I hope this finds everyone doing as well as possible! If you need comedy, I’ve got a lot of ideas for staying home and going out.
Ticket alert:
Sunday, November 1: Jay and Silent Bob at McHenry Outdoor Theater
Classes: The Laughing Academy in Glenview offers socially distanced classes for kids K-8. The Annoyance Theatre, Lincoln Lodge , Second City and Jimmy Carrane offer adult comedy classes online. Since it’s now possible to be in Chicago and take a class in New York, the great Judy Gold presents a Master Class in Stand-Up on October 26. I already signed up! Note to self: remember it’s East Coast time.
I never enjoyed Halloween until Holy Ghost Bingo: God, Goblin & Games by Vicki Quade with Liz Cloud. And then I realized Halloween could be a hoot (please see here)! You can enjoy the fun at home from here through November 1.
Following is a Comedy Spotlight for the next ten days. Don’t forget to laugh … and confirm all details!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
Haunted Hounds Open House at Zanies, 2-5:00 p.m. IN PERSON You and your family, including your pups, are invited to Zanies for a free photo opp and behind-the-scenes look at this world-famous comedy club. Refreshments available for purchase. For more information, email katie@zanies.com.
Paul Farahvar at CG’s Comedy Club, Bolingbrook, 8:00 p.m. IN PERSON Paul was kind enough to speak with me here.
Dr. Bill Miller at Zanies in Chicago, 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. IN PERSON. Through Sunday. Dr. Bill Miller has one of the most interesting stories in comedy. Interview here.
Wisecrackin’ Comedy, 8:00 p.m. ONLINE With special guest Jay Mohr. “Wisecrackin’ is a weekly interactive live streaming comedy game show hosted by Angie McMahon (Second City Faculty, Netflix’s Nailed It). Comedians are pitted in a head to head competition to write a punchline to a set up they have never seen. The audience watches and votes live on their favorite punchline and plays along in challenges in the chat.”
Quarter Capacity Comedy at The Beaumont, 8:00 p.m. IN PERSON A new socially-distant, free stand-up comedy show hosted by Ten at The Store.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
Las Locas Comedy, 8:00 p.m. ONLINE ¡La Calavera Show! Wonderful chance to see this popular show which always sold out in person pre-Covid. Only $7.99 for online admission, but follow link for 25% discount. Hosted by Janice V Rodriguez and Jess Martinez.
Paul Farahvar at CG’s Comedy Club, Bolingbrook, 8:00 p.m. IN PERSON
Chicago’s Best Standup at Laugh Factory, 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. IN PERSON
7:00 p.m. Featuring Dave Helem , Jim Flannigan, B Cole, Mike Samp, Joe Kilgallon and more TBA.
9:30 p.m.: Featuring Mike Samp, Joe Kilgallon, Sarah Perry, B Cole, Dave Helem , Jim Flannigan and more TBA.
Fall Out Funny Fest at DuSable Patio, 6:00 p.m. IN PERSON With Fab Monroe, Marlon Mitchell, D Brown, Host Meechi Hall an Dj Word.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
“If I Embarrass You, Tell Your Friends” 5:00 p.m. ONLINE A discussion about “the outsized role that Jewish women have played as path-breaking comedic writers and performers. Together, the group will reflect on how comedy has changed in recent years, and what labels such as “Jewish comedian” and ‘woman comedian’ mean today.” Panelists include Michaela Watkins.
Godfrey at The Improv, Schaumburg, 7:00 p.m. IN PERSON Some tickets left. All other Godfrey shows this weekend are completely sold out!
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
Monday Night Funnies, 7:00 p.m. ONLINE This excellent free stand-up showcase is produced by Denise Medina and Mark Klaber. With fabulous MC Jessica Winther a/k/a “Real Housewife of the 818,” and for real one of the most hilarious, smartest MC’s I’ve ever seen. Her energy and honesty are a healing force in this broken world. I promise you will feel happier and healthier after this show. I always do. Tonight’s line-up includes Brad Zimmerman, creator of the hit one-man show “My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy” and many other talented, unique comedic voices. (Like international model Eugenia Kuzmina-yes-she’s also a talented comedian.) FREE SHOW but donations to Cancer Schmancer appreciated. On Monday night, follow link to Mark Klaber’s FB page and from there you can connect to the live show.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20
Ms. Pat at Zanies in Chicago, 7:00 p.m. IN PERSON Follow link for Ms. Pat’s story about emerging from hard times. Through Thursday.
Nacho Redondo at Zanies in Rosemont, 7:00 p.m. IN PERSON The rising comedy star from Venezuela.
Laughing All the Way to the White House, 8:00 p.m. ONLINE A benefit for the Wisconsin Democratic Party featuring Sarah Silverman, Sarah Cooper, Seth MacFarlane, Lewis Black, Bassem Youssef, Chelsea Peretti, Whitney Cummings, Judd Apatow, Mike Birbiglia, Hasan Minhaj, Roy Wood Jr, Harry Shearer, Bradley Whitford, Sklar Brothers, Ahmed Ahmed, Cristela Alonzo, Greg Proops, Jackie Kashian, Maria Bamford, Will Forte, Ben Gleib, and more TBA.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21
Chicago International Film Festival ONLINE Through October 25 Two films with special meaning to Chicago comedy fans: Belushi and For Madmen Only (long awaited documentary about Del Close).
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
Happy Hour at Second City, 7:00 p.m. ONLINE Live every Thursday.
Jim Florentine at Zanies in Rosemont, 7:00 p.m. IN PERSON
Rob Schneider at The Improv, 7:30 p.m. IN PERSON
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
A Virtual Evening with Michael Ian Black and Merrill Markoe, 6:00 p.m. ONLINE Merrill Markoe and Chicagoan Michael Ian Black both have new books! Sponsored by Books & Books. Merrill Markoe’s latest is We Saw Scenery. Michael Ian Black’s new book is A Better Man: A (mostly serious) Letter to My Son.
Campfire at Lincoln Lodge, 7:00 p.m. IN PERSON Comedians tell their best stories. Also at Lincoln Lodge tonight:
Stand-Up and Variety Showcase at 8:00 p.m.
Dan LaMorte at Zanies in Chicago, 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m IN PERSON
Mike Toomey at Zanies in Rosemont, 8:00 p.m. IN PERSON
Rob Schneider at The Improv, 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. IN PERSON
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
Dan LaMorte at Zanies in Chicago, 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m IN PERSON
Mike Toomey at Zanies in Rosemont, 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 IN PERSON
Fight Club at Lincoln Lodge, 9:00 p.m. IN PERSON Punk-themed comedy showcase.
Splatter Theater at The Annoyance, 9:00 p.m. ONLINE “A live virtual presentation & fundraiser.”
Rob Schneider at The Improv, 7:00 p.m. IN PERSON
After Hours at Zanies, 11:15 p.m. IN PERSON
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25
Happy Days Reunion at The Democratic Party of Wisconsin, 6:00 p.m. ONLINE With Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Marion Ross, Anson Williams, Don Most and special guests.
Dan LaMorte at Zanies in Chicago, 8:00 p.m IN PERSON
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