Visitor in town: Chris Fleming (a/k/a/ Gayle Waters-Waters). Returning Chicagoans: Joel Chasnoff, Kevin McCaffrey and Dave Helem.
I made this list. Please check it twice and confirm all details!
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18
CAMP: A Comedy Show at Village Tap, 2055 W. Roscoe, 8:30 p.m. Free comedy showcase created and produced by Tessa Orzech and Samantha Berkman with rising Chicago comedy stars and surprise drop-ins. Tonight is the last CAMP of the year. Tessa Orzech hosts Joe Kwaczala, Rachel McCartney, Grace Lusk, and Alex Seligsohn. Donations appreciated and go to performers.
Kevin McCaffrey at Zanies, 1548 N. Wells, 8:30 p.m. Through Saturday. Kevin McCaffrey’s network debut was on The Late Show with David Letterman. Immediately afterwards, he was hired as the show’s warm-up.
Second City’s Mandatory Merriment at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 9:00 p.m. Second City’s new Holidazed and Confused revue. Shows throughout the week.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19
Comedy Cocktail at House of Blues’ Foundation Room, 329 N. Dearborn, 6:00 p.m. Produced by James Allen Kamp, creator of the most excellent comedyofchicago.com. DJ Tone-Knee kicks off the evening at 6:00 p.m. Stand-up showcases at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. RSVP for free admission. Early arrival recommended. Seats go fast! Always a great, diverse line-up of Chicago’s top comedians and surprise drop-ins.
7:30 p.m. Doc Love, Lyssa Laird, Chris Trani, and Paul Farahvar.
9:00 p.m. Joey Villagomez, Lucky Luciano, Ed Towns, Joe Killgallon.
Dream Freaks Fall From Space at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. The 106th Mainstage revue. Written and performed by Ryan Asher, Tyler Davis, Kelsey Kinney, Jeffrey Murdoch, Tien Tran and Nate Varrone. Four stars from the Chicago Tribune. Show times throughout the week. Follow link for all details.
Chicago Underground Comedy Presents: The Spirit of Giving at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 9:30 p.m. A special benefit for Planned Parenthood starring Marilee, Audrey Jonas, Mallory Bradford, Rachel McCartney, Mary Zee, Kristen Toomey and Joe Kwaczala. Produced by Meredith Kachel.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20
The Sidesplitter at Laugh Out Loud Theater, 3851 N. Lincoln, 7:00 p.m. “Free and funny holiday stories for adults.”
We Still Like You at Township, 2200 N. California, 7:30 p.m. “Stories of shame on a moving holiday trolley.”
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. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Follow link for details, show times and a great explanation of what makes improv an art form like no other.
Man of the People at Zanies, MB Financial Park, Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. A special sneak preview of WGN-TV’s new late-night show which officially launches on Saturday, January 20. Starring Pat Tomasulo. Pat is also headlining at the Rosemont Zanies on Thursday night.
Home for Hanukkah with Bubbe: An Interactive Holiday Experience at ComedySportz, 929 W. Belmont, 7:00 p.m. Tonight and next Wednesday. Bubbe and Zayde request the presence of your shayne punim, canahara.
Trapped in the Netflix at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through December 27. Written and performed by Mishu Hilmy. Directed by Matt Fox. What happens if you literally get sucked into Netflix? What does Black Mirror look like from the inside? Would you survive Mumblecore or emerge unscathed from House of Cards? Find out tonight and through the end of the month.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21
The Lincoln Lodge Christmas Feztacular at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 8:00 p.m. A comedy variety show celebrating the holidays. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Stand Up Stand Up: Fifth Annual 12 Comics of Christmas at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. Kristen Toomey, Azhar Usman, Kellye Howard, Abi Sanchez plus surprises to be announced! Hosted by Stand Up Stand Up’s Ken Witzgall, Keith Paesel, Todd Massey, Jake McKenzie, Ed Towns, and Mike Robinson.
Chris Fleming at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport, 8:00 p.m. Tonight Chris Fleming is filming his comedy special Showpig and streaming it live on Facebook from Thalia Hall.
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 Stacey Smith.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22
The Lincoln Lodge Christmas Feztacular at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 8:00 p.m. A comedy variety show celebrating the holidays. Also Saturday.
Dave Helem at The Comedy Bar, 500 N. LaSalle, 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Friday night and Saturday night. Dave Helem is a former teacher and current nationally touring comedian. He is originally from Chicago, but lives in L.A. where he also writes, including this past summer’s Hood Adacent.
Bad Hombres at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:30 p.m. Featuring groups Spic & Tan (Miguel Lepe and Rich Alfonso) and Mario (Damian Anaya, Cesar Jaime and Jose Molina). Satire with a Latino sensibility.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23
Wishin’ Control at The Comedy Clubhouse, 1462 N. Ashland, 7:00 p.m. The Main Stage theatrical. This 90-minute comedy uses long form improv to move from scene to scene and includes one hundred different characters and beautiful, surprising transitions. Saturdays beginning in November.
The Lincoln Lodge Christmas Feztacular at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 8:00 p.m. A comedy variety show celebrating the holidays.
Marilee: The Rebirth at @North Bar, 1637 W. North Ave., 9:00 p.m. Marilee has been featured at Jokes & Notes, TBS Just For Laughs, Dick Gregory & Friends, Chicago Funny Women’s Festival, and Second City. In addition to being a comedian, she is an actor and dancer. Her first one-woman show Marilee Live consistently sold out all tickets. Tonight is hosted by Just Nesh (HBO, Comedy Central).
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24
Potted Potter at Broadway Playhouse in Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut, 2:00 p.m. All seven Harry Potter books in seventy minutes. Shows throughout the week. Through January 21.
Oy to the World at @North Bar, 1637 W. North Ave., 7:oo p.m. Chinese food at 7:00 p.m. Show at 8:00 p.m. Featuring Seth Davis, Adam Kwaselow, Shira Mizel, Xavier Lamont, Max Friedman, Rebecca Fass, Joe Nudelman, Kat Herskovic, Aaron Klopfer, Bobby Budds, Bill Gevirtz and more TBA. Hosted by Reena Calm and Le Aboav.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 25
Joel Chasnoff: Christmas for the Jews at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph, 8:00 p.m. With Jon Fisch (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with David Letterman) and Rabbi Barry Schechter (“funniest rabbi in Chicago”). Music by Ed Shulman. I went to this show last year. It is. So. Excellent. Interview with Joel here!