Visitors this week: Josh Gondelman, Mr. Showtime (David Scott), and Robert Hines returns to his hometown.
This week at Zanies: Dobie Maxwell (Chicago), Josh Gondelman (Chicago), Mr. Showtime David Scott (Rosemont).
This week at The Improv: Robert Hines.
Ticket alerts:
August 19: Marc Maron at Thalia Hall
August 26: Michael Ian Black at Thalia Hall
September 14: Cambridge Footlights at Second City (Cambridge University’s Footlights was the original comedy home of John Oliver Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Douglas Adams, Peter Cook, Julian Fellowes, Penny Dwyer, and a few surprises: Salman Rushdie, Germaine Greer, Ali Smith, David Frost and Emma Thompson.)
September 21: Hari Kondabolu at Thalia Hall
Some recommendations: The Book Stall in Winnetka is now bringing comedy to its lively bibliophile setting. Sign up for the store’s newsletter so you’ll have advance notice. Seats for “Comedy After Hours” on July 17 are already gone. Reservations still available for You’re Being Ridiculous at the bookstore on July 21. Chicagoland is full of great, free comedy. Look for the local showcases which are often free or very low cost and feature Chicago’s top talent. Some examples below! Also, subscribe to emails! The Improv and the Blackout Diaries are two places that often offer free tickets to subscribers.
Following is this week’s Spotlight! Happy 4th of July! Confession: I’m not a crowds/mosquitos/explosions/Tetris-style-parking-lot person. If you feel that way, too, Second City is open for funny business on the holiday. Thank you for reading the spotlight and for dropping by the blog. Thank you to the Chicago comedy community for making this blog possible. Please confirm all details.
MONDAY, JULY 2
Horrified at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont Ave., 8:00 p.m. Sketch and music about the things that keep one woman (and probably a lot of us) up at night.
Camp: A Comedy Show at The Village Tap, 2055 W. Roscoe, 8:30 p.m. Free stand-up showcase. Donations appreciated and go to performers. Tessa Orzech hosts Correy Boyd-Bell, Shannon Noll, Jacob Lowrey, Anthony Siraguse, Nickolas Ogle, and CAMP’s Samantha Berkman.
Stories From the Beat Lounge at Second City’s Judy’s Beat Lounge, 230 W. North Ave., 8:30 p.m. New and veteran storytellers. Humor, sadness, adventure. Stories from up and down the happiness spectrum. No two shows alike.
TUESDAY, JULY 3
High Fidelity at Millennium Park, 6:30 p.m. Chicago’s summer movies series. The evening begins with a special presentation of a Chicago-made short to celebrate the city’s independent filmmakers.
Comedy Cocktail’s 3rd of July Comedy Blowout at House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn, 5:00 p.m. Special holiday show by comedyofchicago.com. Doors open at 5:00 for Happy Hour. Show starts at 7:30 with Chris Trani, Chris Damen, James Fisher Jr., Abi Sanchez, Carly Ballerini, Aaron Sutherland, Joe M. Kilgallon, and a special guest.
Chicago Underground Comedy Summer Series at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 9:30 p.m. One of the city’s most renowned stand-up showcases. Meredith Kachel hosts Dan Drees, Kaitlyn Grissom, Hobert Thompson, Stephanie Weber, John Norman, Sarah Sherman and Michael Robinson.
Large Print: A Blurry Look at My Life & The Best Little Black Boy in the World at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:00 p.m. “A look into the life of Jake Wallach whose albinism has been an integral part of his life thus far. Exploring adolescence, relationships and the proper way to apply sunscreen, Jake will bring to light the ways people have interacted with him about his albinism and how he thinks they could do a little bit better.” Starring Jake Wallach.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 4
Second City Neighborhood Tour meets at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Walking tour by Margaret Hicks, Second City alum and author of Chicago Comedy: A Fairly Serious History. Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday and Saturday tours through October. Sunday morning tours through September 2.
Dream Freaks Fall From Space at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. The Mainstage revue “holds a funhouse mirror up to the already bizarre times in which we’re living.” Four-starred by the Chicago Tribune’s Chris Jones.
THURSDAY, JULY 5
Stand Up Stand Up Presents Tim McLaughlin at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 8:00 p.m. Tim McLaughlin headlines this stand-up showcase.
FRIDAY, JULY 6
Wet Cash Comedy at Dark Tower Comics, 4825 N. Western, 8:00 p.m. A lucky audience member will take home a wad of wet cash. But even much better, the line-up: Lael O’Shaughnessy, Dave Metz, Jacob Lowrey and Dave Maher (known for the most excellent Dave Maher Coma Show, about to make its Edinburgh debut! There may be some sneak peaks tonight).
Lincoln Lodge at Under the Gun, 956 W. Newport, 8:00 p.m. One of Chicago’s most renowned stand-up showcases, now in its eighteenth year. Friday and Saturday night.
Leon Rogers Birthday Bash at Riddles Comedy Club, 5055 W. 11th St., Alsip, 8:00 and 10:30 p.m. A comedy show celebrating the birthday of comedian and radio host Leon Rogers. Hosted by Damon Williams. Friday and Saturday.
Diamond Comedy Hour at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 10:00 p.m. This monthly showcase features female comics from Chicago and around the country. Created and produced by Alex Kumin.
Outcasted Comedy Tour at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 10:30 p.m. Starring Sharup Karim, Mona Aburmishan and AK Agunbiade. Each member of the tour has a unique immigrant experience. They take a comedic look at defining American identity even amid those who would treat you as “other.” Hosted by Skyler Higley.This show tours the country and tickets often sell out. Advance purchase recommended!
SATURDAY, JULY 7
Lincoln Lodge at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 8:00 p.m. One of Chicago’s most renowned stand-up showcases, now in its eighteenth year. Friday and Saturday night.
The Blackout Diaries at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 10:00 p.m. Professional comedians and regular folks tell true drinking stories. Followed by audience Q&A.
Leon Rogers Birthday Bash at Riddles Comedy Club, 5055 W. 11th St., Alsip, 8:00 and 10:30 p.m. A comedy show celebrating the birthday of comedian and WGCI radio host Leon Rogers. Hosted by Damon Williams. Friday and Saturday.
SUNDAY, JULY 8
Chicago’s Best Stand Up at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Follow link for show times throughout the week.
7:00 p.m. TBA
9:00 p.m. Paul Farahvar, Prateek Srivastava and more TBA.
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