Visitors in town: J. Anthony Brown is here and Michael Ian Black returns to his hometown.
Four hundred comediennes are here for the Chicago Women’s Funny Festival! Seventy shows in four days beginning Thursday!
At Zanies: Sam Jay (Chicago), Dr. Bill Miller (Chicago), Randy Kagan (Chicago and Rosemont), Larry “Uncle Lar” Reeb (Chicago and Rosemont), wrestling broadcasters JR and the King (Rosemont) and Mike Toomey (St. Charles). Thursday night in St. Charles is a special event with WGN personalities Mike Toomey, John DaCosse and Steve Cochran.
At The Improv: Corey Holcomb.
Chicago comedians in the news: Dan Ronan was a talented, much loved Chicago and then Los Angeles comedian who died at age 24. His comedy colleague and friend Joe McAdam debuted a beautiful tribute site danronan.com on August 17, which would have been Dan’s 29th birthday.
Drew Michael’s HBO special debuts this Saturday, August 25. The hour was directed by Jerrod Carmichael. HBO is calling it “unconventional.” For one, there’s no audience! More here.
Lil Rel Howery’s new sitcom Rel will premiere on Fox on September 9 and then air weekly after Family Guy beginning September 30. The show takes place on Chicago’s West Side. Rel is co-executive produced by Jerrod Carmichael. The two comedians were co-stars on The Carmichael Show. More about Rel in the Chicago Sun-Times.
The Hollywood Reporter published its list of the top film schools in the United States. DePaul University with its new Second City partnership came in #13 out of 25. Noted: “DePaul is the only film school in the U.S. to hand out MFAs in comedy filmmaking.”
Following is this week’s Spotlight. Please don’t leave home without confirming all details.
MONDAY, AUGUST 20
Ladylike at Café Mustache, 2313 N. Milwaukee, 8:00 p.m. Because one of life’s best experiences is fearlessly bonding over disgusting stories. Tonight: Annie Russell, Brianna Wellen, Patti Vasquez, Jenn White Netra Netra Netra and Alex Kumin. Hosted by Allison Dunne.
CAMP: A Comedy Show at Village Tap, 2055 W. Roscoe, 8:30 p.m. Free stand-up showcase with an outstanding line-up. Tonight Tessa Orzech hosts Adam Burke, Dave Helem, Chelsea Hood, Scott Duff, Jillian Ebanks, Martin Felshman and CAMP’s Samantha Berkman. Cash donations appreciated and go to performers.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 21
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.: Joey Villagomez, Liz Greenwood, Chris Trani, Marty DeRosa
9:00 p.m. Joe Kilgallon, Tim Smith, Marc Levalle, Abi Sanchez
Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, 9:30 p.m. Since 2005, one of Chicago’s most diverse and best known comedy showcases. Tonight Nicky Martin hosts John Norman, Joe Medoff, Lindsay Lucido, Skyler Higley, Ian Erickson, Le Aboav and Jillian Ebanks.
Super Human at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W Belmont, 9:30 p.m. “Bold, hilarious, fearless and fun comedy” from this “splash zone of women.”
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22
Lola Balatro at Paper Machete Cocktail Hour at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, 6:30 p.m. Appearances by this com-rock great are too rare, so catch them now! Paper Machete is Chicago’s finest comedians, musicians and writers. Free show. Arrive early for seats.
Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Two weekly shows to choose from in August. The 7:00 p.m. show features twelve comedians auditioning for a chance to be part of this nationally renowned stand-up showcase. The 9:30 line-up is Comedians You Should Know. Tonight at 9:30, Joe Kilgallon hosts Blake Burkhart, Kellye Howard, Audrey Jonas, Jonah Jurkens, Joe Nudelman and Aaron Sutherland.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23
7th Annual Chicago Women’s Funny Festival at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, begins at 8:00 p.m. Through Sunday. The largest funny women gathering in the country. Sketch, stand-up and improv from over 400 comediennes from around the county. They include award-winners, TV writers and actors, comedy vets and newcomers. Follow link for all details and show times.
The Comedy Nosh at Max and Benny’s Restaurant, 461 Waukegan Rd, Northbrook, 7:00 p.m. Dinner and a stand-up show hosted by Ricky March. Featuring Sabeen Sadiq and Laura Hugg. Headliner: Seth Davis.
