most fun authors to hear and his book signings always have fun surprises, including how genuinely interested he is in every one of his fans. He is in Rockford on April 24.
Ben Hollis in How the Beatles Nearly Ruined My Life … and David Bowie Saved It at The Catalyst Ranch, 656 W. Randolph, 3:00 p.m. Ben Hollis created and hosted the multi-Emmy-award winning Wild Chicago where he celebrated Chicagoans doing wild, unprecedented, true-to-their-spirit things. Who is Ben behind-the-scenes? In this one-man show he reveals himself as a beautifully wild and unique individual-who is also very funny, wildly honest, and even a talented musician and composer. He’ll answer the question, when is it too late to live the life you were meant to live?
Dick Gregory at The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West, 7;30 p.m. Dick Gregory is one of Comedy Central’s top comedians of all time. He has been a comedian playing to sold-out crowds for decades and a central figure in the Civil Rights movement, a social activist who has run for president and mayor of Chicago, and is also a best selling author and wellness expert.
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.
Nicole Byer at Zanies 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m.
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