Returning to their comedy hometown: Robert Klein, Michael Palascak, Ron Funches and Grace Lusk. Visitors also include Jackie Fabulous, Pete Lee, Thai Riviera, Chris DiStefano, and Jerry Rocha.
Ticket alert! I so lost my mind at what’s happening at Zanies on August 16 and 17 that I almost wrote “January” but no! In just ten days, Dave Pasquesi and Emo Philips will appear on the same bill at Zanies downtown. A few tickets left here.
Jerry Seinfeld at The Rosemont Theater on November 17. Tickets here.
Following is this week’s spotlight. Please confirm all details before heading out! Thank you for dropping by and thank you to the Chicago comedy community for making this blog possible.
MONDAY, AUGUST 7
Best Night Ever at Gman Tavern, 3740 N. Clark, 8:30 p.m. Free stand-up showcase. Tonight: Reena Calm, Cameron Gillette, Shannon Noll, Josh Enjes, Phil Davidson, Adam Gilbert and Josh Cocks.
Dynasty/3Peat at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:00 p.m. Dynasty is a team of POC performers from iO and elsewhere. 3Peat is one of Chicago’s most famous improv teams. 3Peat begins with a suggestion or question from the audience which inspires a comedic monologue which in turn inspires a “fast-paced and hilarious long form improv piece.” Check out Jimmy Carrane’s interview with 3Peat here.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 8
Cocktail Comedy at House of Blues Foundation Room, 329 N. Dearborn, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Presented by Comedyofchicago.com.
7:30 p.m. Marvin D. Phipps, Steven Springer, Danny Kallas, and Ronnie George
9:30 p.m. Chris Trani, Marvin D. Phipps, Corey Boyd Bell, and Adam Burke
Fantastic Super Great Nation Numero Uno at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. The e.t.c.’s 41st revue. “ … as divided as the nation may be, there is still hilarity in our humanity.”
Winner … of Our Discontent at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. The 105th Mainstage revue. Tickets sell out fast. Check site for additional shows throughout the week.
Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 9:30 p.m. Chicago Underground Comedy is one of comedy’s most groundbreaking showcases where Cameron Esposito, Beth Stelling, TJ Miller, Dan Telfer, Kumail Nanjiani, just to name a few, got their start. Produced by Meredith Kachel.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9
Summer Intensive Graduation Show at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 7:00 p.m. Have you wondered what it’s like to take improv classes at the world-famous iO? This FREE show is a great opportunity to get an up-close look at the fun, the work, and the rewards (so far).
My Rise to the Middle at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., 7:30 p.m. One chance only to see Brad Zimmerman’s brand new sequel to My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy. Interview with Brad here. My Son the Waiter closes on Sunday!
Pete Lee at Zanies, MB Financial Park, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. Through Friday. Pete Lee moves to Zanies downtown on Saturday. Follow link for all show times.
Jackie Fabulous at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m.
Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., 9:30 p.m. Nationally acclaimed stand-up showcase. Joe Kilgallon hosts Mat Alano-Martin, Reena Calm, Sean Flannery, Alex Kumin, Derek Smith and Ed Towns.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 10
Cupcake Comedy Cabaret at Gallery Cabaret 2020 N. Oakley, 6:30 p.m. Open mic at 6:30 p.m. Showcase at 8:00 p.m.
Bits & Wits: A Fem Com Sketch Comedy Workshop at Sheil Park, 3505 N. Southport Ave., 7:00 p.m. Feminine Comique presents a two-hour sketch comedy workshop for women with instructors Katherine Biskupic and Leah Frires. Katherine and Leah tour nationally as Pure & Weary. “This workshop teaches women how to channel their experiences into written comedy sketches. If youve ever wanted a crash course on writing comedy scenes or just need a reminder that your uniquely female voice matters, this is the workshop for you!” Interview with Katherine and Leah here.
Michael Palascak at Zanies, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, 8:00 p.m. Through Saturday. Follow link for all show times. Michael appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in the short span of six months. Since then, he has been featured on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and Comedy Central, and was a finalist on Last Comic Standing. He is an in-demand nationally touring headliner.
Rat Pack Comedy: You Make Me Laugh So Loud at The Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan, 8:00 p.m. Headliner: Deanna Ortiz. Featuring: Carly Kane, Steve Tapas, Ray Holleb, and Conor and Kahlil. Hosted by: Terence Hartnett.
