FRIDAY, MAY 12
The Kates at The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., 7:00 p.m. Chicago’s all-women always-excellent and diverse comedy showcase produced by Kelsie Huff. Tonight features Sarah Bright, Marla Depew, Erin Field, Katie Oliver, Elizabeth Gomez, Amy Sumpter, Miden Wood and hosted by Caitlin Checkeroski.
Kate Micucci and Aubrey Plaza at The Music Box, 3733 N. Southport, 7:00 p.m. Kate Micucci (Garfunkel & Oates) and Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation) and director Jeff Baena are here for a screening of their film The Little Hours as part of the Chicago Critics Film Festival. The film also stars Dave Franco, John C. Reilly, Nick Offerman, Adam Pally, Molly Shannon, and Fred Armisen.
Michael Palascak at Zanies, MB Financial Park, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Michael Palascak got his comedy start in Chicago. His comedy has been featured on just about every late night shoe and he was a finalist on Last Comic Standing. Through Saturday. Follow link for all show times.
Jeff Arcuri The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Through Sunday. Check site for all show times.
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.
Gad Elmaleh at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 8:00 p .m. and 10:15 p.m. One of France’s biggest comedy stars. Gad Elmaleh is a French comedian and actor who grew up in Morocco. France’s Ministry of Culture awarded him the “Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres” in 2006 and he was also voted “The Funniest Person in France.” Through Saturday. Follow link for all show times.
Noah Gardenswartz at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m and 10:30 p.m. Through Saturday. Follow link for all show times.
Saurin Choksi at Black Box Comedy presents at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 10:00 p.m. Tonight and tomorrow night. Featuring Amy Sumpter and hosted by Seth Davis.
SATURDAY, MAY 13
Paula Poundstone at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport, 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Paula Poundstone’s new book is out! I will definitely be consulting The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness.
Gad Elmalah at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
Chicago is Not Broke at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted, 7:00 p.m. Comedy and improv inspired by the anthology Chicago is Not Broke: Funding the City We Deserve. Each week will include appearances by the book’s contributors. This Saturday it’s the book’s editor, Mark Tresser. Produced by CivicLab. Saturdays in May.
Russell Howard at House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., 7:00 p.m. One of Great Britain’s top comedians and television stars. He regularly sells out stadiums, but can be seen tonight in a much more intimate space. He very kindly did a Q&A with me here. Featuring another top comedian from the U.K., Chicago’s Adam Burke.
Mainstage Improv Ensemble at The Comedy Clubhouse, 1462 N. Ashland, 8:00 p.m. A new show on Saturdays in May! The Comedy Clubhouse’s best seven improvisers will improvise a 75 minute performance. There will be short form audience-interactive improv games, a long form improv set (22 minutes), and a surprise in between.
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. After a long run, this show ends this month! Catch it while you can!
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, MAY 14
Story Sessions Mother’s Day at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph, 11:00 a.m. Storytelling about moms hosted by moms.
The Center Stage Comedy Tour at Arie Crown Theater, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr., 7:00 p.m. Starring Sommore, Arnez J, John Witherspoon, and more TBA.
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.