Visitors in town: Kenny Leon, Phylicia Rashad, Rodney Perry, Colin Jost and Nick Swardson. All at the Chicago Theatre on Friday: Bert Kreischer, Sal Vulcano, Nate Bargatze and Chicagoan Kyle Kinane.
At Zanies: Calvin Evans (Chicago), Jason Cheny (Chicago and Rosemont), Jeff Dye (Chicago and Rosemont), and Brad Wenzel (St. Charles).
At The Improv: Pablo Rodriguez and Jay Mohr.
Ticket alerts:
Sept. 28: Cameron Esposito at The Vic
October 19: Gad Elmaleh at The Vic
Following is this week’s Spotlight. Please confirm all details!
MONDAY, JUNE 18
Kenny Leon in Conversation with Phylicia Rashad at DuSable Museum, 740 East 56th Place, 7:00 p.m. Award-winning director Kenny Leon (Fences, A Raisin in the Sun, Holler If You Hear Me) in a candid conversation with Phylicia Rashad. His new memoir is Take You Wherever You Go. Phylicia Rashad is a director, singer and award-winning actor known for comedic and dramatic television and theater roles. She is directing The Roommate at Steppenwolf this summer.
You Won! at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. This new comedy variety show explores a question that’s central to every human’s existence: what does it mean to be successful? Music from Allison Reese, sketch from Brandon Kirkman and Hannah Starr, improv from Baby Wine, stand-up from Colette Gregory. Featuring Sonal Aggarwal. Headliner: Dante Powell. Hosted by Whitney Wasson.
TUESDAY, JUNE 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 9:00 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.
Dream Freaks Fall From Space at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. The critically acclaimed 106th Mainstage revue. Follow link for show times throughout the week.
The Second City Summer Blockbuster at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. Summertime is roasting the Second City so Second City is roasting summertime! Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 9:30 p.m. Tonight is ChUC’s thirteenth birthday and as always, there’s a line-up worth celebrating: Lucas O’Neil, Sarah Sherman, Adam Burke, Joe McMahon and Kellye Howard. Host: Ed Hansen. Bonus sets by ChUC producers Meredith Kachel, Stephanie Weber and Nicky Martin. One of Chicago’s most famous comedy showcases.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20
Laughs in the Lounge at Rogers Park Social, 6920 N. Glenwood, 9:00 p.m. Marla Depew hosts Scott Duff (OUT Chicago), Ron Ervin (NBC’s “Chicago Fire”), Jess Fang (Baby Atlas’ Stand-UP Comedy Night), Elyse Nylin (You Joke Like A Girl), and Alex Seligsohn (SMUT: A Live Comedy Experience).
Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., 9:30 p.m. Jonah Jurkens hosts Blake Burkhart, Marty DeRosa, Carly Ballerini, Jeanie Doogan, and Xavier Lamont. Advance ticket purchase recommended. Usually sold out by show time.
THURSDAY, JUNE 21
One Night Stand Comedy at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave, Evanston, 8:00 p.m. Rodney Perry’s worldwide tour stops in Evanston. Host: Mark Simmons (Barbershop, The Chappelle Show). Opening comedian: Taneshia “Just Nesh” Rice (Kevin Hart’s Hart of the City and The Next Level).
Colin Jost at The Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield, 7:30 p.m. This SNL “Weekend Update” host’s show has been sold out for some time, but I always recommend checking right up to show time. You never know. You may also want to drop in at VividSeats.com where my husband and I have had luck finding seats at the last minute. I’ve just heard that a few Colin Jost tickets are still available there.
FRIDAY, JUNE 22
Bert Kreischer, Sal Vulcano, Nate Bargatze and Kyle Kinane at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., 8:00 p.m. A stand-up extravaganza.
You’re Being Ridiculous: Pride at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted, 8:00 p.m. Tonight and Saturday night and June 29-30. Tonight’s storytellers: Kenley Eaglestone, Lindsay Eanet, LeVan Hawkins, Ray Lauk, Angie McMahon, Jeremy Owens, Vince Pagan, and John Sundholm. Often hilarious, always moving and unforgettable.
Let’s Make it Perfectly Queer at Second City at Second City’s Blackout Cabaret, 230 W. North Ave., 9:00 p.m. The Pride celebration continues tonight and Sunday (at 7:00 p.m.).
Gayco Presents Pride Comedy Party at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted, 10:30 p.m. Tonight and Saturday night. Wordwide touring GayCo Productions was created by comedians out of Second City in 1996 and is one of Chicago’s best known sketch groups.
SATURDAY, JUNE 23
You’re Being Ridiculous: Pride at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted, 8:00 p.m. Tonight and Saturday night and June 29-30. Tonight’s storytellers: Rita Balzotti, Sarah Bunger, Ariel Carter, Kim Hunt, Darwyn Jones, Jeremy Owens, Carlos Antonio Piñón, and Lauren Sivak. Often hilarious, always moving and unforgettable.
Nick Swardson at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., 8:00 p.m. The Too Many Smells Tour.
Gayco Presents Pride Comedy Party at The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted, 10:30 p.m. Wordwide touring GayCo Productions was created by comedians out of Second City in 1996 and is one of Chicago’s best known sketch groups.
SUNDAY, JUNE 24
The Second City Improv Brunch at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 12:00 p.m. A wow menu at a wow venue.
Let’s Make it Perfectly Queer at Second City at Second City’s Blackout Cabaret, 230 W. North Ave., 7:00 p.m. Last show!
Everyone’s A Lawyer at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 7:00 p.m. Hosted by comedian and attorney Paul Farahvar. This show rewards performers’ looniest logic. Go laugh and be inspired. You’ll be ready the next time an argument breaks out around you … in this world, any minute now.
You can stay up to date with Comedians Defying Gravity by typing your email address in the box and clicking the “create subscription” button. My list is completely spam, spam, spam, spam free, and you can opt out at any time.