Visitors in town: Nemr, Dave Ross, Joel James, Jon Dore, Gallagher, Ana Gasteyer. Chicagoan Jane Lynch is here with Kate Flannery and Tim Davis.
At Zanies: Mike Menendez (Chicago), Stand Up All Night Comedy Competition (Chicago), Pat Tomasulo (Rosemont), Vince Carone (Rosemont).
At Riddles: Bruh Man from Martin.
At The Improv: John Heffron.
Ticket alert:
March 20: Pee Wee’s Big Adventure 35th Anniversary Tour at The Chicago Theatre.
Following is the rest of this week’s Spotlight. Please confirm all details before leaving home!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
The Excited State at The Revival, 8:00 p.m. This one-of-a-kind evening features improv by some of the country’s top scientists performing at the birthplace of improv itself.
Live at The Storefront Presents Le Aboav at the Storefront, 8:00 p.m. With featured sets from Mary Zee, and Scott Duff. Hosted by Tessa Orzech.
Up All Nite at iO, 7:00 p.m. A free creative jam and party hosted by Women in Comedy. “This event is by women and for women, but all are welcome.”
Home for Hanukkah at ComedySportz, 7:30 p.m. With Bubbe and Zayde.
TEDx Oak Park Women at The Nineteenth Century Club, Oak Park, 4:30 p.m. Networking begins at 4:30 p.m. Talks begin at 6:00 p.m. This event includes two speakers with comedy backgrounds: actor, writer and stand-up Mariann Aalda and actor, writer and producer Michael Fry.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13
Nemr at The Laugh Factory, 8:00 p.m. I’ve only experienced it a few times – the knowing for sure that a comedian will change the world. One of those times was seeing Nemr at the Laugh Factory two years ago. He is transcendent. Not to be missed. He kindly spoke with me before that show. His show was one of the best, most memorable experiences of my life.
The Kates at The Book Cellar, 7:00 p.m. Always a hilarious, excellent evening of diverse viewpoints and unforgettable comedy from Chicago’s all-women stand-up group. Created and produced by Kelsie Huff (Windy City Live, The Jam). Tonight: Kelly Bolton, Alyson Lyon, Mary Kate Beck, Sandy Lee, Ellen Wesley, Denise Medina, Jess Martínez, Atheer Yacoub. Hosted by Alexandra Tsarpalas.
Dave Ross at North Bar, 8:00 p.m. Parental advisory included.
13 Reasons to Laugh at North Bar, 10:30 p.m. Fabulous lineup: Just Nesh, Marilee, Joel James.
Jon Dore at The Den Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Star of TV and stage, and road tripper in the awesome Knock Knock It’s Tig Notaro. Jon Dore is at The Den Theatre tonight and tomorrow night. With Matty Ryan.
Jane Lynch at The Raue Center, Crystal Lake, 8:00 p.m. A Swingin’ Little Christmas Live in Concert starring Jane Lynch and featuring Kate Flannery and Tim Davis with The Tony Guerrero Quintet.
Gallagher at Q Bar, Glendale Heights, 8:00 p.m. Bring a poncho, umbrella or impenetrable force field if you’re sitting in front.
Ana Gasteyer at Space, Evanston, 7:00 p.m., 9:30 p.m. Holiday tunes.
The War on Christmas Future at Second City, 10:30 p.m. “From Starbucks cups to holiday boycotts, the War on Christmas rages in the Legends’ hilarious new sketch revue.”
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
Las Locas at DSTRKT Bar & Grill, 8:00 p.m. Las Locas Presents: ¡Puro Pinche Holiday Pari! Las Locas producers Janice V Rodriguez and Jess Martínez host headliner Gwen LaRoka (Mikey O) and Estephany Guzman (Rising Laughter), Colleen Brennan (Backroom Comedy), Alicia Molina (Stand Up Chicago), Marilee (Laugh Factory). “Come on out and enjoy a hilarious evening of Latina/Latinx comedians – and our favorite honorary locas!” Las Locas is known for being excellent and tickets sell out early! Advance ticket recommended!
Dinner and Stand-up Comedy Show at Continental Restaurant, Buffalo Grove, 6:00 p.m. Mark Klaber’s shows are known for being excellent and selling out in advance. Call soon for reservations! Tonight: Kat Herskovic hosts Jan Slavin, Seth Davis, Michelle Krajecki, Hari Rao, Pam Engelhart. Dinner at 6. Comedy at 8. Call for tickets: (847) 459-4095.
Jon Dore at The Den Theatre, 7:30 p.m. With Matty Ryan.
The Therapy Players at Jarvis Square Theater, 8:00 p.m. Just in time for the holidays! Chicago’s award winning all-therapist improv group.
Jane Lynch at The Raue Center, Crystal Lake, 8:00 p.m. A Swingin’ Little Christmas Live in Concert starring Jane Lynch and featuring Kate Flannery and Tim Davis with The Tony Guerrero Quintet.
Silver F*ing Bells… and Latkes at The Davis Theater, 6:15 p.m. Interfaith holiday stories. “Brought to you by Gilead Chicago and Mishkan Chicago, partners in interfaith crime since 2014.”
At What Cost? at the Playground Theater, 9:00 p.m. A stand-up showcase plus an interview with a special guest around the question “At what cost?” Comedy by Holmes, Caleb Hearon, Molly Kearney, Derry Queen, Deanna Ortiz, Naomi Spungen.
We Still Like You at Cards Against Humanity Theater, 10:00 p.m. With Ed Towns, Maddie Wiener, Dwayne Murphy Jr., Elise Fernandez and more TBA.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
The Second City’s Improv Holiday Brunch at UP Comedy Club, 11:00 a.m. Brunch buffet and a show!
Mortified at Lincoln Hall, 7:00 p.m. “Personal redemption through public humiliation.”
Jane Lynch at City Winery, 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. With Kate Flannery, Tim Davis & the Tony Guerrero Quintet. Meet and greet also available.
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