Seven Sisters Comedy Variety Hour at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. The Seven Sisters are Allie Keller, Phylicia McLeod, Meghan Murphy, Emily Batek, Cassie Belek, Jodie Meis, and Katelyn Woolcott.
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.
Chris DiStefano at Zanies 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday downtown. Chris moves to Zanies in Rosemont on Saturday. Follow link for all show times.
Messing with a Friend at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 10:30 p.m. 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. This week’s friend is Jeff Murdoch.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11
Ron Funches: Funch-A-Mania at Thalia Hall, 1897 S. Allport, 7:30 p.m. Ron Funches is originally from Chicago. His comedy has been featured on Conan, @midnight, and The Tonight Show. He appeared in the movie Get Hard and on television on Curb Your Enthusiasm, New Girl, The Goldbergs, Black-ish, Transparent, Undateable, Cupcake Wars and Chopped. He has voiced characters on Trolls, Bob’s Burgers, and Adventure Time and written for The Eric Andre Show and The Kroll Show.
He often talks about his experience parenting a child with autism and told L.A. Magazine, “A lady emailed me that her child had been diagnosed with autism and that hearing my material on the subject had helped her. To me, it just means that I’m making the right decision in talking about this.”
It Takes a Woman at The Skokie Theatre, 7924 N. Lincoln, Skokie, 8:00 p.m. If you’re in the north suburbs, it’s not always easy to see Chicago’s best comedy. Tonight some of the city’s best stand-ups come north! Hosted by Jan Slavin. Featuring Mona Aburmishan, Colleen Brennan, Kat Herskovic, Eunji Kim, Denise Medina, Janice Rodriguez, and Mary Zee.
Thai Rivera at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Through Sunday. Follow link for all show times.
Improvised Twilight Zone at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. The episodes Rod Serling would have written if you had been in the audience.
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.
Stand Up For Paws at WIP Theater, 6670 N. Northwest Highway, 8:00 p.m. Proceeds go to One Tail At A Time Dog Rescue. First in a new series at WIP Theater. Each monthly show will benefit a worthy cause. Tonight: Joe Kilgallon, Patti Vasquez and more TBA.
Jerry Rocha at The Improv, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, 8:00 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. Through Sunday. Follow link for all show times.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12
Las Locas Comedy at Karen Marie Sustainable Salon, 1859 N. Milwaukee, 8:00 p.m. Chicago’s only Latina-focused comedy showcase. Arrive early! The first show was SRO and continues to draw bigger audiences each month! Tonight: Janice V. Rodriguez, Soli Santos, Elizabeth Gomez, Marilee Pheniece, Tiera Diaz, and Courtney Buckwalter.
The Big Ditties at Big Guys’ Sausage Fest 2017, 7021 Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn, 9:00 p.m. Sausage Fest is food and entertainment from noon to 11:00 p.m. Big Ditties are scheduled to play at 9:00 p.m. Follow link for entire line-up. Interview with The Big Ditties here!
Robert Klein at the North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., 8:00 p.m. Robert Klein has had a successful comedy career in every single decade since the 1960s. Too many comedians to count consider him a major inspiration, including Billy Crystal, Jay Leno, and Jerry Seinfeld. Check him out in Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee here. Jerry Seinfeld to Robert Klein: “You’re the person who made my life go the way it went.” Robert Klein got his comedy start at Second City in Chicago!
“Get a Grip” with Grace Lusk at @North Bar, 1637 W. North Ave., 8:00 p.m. Grace Lusk got her comedy start in Chicago at ComedySportz and iO. She now lives in LA and tours around the country.
Mainstage Showcase at The Comedy Clubhouse, 1462 N. Ashland, 8:00 p.m. Featuring the women of One Group Mind.
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, AUGUST 13
Sad Clown at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont Ave., 8:00 p.m. “’Sad Clown’ is an improvised comedy show that invites mental illness to play. Each night, three brave essayists will take the stage and talk candidly about their experiences of mental illness – the highs, the lows, the pain, and even the moments when you just have to laugh. After each monologue, the Annoyance Theatre’s talented improvisers will take the stage and illuminate ideas from each story with laughter.”
Woke Up Stand Up at Cole’s Bar, 2338 N. Milwaukee Ave., 8:00 p.m. Created by Basil Faraj. Hosted by Dane Arden. Featuring Zach Boyce, Ilana Abby Gordon, Marilee, and another Secret Headliner. When I recommended this show’s premiere last month, there was also a secret headliner and it turned out to be Hari Kondabolu! Read about it here. Sure to be another great night tonight.
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