Visitors in town:
At Zanies: Benji Affalo (Chicago), Michael Somerville (Chicago), Amir K (Rosemont).
At The Improv: Jamie Kennedy
Ticket alerts:
This weekend: Chicago’s all-therapists improv group, the Therapy Players are at RhinoFest this Sunday, February 17 and Sunday, February 24. This is also an amazing-deal alert! A rare chance to see these award-winning comedic healers with RhinoFest’s “pay what you want” policy. At Prop Theater. Details here.
Seinfeld PopUp Dinner at Get In The Kitchen: dates through March 23. Follow link for reservations.
Rebecca O’Neal at The Hideout on April 15.
Hannah Gadsby’s “Douglas” Tour at the Chicago Theatre on June 16. Find tickets on her web site along with a photo of the handsome Douglas.
In the news:
On February 17, WGN will air a two-hour special, Bozo’s Circus: The 1960s. Chicago media guru Robert Feder writes about it here.
Following is this week’s Spotlight through Valentine’s Day. Shows are in the city unless otherwise noted. Please confirm all details before leaving home!
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Serve Something Funny at Maggiano’s in Vernon Hills, 6:00 p.m. Produced by “Funnier by the Lake Comedy.” Larry Bloom hosts Oscar Carvajal, Lance Richards and headliner: Sarah Manning.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
BrewTube Comedy Tour at On Tour Brewing Company, 8:00 p.m. Dwight Simmons and Peter Heinz host Sabrina Gordon, Mickey Housley, Liz Zagone, Tommy Schneeman, Blake Burkhart, Lael O’Shaughnessy and more TBA.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Feminist Happy Hour at Empty Bottle, 7:00 p.m. The third annual comedy, music and pop-up shopping Galentine’s Day Celebration.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Dress Up and Dance Comedy Showcase at Dress Up and Dance, Mundelein, 7:00 p.m. Funnier By The Lake’s Larry Bloom hosts Mike Maxwell, Michelle Krajecki, Kat Herskovic and Darius Kennedy.
Jamie Kennedy at The Improv, Schaumburg, 7:30 p.m. Valentine’s Day dinner is an option, too.
My Funny Valentine at Laugh Factory, 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
7:00 p.m. Featuring Felonious Munk, Kellye Howard, Abi Sanchez, Paul Farahvar, Shannon Noll and more TBA.
9:15 p.m. Featuring Jonah Jurkens, Chris Bader, Sarah Perry, Joe McMahon and more TBA.
Valentine’s Day at ComedySportz, 8:00 p.m. “Whether you are looking for a perfect date night, trying to impress someone you just met or rocking a table of three – we couldn’t be happier to spend the holiday with you! Complete with fake roses, real candies, heart felt valentine’s from our ensemble and a little bubbly, we can promise the red carpet will be rolled out!”
My Funny Valentine at The Promontory, 8:00 p.m. Featuring Just Nesh (Comedy Central, HBO, Hart of the City) with Marilee & Erica Clark. Hosted by M Dubbs. Music by Gene Hunt & The Queens of House (DJ Alicia, Sol Kat).
Anti-Valentine’s Day at Laugh Out Loud Theater, 7:30 p.m. A cabaret extravaganza of “heartbreak and bitterness.” Single or not, you are invited to “celebrate or commiserate.”
Clucking Cupid at Pints, Elmhurst, 9:00 p.m. The Mother Cluckers have something to say about Valentine’s Day! Dinner option available. Featuring: KT Speetzen, Joyce Hagen-McIntosh, Kyna Lenhof, Bridget McGuire, Katie Mieners, and Amy Sumpter. Expected to sell out. Reservation recommended.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Ok Stupid at Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 9:00 p.m. It’s February 15, but Ok Stupid proves love is just getting started! “You look at a photo, you read a bio. Still there is no telling you what is going to be sitting across from you on that first date. Join us as we watch two people navigate the hilariously weird and entertaining waters of online dating.” Starring: Preston O’ffil, Hadley Paige Jordan, Marissa Chastain, Tim Moan, Prateek Srivastava, Michelle Oliver, Bill Russell, Katy Jacobs, Mickey O’Sullivan. Directed and written by Patrick Newson.