Visitors in town: The Capitol Steps, Orny Adams, Kev Adams, Adam Carolla, Terry Fator, Brian Regan, Bruce McCulloch. Returning to their hometown: Lecy Goranson and Drew Michael.
The 2020 Fillet of Solo Festival continues.
At Zanies: Adam Burke (Chicago), Ms. Pat (Chicago), Marty DeRosa (Chicago), Tuesday Ten Showcase (Rosemont), Larry Reeb (Rosemont).
At The Improv: Whorible Decisions Podcast, Pat Tomasulo, Orny Adams.
At Riddles: Gerald Piper aka Comedian Piper with Big Keef and Sheree Luckett.
Chicago comedians in the news:
On January 15, Abby McEnany, creator and star of Showtime’s Work in Progress, appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert where the two had an engaging Chicago-centric discussion. Follow link for full unedited version. One of the greatest interviews ever on Colbert for its relatability, honesty, charm, humor, and insight into both comedians.
Paramount Pictures released the trailer for Lovebirds, starring Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae. The comedy thriller will premier at the SXSW Film Festival in March and open in theaters on April 3rd.
Ticket alert: Sklar Brothers at North Bar on February 6th.
Following is this week’s Spotlight. Please confirm all details before leaving home!
MONDAY, JANUARY 20
Becca Brown at The Hideout, 7:00 p.m. “Becca Brown is a sweet-but-psycho comedian, actress and singer originally from Chicago.”
Coming to America: Not the Movie at Second City, 8:30 p.m. “In this solo show, Uchè (oo-Chay) Elueze (eh-luh-way-zay) shares how his entrepreneurial spirit of the ‘American Dream’ got him sent back to Nigeria as a 14 year old, and then returned back to the states as a ‘Black Yogi.’”
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21
Lecy Goranson Watch Party at Joe’s On Weed, 6:00 p.m. Evanston native and Conners star Lecy Goranson hosts a watch party for tonight’s special Bears/Packers episode. There will be autographed Conners items and more. The evening benefits the Chicago Fire Department’s Widows & Children’s Fund.
Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen, 9:00 p.m. Stephanie Weber hosts Ben Moore, Xavier Lamont, Shannon Noll, Evan & Mary Jane and the ChUC debut of AJ Marroquin.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22
News It (or Lose It) at The Laugh Factory, 8:00 p.m. This is the new show by one of comedy’s best, Adam Burke (Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!, Chicago Reader Best Stand-Up). A comedic debate about the news stories of the week. Tonight Adam hosts fellow greats Pat Tomasulo and Whitney Chitwood.
Let’s Be Blunt at The Annoyance, 8:00 p.m. A timely show for Chicago.
Comedians You Should Know at Timothy O’Toole’s, 9:30 p.m. Ed Towns hosts Marty DeRosa, Just Nesh, Ben Moore, Aaron Putnam, Brad Sativa and more TBA.
Holmes Home at The Hideout, 9:00 p.m. Monthly variety show. Holmes hosts standup from Jerwin Santiago, Caleb Hearon, Odinaka Ezeokoli, musical guest Miranda Winters.
Capitol Steps at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m. Their new show: “The Lyin’ Kings.”
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23
Orny Adams at Moonlight Studios, 7:00 p.m. A benefit for the Illinois Holocaust Museum.
Kev Adams at The Laugh Factory, 8:00 p.m. This French comedian is an internationally touring headliner and in France is best known for his lead role in the popular sitcom SODA.
Capitol Steps at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m. Their new show: “The Lyin’ Kings.”
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24
Capitol Steps at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 8:00 p.m. Their new show: “The Lyin’ Kings.”
Laughs on Draft at Evil Horse Brewing Company, Crete, 7:30 p.m. Tyler Fowler hosts Chis Trani and headliner Chelsea Hood.
Terry Fator at Genesee Theatre, 6:30 p.m. Pre-show fundraiser for Genesee Summer Camp & Shriners Hospital with an appearance by Terry Fator. Show begins at 8:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
The Therapy Players at Jarvis Square Theater, 8:00 p.m. Chicago’s award-winning all-therapist improv group.
The Book Cellar, 7:00 p.m. The Kates, featuring Chicago’s funniest comedians, take the stage for a night of unforgettable stand-up. Arrive early for seats!
Capitol Steps at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 2:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. Their new show: “The Lyin’ Kings.”
Drew Michael at The Den Theatre, 7:00 p.m. Drew Michael’s stand-up special on HBO last year, was “thrillingly subversive” (New York Times) and GQ said he “represents the past and future of stand-up comedy.” “Drew Michael” was the only stand-up special in 2018 to earn a Writers Guild Award nomination.
Adam Carolla at Park West, 7:30 p.m. “Adam Carolla is Unprepared” because Jimmy Kimmel challenged him to do a tour with ideas provided on the spot by audience members.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
Capitol Steps at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 2:00 p.m. Their new show: “The Lyin’ Kings.”
Brian Regan at The Egyptian Theater, DeKalb, 7:00 p.m. He was almost an accountant, but instead became one of the funniest comedians of all time.
Everyone’s A Lawyer at The Laugh Factory, 7:00 p.m. Chicago’s hit comedy game show created and hosted by comedian and attorney Paul Farahvar. Paul has been named one of the “Top 40 Up and Coming Comedians in America” and one of “Top 40 under 40” lawyers in Chicago, so you can expect a great night of comedy and legal drama as comedians take the stage to present the funniest arguments in real life cases. Tonight’s comedians at law to be announced.
Breaking the Glass Feeling at Second City, 8:00 p.m. Bob Curry Fellow Menaka Deolekar’s solo show journey with “the raw passion of a pop punk star, the joyful naivety of a Hallmark employee, and a slightly more realistic take on the wrath of Liam Neeson, all while learning a little bit about what it takes to actually break through your own glass feelings.”
Smiley Face Presents: New Decade, New Laughs at Northside Bar & Grill, 8:00 p.m. Featuring Dan Cassilagio, Lucia Whalen, Skyler Higley, Mary Kate Beck, Mitch Kamaiopili, Deanna Ortiz, Max Shanker and more TBA. Music by Smiley Face’s Ryan Mannix. Hosted by Brian Lirot and the Smiley Face House Band. Final Sunday of every month. Free show.
Bruce McCulloch at Lincoln Hall, 8:00 p.m. “Tales of Bravery and Stupidity” from Kids In The Hall alum Bruce McCulloch. With Adam Burke.
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