[LAST SHOW!] Wasteland: A Night of Mandolin, Happiness and Others at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont, 8:00 p.m. This show promises to be like no other! We’ve needed a post-apocalyptic bluegrass musical (with puppets) and thankfully, it is here! Directed by Richard Scruggs.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 24
I’m Ok, Are You Ok? at Second City, 230 W. North Ave., 7:30 p.m. A one-woman comedy show by Molly Scullion about “wins, losses, overcoming, falling short, progress and setbacks, all in one short hour.”
7th Annual Chicago Women’s Funny Festival at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, begins at 8:00 p.m. Through Sunday. The largest funny women gathering in the country. Sketch, stand-up and improv from over 400 comediennes from around the county. They include award-winners, TV writers and actors, comedy vets and newcomers. Follow link for all details and show times.
J. Anthony Brown and Friends at Riddles Comedy Club, 5055 West 111th Street, Alsip, 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. J. Anthony Brown is an award-winning comedian, television writer and radio personality.
[LAST SHOW!] How to be Fancy at Second City, 230 W. North Ave., 10:30 p.m. I want to be fancy but sadly, have failed many attempts over my lifetime. Three Little Squids are here to remedy that for all of us who still hold the dream! “This end of summer big bold sketch show is ready to take you to new levels of class and properness. Written and performed by David Tarantino, Elsie How and Laura Petro, these Three Little Squids have a whole new world and a whole show to put on display for all their newest and fanciest peers.”
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25
7th Annual Chicago Women’s Funny Festival at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, begins at 7:00 p.m. Through Sunday. The largest funny women gathering in the country. Sketch, stand-up and improv from over 400 comediennes from around the county. They include award-winners, TV writers and actors, comedy vets and newcomers. Follow link for all details and show times.
The Kates at The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., 7:00 p.m. The outstanding all women stand-up showcase created and produced by Kelsie Huff. Amy Sumpter hosts Mary DeMan, Sydney Davis Jr. Jr., Lucia Whalen, Ellen Wesley, Elyse Nylin, Onicia Muller and Jesnaira Baez. Arrive early for seats!
Off The Mound with Ryan Dempster at The Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield, 7:00 p.m. An evening of stories and comedy with Major League Baseball legends. Proceeds benefit Chicago Public Schools afterschool sports program SCORE.
Dave Losso at Gman Tavern, 3740 N. Clark St., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Dave Losso records his album for the Stand Up! Records label and you can be part of the audience. Dave is a nationally touring comedian and one of the producers of Best Night Ever every Monday night at Gman Tavern.
Las Locas Comedy at Ampersand Cowork, 3317 W Fullerton Ave., 8:00 p.m. Rooftop show hosted by Janice V. Rodriguez with Monica Andrade, Susie An, Rima Parikh, Elise Fernandez, Whitney Chitwood and Kellye Howard. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
J. Anthony Brown and Friends at Riddles Comedy Club, 5055 West 111th Street, Alsip, 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. J. Anthony Brown is an award-winning comedian, television writer and radio personality.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26
7th Annual Chicago Women’s Funny Festival at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, begins at 3:00 p.m. Last day! The largest funny women gathering in the country. Sketch, stand-up and improv from over 400 comediennes from around the county. They include award-winners, TV writers and actors, comedy vets and newcomers. Follow link for all details and show times.
Everyone’s a Lawyer at The Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, 7:00 p.m. Chicago’s hit comedy game show created by comedian and attorney Paul Farahvar. Paul has been named one of the “Top 40 Up and Coming Comedians in America in 2017” and one of “Top 40 under 40” lawyers in Chicago, so you can expect a great night of comedy and legal drama as comedians take the stage to present the funniest arguments in real life cases. Tonight’s comedians at law: Adam Burke, Carly Kane and Joe McMahon.
Michael Ian Black at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport, 8:30 p.m. Michael Ian Black began his career with the sketch group The State. Since then, he has authored eleven books, released stand-up specials, written movies and two memoirs and co-starred on The Jim Gaffigan Show, Another Period, Wet Hot American Summer and many more.
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