In town this week: David Sedaris, David Venhuizen, Josh Cocks, Grace Thomas, The Decepticomics, Gilbert Gottfried, Costaki Economopoulos, Ryan Dalton and Jamie Kennedy. The Look At Me Now Tour is here with Lavell Crawford,Jay Pharaoh, Dominique and Chicagoans Michael Colyar, Rip Michaels, Sean Dale, Shagg Nice and Ricky Rampage. Also returning to their comedy hometown: Arsenio Hall, Goodrich Gevaart, Joe McAdam and Josh Johnson.
In the news:The Kates University is open for enrollment! Classes start next week for All Female Stand-Up Level One and All Female Storytelling. Details here.
The fourth season of Silicon Valley began last night. The show stars three comedians who got their start in Chicago: TJ Miller, Kumail Nanjiani and Thomas Middleditch. Interesting fact: Thomas Middleditch is from Canada and during his early years in Chicago had to work under the radar doing things like dog-walking. Things improved when iO co-founder and director Charna Halpern sponsored his work visa.
There are lots of comedians on late night this week who launched their life and/or comedy career in Chicago:
Monday: Kathryn Hahn (Jimmy Fallon), Jim Gaffigan (Seth Meyers), Matt Walsh (@Midnight), Kumail Nanjiani (Conan)
Wednesday: Thomas Middleditch (Stephen Colbert)
Thursday: Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Jimmy Kimmel), W. Kamau Bell (Jimmy Fallon), Thomas Middleditch (James Corden)
Following is this week’s spotlight. Please confirm all details before setting out!
MONDAY, APRIL 24
The Riff at Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley, 7:00 p.m. A unique open mic hosted by the kates. Comedians get a last-minute topic and deliver a surprise four-minute riff.
David Sedaris at the Coronado Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, 8:00 p.m. 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.
POV at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 7:00 p.m. Michael McCarthy hosts this free weekly talk show about everything iO is offering this week.
Best Night Ever at Gman Tavern, 3740 N. Clark St., 8:30 p.m. Free stand-up showcase. Dave Losso hosts Calvin Evans, Billy Dean, Brittany Meyer, David Venhuizen (LA), Josh Cocks (NYC), Grace Thomas (Minnesota) and Mike O’Keefe.
Manic Mondays at SLR Bar & Grill, 16409 Halsted, Harvey, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Taneshia Rice and Marilee.
The Last Laugh on PBS (WTTW, Channel 11), 10:00 p.m. In recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah), which is today, PBS is airing this documentary which asks, “when is it okay to find humor in the Holocaust?”
TUESDAY, APRIL 25
The Decepticomics: Down Forward Punch Tour at @North Bar, 1637 W. North Ave., 7:00 p.m. Decepticomics is Gordon Baker-Bone, Mike Brown, John Minus, Cerrome Russell and Dillon Stevenson. They “combine urban, alternative and middle-America comedy into one hilarious show” and they’ve got waay too many credits to list here. Follow link to learn more. Hosted by Felonious Munk (also too many credits to list, but including The Nightly Show and Windy City Live).
Goodrich Gevaart: An Album Recording at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Chicago Underground Comedy. Goodrich Gevaart lives in L.A., but got his comedy start in Chicago and returns to record his first album on the Grammy-award winning label A Special Thing Records. Featuring Rebecca O’Neal, Stephanie Hasz, Nicholas Rouley and Joe McAdam.
Winner … of Our Discontent at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. The new 105th Mainstage revue. Tickets sell out fast. Check site for additional shows throughout the week.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26
Give Your Choice a Voice at Township, 2200 N. California Ave., 6:00 p.m. Comedy, music and storytelling to benefit the Chicago chapter of the National Organization of Women (NOW) and the Midwest Access Coalition. Performances by Ada Cheng (The Moth StorySlam Winner, writer/performer of Not Quite: Asian American By Law, Asian Woman By Desire), Elizabeth Gomez (Drinkers with Writing Problems), Ali McLaughlin (Feminine Comique), Marsella Lopez (the kates), Sameena Mustafa (Hand Her the Mic), Praxilla Femina (feminist classical music collective), Heather ‘Byrd’ Roberts (poet & author of Mahogany: A Love Letter to Black) and Alice York (poet & freelance writer). Suggested donation: $10.
You Joke Like a Girl at Volumes Bookcafé, 1474 N. Milwaukee Ave., 7:00 p.m. All women open mic and stand-up showcase. Open mic sign-up at 7:00 p.m. Open mic at 7:15 p.m. Showcase at 8:45 p.m. Tonight’s showcase: Ruby Western, Erin Conlon, Maya May and Lainie Lenertz. Donations accepted and go to performers.
Shindig! Returns at The Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark St., 8:00 p.m. A comedy party hosted by Cody Melcher, Esq. and Alexandra Tsarpalas. Featuring comedians Jan Slavin and Brittany Meyer, and mind reader Mark Toland.
The wonderful Jan Slavin with her Boomer Babe partner, Pam Peterson.
Josh Johnson at Zanies, MB Financial Park, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. This award-winning comedian returns to Chicago as part of Zanies’ “Welcome Home” series. Josh Johnson’s credits also include writing for and appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Bad Comedy Theatre at @North Bar, 1637 W. North Ave, 8:00 p.m. “Chicago comics showing clips of their earliest and most cringeworthy attempts at stand-up.”
