Visitors in town: Rory Scovell, Chad Daniels, KevinMcDonald. John Cusack returns to his hometown.
At Zanies: Rachael O’Brien (Chicago), Marsha Warfield! (Chicago and Rosemont), Chris Garcia (Chicago and Rosemont), Ali Clayton (Chicago), Kellen Erskine (St. Charles).
At Riddles: B. Cole.
At the Improv: Pablo Francisco, Challenge Mania Live.
At the Kenosha Comedy Club: Joby Saad.
Ticket alerts!
Barry Brewer’s new special Chicago, I’m Home will be released on major streaming outlets on February 19, but you can watch it with Barry Brewer himself on February 22 at Walter H. Dyett High School for the Arts. This free watch party will include a stand-up performance, a screening of this special about growing up on the South Side and a Q&A. The comedian’s goal is to donate $1 million to Chicago Public Schools. RSVP here.
Ticket alerts for the Den Theatre! Maria Bamford on March 14, 16, 17; Vicki Barbolak (America’s Got Talent) on April 7; Greg Fitzsimmons on May 4
Following is this week’s Spotlight. Please confirm all details before leaving home!
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Heraldo at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. “Improv in English. Laughs in Spanish.”
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5
After Dark Comedy Series at The Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka, 7:00 p.m. Tonight: Richard Laible, Katie Meiners and headliner Dobie Maxwell (one of the best comedians and people you can ever meet-he was kind enough to speak with me here.) Reserve your place early-these shows sell out fast!
Just Kitten Around at The Catcade, 1235 W. Belmont, 7:00 p.m. “The only show in Chicago where you can laugh with a cat in your lap.” Show starts at 7:30, but arriving early means extra cuddle time. Alex Collyard and Elsie How host Malic White, Gena Gephart, Adam Levine, Jamal Guichon. All proceeds go straight to the Catcade and the performers.
The Second City’s Black History Month Show, 1616 N. Wells, 8:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays in February.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Psychotic Break Variety Hour at Schubas, 3159 N Southport Ave., 8:00 p.m. Jenn Sodini and Dan Shapiro host writer Adam Homer Lawson and comedian Madge Jablonski. Upstairs at Schubas. 21+. Chicago’s mental illness and addiction themed variety show. Free.
Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., 9:30 p.m. Jonah Jurkens hosts Chris Trani, Kelsie Huff, Allison Dunne, Darius Kennedy, Dale McPeek, Matty Ryan.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Just Us Gals at Sleeping Village, 3734 W. Belmont Ave., 8:00 p.m. Comedy and music. Naomi Spungen, Clare Austen-Smith and Rima Parikh host Carly Ballerini, Devin Middleton, Lily Reed, Rachel McCartney, James Fisher Jr.
Rory Scovell at Lincoln Lodge/Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 8:00 p.m. This is no ordinary stand-up show. Over the course of this week’s four Chicago shows, Rory Scovell will build a whole new show with all new material night by night. Not sure this has ever been done before. Through Sunday. Follow link for all show times.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Chalo Haso Desi Comedy Showcase at Seven Restaurant, 400 E. Randolph, 8:00 p.m. Tyler Fowler hosts Hari Rao, Sharup Karim, Amit Joshi and headliner Vikram Pandya.
Rory Scovell at Lincoln Lodge/Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 8:00 p.m. No ordinary stand-up show. Over the course of this week, Rory Scovell is building a whole new show with all new material night by night. Through Sunday. Follow link for all show times.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9
Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Special event: Joe Kilgallon album recording.
Rory Scovell at Lincoln Lodge/Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 8:00 p.m. Rory Scovell is here building a whole new show with all new material night by night. Through Sunday. Follow link for all show times.
Chad Daniels at Park West, 322 W. Armitage, 8:00 p.m. Chad Daniels’ stand-up is featured in the movie I Need You to Kill which follows Chad, Tom Segura, and Pete Lee on tour in China. The movie is available on Amazon Prime.
Strip Joker 3-Year Anniversary at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark, 10:00 p.m. Hosted by Strip Joker founder Brittany Meyer. Featuring Strip Joker producers Kaitlyn Grissom, Spencer D Blair and Le Aboav and performances by Strip Joker 2018 favorites including Matt Brown, Emma Alamo, Elise Fernandez and special headliner Kellye Howard. Strip Joker is Chicago’s body positive stand-up comedy show featuring a diverse line-up of comedians and comedy celebrating every body. Second Saturdays.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Rory Scovell at Lincoln Lodge/Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport, 8:00 p.m. Last show! See previous listings! Prior attendance not required.
John Cusack at Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, 6:00 p.m. Watch High Fidelity with John Cusack. Literally. Q&A follows.
Kevin McDonald at iO, 1501 N. Kingsbury, 8:00 p.m. A rare night of stand-up, sketch and improv with Kevin McDonald of Kids in the Hall.
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