Visitors in town: Colin Quinn. John Mulaney returns to his hometown. At Zanies: Myq Kaplan, Leonard Ouzts, James Johann, and Dan Cummins. Arnez J. is at The Improv. Sammy Obeid is at The Comedy Bar.
A lot of ticket alerts from the Genesee Theater in Waukegan: Maria Bamford on April 7. Paula Poundstone on April 12. Jay Leno on April 14. Jo Koy on April 15. Lisa Lampanelli on April 20.
Following is this week’s spotlight-just a small fraction of all the great comedy happening in Chicago every night of the week. Please confirm all details!
MONDAY, JANUARY 29
Manic Music Monday at Frances’, 307 E. 75th St., 8:00 p.m. Comedy and music hosted by Taneshia (Just Nesh) Rice and Marilee. Free before 8:00 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
CAMP: A Comedy Show at Village Tap, 2055 W. Roscoe, 8:30 p.m. Tessa Orzech hosts Marty DeRosa, Michael Njuguna Robinson, Erin Grotheer, Geoffrey Thomas Asmus, Willie Griswold, and Samantha Berkman. Free show. Donations appreciated and go to performers.
The Second City’s Improv Hour at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. A new show created by Mick Napier.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 30
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 9:00 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.: Hosted by Mickey Housley. Featuring Chris Trani and a special guest. Headliner: Derek Smith.
9:00 p.m. :Hosted by Doc Love. Featuring Keith Paesel and a special guest. Headliner: Paul Farahvar.
John Mulaney at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., 7:00 p.m. By popular demand, John Mulaney’s Kid Gorgeous tour has been expanded to seven Chicago appearances through Saturday, February 3! Follow link for all times.
Support Uncle Lar at Zanies, MB Financial Park, Rosemont, 7:30 p.m. Larry Reeb has been a Zanies icon for forty years. His wife died on Christmas Day 2017 after a difficult illness and Zanies is holding this fundraiser to help the family with the cost of medical expenses. If you can’t attend the event, you can still contribute here.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31
Give Me Five at The Playground Theatre, 3209 N. Halsted, 10:00 p.m. Competition where comedians get five minutes to do anything comedic. Now in its eleventh season.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Just Kitten Around at The Catcade, 1235 W Belmont, 8:30 p.m. Sketch, standup, and musical comedy hosted by Alex Collyard and Elsie How. This new monthly fundraiser takes place at a cat café and rescue which means comedy therapy and cat therapy all in one evening. Extra cuddle time for early arrivals.
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 Brian Jack.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Colin Quinn at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport, 8:30 p.m. The “One in Every Crowd” tour. Colin Quinn was a cast member of Saturday Night Live where he anchored Weekend Update. He is also known for his television and film work (Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, Trainwreck, Grown Ups), writing (Coloring Book: A Comedian Solves Race Relations in America) and for his one-man shows.
You’re Being Ridiculous at Steppenwolf, 1700 N. Halsted, 8:00 p.m. Time to celebrate love with this gem of a comedic storytelling show which is at Steppenwolf for four shows through February 10. Different line-up each time! Tonight: Keith Ecker, Nestor Gomez, Adrienne Gunn, Archy Jamjun, Angie McMahon, Jeremy Owens, Ricardo Gamboa & Sean James William Parris, and John Sundholm.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3
The Customer is Always Right? at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 7:00 p.m. Customer service reps tell their true-life horror stories. Then it’s improv about how customers’ behavior plays out in the rest of the world.
You’re Being Ridiculous at Steppenwolf, 1700 N. Halsted, 8:00 p.m. Sherry & Steve Fine, Maegan Gwaltney, Maya Haughton, Michael Herzovi, Brittany Julious, Arlene Malinowski, Jeremy Owens, and Annalise Raziq.
Too Lit for TV at The Revival, 1160 E 55th St., 9:30 p.m. The Martin Luther Kings of Comedy present a special Black History Month edition.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Julia Sweeney: Older and Wider at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 6:00 p.m. This Saturday Night Live alum, author, and actor is premiering her new show at Second City through March 10. Tickets are selling out. Don’t wait!