Exploded Trash at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:30 p.m. Two hit shows for the price of one! Shannon Noll performs Trash Baby Does a Solo Show (the bio of a traveling trash-loving artist) and Molly Ruthenberg brings Exploded (about life with anxiety). Both shows are back by popular demand after successful runs at The Annoyance and The Revival, respectively. One night only.
Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., 9:30 p.m. Blake Burkhart hosts Marty DeRosa, Paul Farahvar, Aaron Kleiber, Kristen Lundberg, Joe McAdam and Jeff Steinbrunner.
THURSDAY, APRIL 27
Gilbert Gottfried at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Costaki Economopoulos at Zanies, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, 8:00 p.m. Tonight and Saturday night at Zanies in St. Charles. On Friday in Rosemont.
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.
Josh Johnson at Zanies, MB Financial Park, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. This award-winning comedian returns to Chicago as part of Zanies’ “Welcome Home” series. Josh Johnson’s credits also include writing for and appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Messing with a Friend at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 10:30 pm. This is a show where the improvisers morph from character to character before your eyes. Believable and magical at the same time. A little bit dangerous, too. Anything can happen. Susan Messing was named “Best Improviser” by the Reader and “Improviser of the Year” at the Chicago Improv Festival.
FRIDAY, APRIL 28
48-Hour Improv Marathon at The Crowd Theater, 3935 N. Broadway, 6:00 p.m. Nonstop improv through Sunday. Now in its third year, this improv marathon will benefit GirlForward which “creates opportunities for girls who have been displaced by conflict and persecution.” The Crowd Theater will host over forty improv teams. “All improv. No sleep.” Full weekend passes are available for $20. Daily passes are $10.
Waiting to Inhale at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 7:30 p.m. “An improvised one-act play about four friends dealing with the ups and downs of love and life.” Starring the cast of EbonyEssenceJet.
Lewis Black at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N State, 8:00 p.m. The Grammy-award winning comedian is here on his Rant, White and Blue tour. Cool fact: Lewis Black was the voice of Anger in the Academy Award-winning film Inside Out.
Ryan Dalton at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 9:00 p.m. Shows tonight thru Sunday. Follow link for all show times.
Gilbert Gottfried at Zanies, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, 8:00 p.m.
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.
Jamie Kennedy 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.
Josh Johnson at Zanies 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. This award-winning comedian returns to Chicago as part of Zanies’ “Welcome Home” series. Josh Johnson’s credits also include writing for and appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Two Queens, One Mic at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 9:30 p.m. Kellye Howard and Brandi Denise host this stand-up showcase. Featuring Calvin Evans and Marilee Phience.
Funked Up Friday at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 10:00 p.m. A weekly comedy variety show and party created and hosted by AJ Lubecker. Tonight features Matty Ryan, B Cole, Abi Sanchez and more comedians TBA.
SATURDAY, APRIL 29
48-Hour Improv Marathon at The Crowd Theater, 3935 N. Broadway Nonstop improv began Friday night and continues through Sunday. Now in its third year, this improv marathon will benefit GirlForward which “creates opportunities for girls who have been displaced by conflict and persecution.” The crowd theater will host over forty improv teams. “All improv. No sleep.” Full weekend passes are available for $20. Daily passes are $10.
20×2 Chicago: WTF at Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport, 6:30 p.m. Twenty creative Chicagoans including comedians, writers, entrepreneurs, artists, activists and a trapeze artist have two minutes to answer the question, “What the fuck?”
The Kates at The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln, 7:00 p.m. Featuring Adrienne Gunn, Colleen Brennan, Melissa Richelle, Jillian Sims, Julie Jurgens, Molly Hart, Sarah Alice Weidmann, Amy Sumpter and Adele Cliff. Hosted by Rebecca Loeser.
Josh Johnson at Zanies 1548 N. Wells, 7:00 p.m., 9:15 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. This award-winning comedian returns to Chicago as part of Zanies’ “Welcome Home” series. Josh Johnson’s credits also include writing for and appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Look At Me Now Tour at UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine, 7:00 p.m. Featuring Lavell Crawford, Jay Pharaoh, Dominique, Michael Colyar and Rip Michaels. Hosted by Seandale, Shagg Nice and Ricky Rampage
Arsenio Hall at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Interesting fact: Arsenio Hall got his stand-up start in Chicago.
Jamie Kennedy at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Through Sunday.
Gilbert Gottfried at Zanies, MB Financial Park, Rosemont, 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 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.
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.
The Kates at The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St., 9:30 p.m. Featuring Gwen La Roka, Hermine Wise, Janice Rodriquez, Mariann Aalda, Soli Santos, Alexes Elizabeth and Susie An. Hosted by Amy Sumpter.
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 30
Jamie Kennedy at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m.
48-Hour Improv Marathon at The Crowd Theater, 3935 N. Broadway, until 6:00 p.m. Last day!
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.
Josh Johnson at Zanies 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. This award-winning comedian returns to Chicago as part of Zanies’ “Welcome Home” series. Josh Johnson’s credits also include writing for and appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Matt Damon Improv at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 9:30 p.m. Weekly comedy variety show which “promises to be “Intersectional AF” and provide a safe platform for women of color to share performances that confront the current racial tension and social issues within the world around us.”