Visitors in town: Maya Rudolph and Gretchen Lieberum, Nicole Byer, Eddie B., and Hannah Gadsby. Jeff Garlin returns to his hometown to film his new Netflix special. Northwestern alum Jena Friedman is here.
At Zanies: Patti Vasquez (Chicago), Matt Ritter’s Comedians At Law (Chicago), Dan Soder (Chicago and Rosemont), Michael Palascak (Chicago and Rosemont), Jeff Arcuri (Chicago and St. Charles).
At The Improv: Nathan Timmel, George Wilborn.
At Riddles: Damon Williams Comedy presents a special Fathers Day show with Ambrose Jones and Comedian Stick.
In the news: Tonight Compass Players co-founder Elaine May won her first acting Tony at age 87. The Compass Players began at the University of Chicago and its founders went on to create Second City.
Ticket alert: Six episodes of I Love Lucy will air in theaters across the country on August 6, Lucille Ball’s birthday. Details here.
Following is this week’s Spotlight. Please confirm all details before leaving home!
MONDAY, JUNE 10
Poster Child Presents: The Chosen Ones at iO, 8:00 p.m. Poster Child, a Chicago comedy collective, hosts the city’s favorite POC/Queer/Disabled comedians. Tonight: Keiter Liriano, Daniela Aguilar, Danielle Park, Huy Nguyen, Sarah-Marie Degni, Squeek Rangel, Olivia Jackson.
Laugh Your Tail Off! at Lagunitas Chicago Taproom and Beer Sanctuary, 5:30 p.m. A stand-up show benefiting the dogs of CPR Fund K9 Rescue. Robel Arega hosts Vik Pandya, Chris Higgins, Molly Kearney, Casey Larwood, Eunji Kim, Rima Parikh, Jamal Guichon, Jessica Mance, Dan Garcia.
TUESDAY, JUNE 11
Second City Salute to Pride 2019 at Second City, 8:00 p.m. Follow link for show times throughout June.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12
Netflix presents Jeff Garlin at Park West, 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Jeff Garlin, star of TV’s funniest, smartest comedies (The Goldbergs, Curb Your Enthusiasm), returns to his hometown to film his new Netflix special.
10 Years of Cole’s Comedy Open Mic Celebration at Cole’s Bar, 9:30 p.m. Adam Burke (Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!, Man of the People) and Cameron Esposito were the founders of Cole’s Open Mic. The mic has since become one of the city’s best, and best known. Adam Burke headlines tonight with a line-up that includes Sarah Squirm.
THURSDAY, JUNE 13
Nice Jewish Girls at Skokie Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Starring Eunji Kim, Jan Slavin, Jessica Besser-Rosenberg, Kat Herskovic, Lia Berman, Le Aboav and Rebecca Fass. Produced by the wonderful Jan Slavin. Tickets for her shows often sell out in advance and people have to be turned away at the door, so get tickets while you can!
FRIDAY, JUNE 14
The Kates at The Book Cellar, 7:00 p.m. Chicago’s all-women stand-up group created and produced by Kelsie Huff (Windy City Live, The Jam). Always an evening of hilarious, unforgettable comedy and diverse voices. Free, but donations appreciated. Arrive early-seats go fast! With Lauren Hooberman, Catherine Dee, Victoria Reeves, Tamale Sepp, Adrienne Brandyburg, Sara Brown and Amy Sumpter. Hosted by Laura Hugg.
Jena Friedman at The Hideout, 7:00 p.m. Jena Friedman was a writer for Late Night with David Letterman. Her stand-up has been featured at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Adult Swim. You can read about her years at Northwestern here.
Chicago’s Comedy Scene Radio at Maggiano’s Little Italy, Naperville, 6:00 p.m. Dinner and a comedy show with Katie Meiners, Peter Daniel, Mike Maxwell and Lance Richards.
Princess at Park West, 8:00 p.m. Maya Rudolph and Gretchen Lieberum.
SATURDAY, JUNE 15
World’s Greatest Dad(?) at Second City, 6:00 p.m. Jimmy Carrane is one of improv’s best. He is known for his hilarious, uncompromising honesty. Tonight he debuts his new one-man show about becoming a father at age 52. Through July 20. Not to be missed! Interview coming soon!
You’re Being Ridiculous at Women & Children First, 7:00 p.m. You’re Being Ridiculous is always moving, memorable and very funny storytelling. Tonight is a special event LGBTQIA Pride show. Tonight:Rita Balzotti, Shawn Cobb, Joshua Friedberg, Jeremy Owens, RC Riley, Jess White.
Las Locas Comedy at The Cobra Lounge, 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Jess Martinez (Las Locas Comedy). Featuring Jazmyn Ortega (The Kates), Kayla Pulley (Fire & Beer), Chrissi Hartigan (The Paper Machete), Casey Larwood (Lincoln Lodge), Janice Rodriguez (Las Locas Comedy). Produced by Janice V Rodriguez and Jess Martínez.
Nicole Byer at Thalia Hall, 7:00 p.m. “Why Don’t You Date Me” is sold out, but I’ve had good last-minute luck in the past with vividseats.com.
Eddie B at The Chicago Theatre, 8:00 p.m. “The official voice of teachers across the globe.”
SUNDAY, JUNE 16
Hannah Gadsby at Chicago Theatre, 7:30 p.m. The Douglas Tour.
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