Visitors in town: Nina West, John Waters, Rob Christensen, Harry Shearer and Judith Owen, Deepu Dileepan.
At Zanies: Josh Gondelman (Chicago, Dec. 2-6 with a special benefit on Wednesday, December 4), Joe Machi (Chicago, Rosemont), Tuesday Ten Showcase (Rosemont), Mike Toomey (Rosemont), Steve Rannazzisi (Chicago, Rosemont), St. Charles: TBA.
At The Improv: Joey Villagomez, Samuel J. Comroe.
At Riddles: Shanie D, Mohammad, Jay Deep
Chicago comedians in the news: Taneshia (Just Nesh) Rice is featured on truTV’s Laff Mobb’s Laff Tracks this Friday, December 6. More here. She’ll also be on WGCI 107.5 on Tuesday, December 3, 6-10:00 a.m.
iO’s Abby McEnany has a new comedy, Work in Progress, which begins Sunday, December 8 on Showtime. The eight weekly half-hour episodes have many Chicago connections. More here.
Ticket alerts:
December 9: Robby Hoffman at The Hideout.
December 13: Ana Gasteyer at SPACE in Evanston.
Following is this week’s Spotlight. Please confirm all details before leaving home!
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2
Maggiano’s Serves Something Funny at Maggiano’s Little Italy, Vernon Hills, 6:00 p.m. With headliner Tim Slagle.
A Drag Queen Christmas at The Vic, 8:00 p.m. Starring contestants from RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Best Night Ever at @ North Bar, 9:00 p.m. With Marty DeRosa, Mallory Bradford, Eunji Kim, David Rader.
Monkey Wrench at The Hideout, 9:00 p.m. Arish Singh hosts Jasson Perez, activist and member of the rap group BBU in a discussion about his work with the DSA Afrosocialists and Socialists of Color Caucus. Also featuring Kalalya Pulley (PREACH!, Lemonade Stand), Maya Marshall (Underbelly Live!, Haymarket Books), Skyler Highley (Clickhole). Proceeds benefit the next Chicago Afrosocialist & SoC meet-up.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
Comedy in Winnetka at Avli, 7:30 p.m. Dinner package available starting at 5:30/6:00 p.m. Richard Laible presents headliner Mike Toomey. Featuring Kristin Carnes and Luis Arevalo. Produced by Laible Productions.
Super Human at The Annoyance Theatre, 9:30 p.m. These talented women have taught and performed all over the world.
A John Waters Christmas at Thalia Hall, 9:00 p.m. John Waters is here asking inimitable John Waters questions about Christmas.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
Psychotic Break at Schubas Upstairs, 8:00 p.m. Chicago’s mental illness and addiction variety show. Hosted by Jenn Sodini and Dan Shapiro. Special guests: Calle Hack, Rodescu Hopkins and more TBA. Free show.
New Player Comedy Show at Emporium, 8:00 p.m. “Chicago’s only video game stand-up comedy show.” Free with toy donation (no toy weapons).
WBEZ’s Rat Tales LIVE! at The Hideout, 8:30 p.m. WBEZ’s Curious City presents “a rat-ical night of live storytelling” all about wild encounters with Chicago’s most robust rodents.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5
Studio G’s Comedy Cellar at Studio G, Highland Park, 8:00 p.m. With Paige Blair, Darius Kennedy, Kevin Kellam and headliner Rob Christensen (This is Not Happening, Adam Devine’s House Party, EPIX).
Home for Hanukkah at ComedySportz, 7:30 p.m. With Bubbe and Zayde.
2 Divinity and Beyond! at Second City, 9:00 p.m. “Happy helladays.”
Cupcake Cabaret at Gallery Cabaret, 6:30 p.m. Open mic at 6:30 p.m. Showcase at 8:00 p.m. Martin Felshman hosts Sharup Karim, Christina Lundin, Andrew Tavin, Monica Andrade. Secret mystery co-host TBA.
The Unbearable Shortness of Breath at Stage 773, 8:00 p.m. “A sketch comedy show by 40-year-olds.”
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
Ashbury’s Comedy Night at Boughton Ridge, Bolingbrook, 8:00 p.m. Featuring Michele Krajecki. Headliner Vince Carone. Hosted by Ralphie Roberts.
The Interview Show with Mark Bazer at The Hideout, 6:30 p.m. WTTW live recording. Tonight’s guests: David Pasquesi (iO, TJ & Dave, Veep, Lodge 49) , Curtis Duffy & Michael Muser (Chef & Restauranteur, Ever, Former Restaurant Grace), Greta Johnsen (host of NPR’s podcast Nerdette). UPDATE 12/2: Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy added to the lineup.
Christmas Bingo at The Royal George, 8:00 p.m. “Get into the Christmas spirit with Christmas Bingo: It’s a Ho-Ho-Holy Night. Brush up on your Yuletide trivia, play for actual prizes in this uniquely interactive show. Vicki Quade, co-creator of the smash hit Late Nite Catechism, tackles the wackiest myths and most outrageous facts about Christmas, including jolly old St. Nick’s origins and where candy canes come from.” Fridays and Saturdays 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m. through Dec. 29.
Christmas at Comedy Sportz, 8:00 p.m. Christmas Carols at 10:00 p.m.
The Stuntman Superhour at Second City, 7:30 p.m. A benefit for P.A.W.S. Chicago featuring puppies on stage, the Stuntmen and surprise guests.
The Kids Table Holiday Special at CIC, 8:00 p.m. One way to get ready for the holidays.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
Prateek Srivastava Album Recording at Bughouse Theater, 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. Prateek is a nationally touring headliner. He sells out shows around the country and his comedy has also been featured at iO and Second City. He is recording his debut album on his parents’ anniversary and naming it in their honor: Nick and Sheila’s Kid.
Judith Owen and Harry Shearer at SPACE, Evanston, 8:00 p.m. “Christmas Without Tears.” Tonight and tomorrow night.
Christmas Bingo at The Royal George, 8:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m. through Dec. 29.
Just Kitten Around at The Windy City Cat Café & Lounge, 6:30 p.m. Cat social time at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7:00 p.m. Elsie How and Alex Collyard host Sohrab Forouzesh (Standup NBC), Adam Gilbert (Opened for Brian Posehn & Doug Stanhope). Music by Ruth & Ellaine.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
The Second City’s Improv Holiday Brunch, 11:00 a.m. Three weekends only!
Christmas Bingo at The Royal George, 8:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m. through Dec. 29.
Judith Owen and Harry Shearer at SPACE, Evanston, 7:00 p.m. “Christmas without tears.”
Whose Sign Is it Anyway at iO, 7:30 p.m. Astrology meets improv. Tonight: Sagittarius
International Stand-Up Comedy Show at Theatre Momentum, 7:00 p.m. “A double-bill comedy special that explores the themes of identity, language and family. Featuring Deepu Dileepan and Vikram Balaji, the show zigzags through hilarious childhood memories from India and the zeitgeist of the modern world. Playful yet dark, the show reflects the uniquely contrasting styles of the two standup acts.”
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