Chicago comedy spotlight for Friday, March 16-Sunday, March 18, 2018

At Zanies this weekend: Joe Zimmerman, Chris Fanjola, and Larry Reeb.

At the Improv: Jamie Kennedy.

Please confirm all details!

FRIDAY, MARCH 16

Drink Date Laugh at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. Paul Farahvar, the show’s creator, hosts with producers Andy Fleming, Kyle Scanlan, Sarah Perry and Andrew Sitter. An interactive show where three audience members get to go onstage, reveal funny and intriguing facts about their relationships and compete for a $100 gift certificate.

 

Killing Your Darlings at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., 10:00 p.m. A new stand-up showcase with a twist. Five comedians (three of the show’s producers and two guests) do fifteen minutes of stand-up. Once they perform a joke on the Den Theatre stage, they can never perform that joke there again. Any month you go, you’re guaranteed a new show. Every third Friday.

 

SATURDAY, MARCH 17

Late Late Breakfast at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 3:00 p.m. The Fifth Annual Tournament of Champions. “A gauntlet of comedic challenges testing all sorts of skills, from quick wits to teamwork to performing amidst utter chaos.”

High Fiber Comedy at The Comedy Shrine, 4034 Fox Valley Center Dr., Aurora, 8:00 p.m. As they say, “Join the movement.” Count me in! A truly stellar line-up: Jan Slavin, Bill Gorgo, Michelle Krajecki and John Petlicki.

Merriam: a Matzah Ballin’ Good Time at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 7:00 p.m. Written by Mac Charny. “Merriam Levkowitz, a Jewish Bubbie who is getting her one-night-only “Broadway” debut. She sings pop and disco parodies about her 3 grown children while discussing her upcoming Passover Seder. This show is a celebration of family and a love note to Jewish Culture.” It is also selling out way in advance and is only Saturdays through March 31. Get tickets now!

 

SUNDAY, MARCH 18

We’ve Got Your Back: Together We Can Change Gun Violence at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 3:00 p.m. Organized and hosted by alumni of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Learn how to become part of the nationwide student-driven movement for an end to gun violence and how to support the students’ march on the 24th. This afternoon’s goal is a community-minded discussion with speakers from Moms Demand Action, Cure Violence, and PREACH!, including a focus on how Chicagoans can help reduce violence in our city and encourage political change. Includes complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, and silent auction.

Hannibal Buress at The Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, 7:00 p.m. Hannibal Buress was born in Chicago and got his start in comedy here. When I began interviewing comedians in 2010, his name came up the most in response to “Who inspires you?” Time Out named him Chicago’s funniest person in 2007. Since then, he has recorded six albums, made several comedy specials (see Netflix) and appeared in many television shows and films,  including co-starring in Broad City and hosting The Eric Andre Show.

 

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