Vicki Quade’s Nuns4Fun has released Christmas Bingo: It’s a Ho-Ho-Holy Night. Vicki’s shows are a celebration of laughter for all denominations! The show is available for streaming through December 27. Tickets are $20 and support the retirement fund of the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago. Tickets and streaming information at ticketleap.com.
Vicki’s new book Close Encounters of a Chicago Kind will be published by Eckhartz Press in time to make a great holiday gift. If you follow her on social media, you know that the award-winning playwright has a gift for inspiring strangers on the street to divulge their most interesting stories and secrets. The book promises to reveal true Chicago encounters from “the bizarre to the dangerous.” Vicki has a knack for connecting with everyone she meets and for highlighting our shared humanity even in the most unlikely circumstances. Purchase the book here.
The New York Underground Comedy Festival is streaming live December 2-6. Chicagoan Denise Medina will be featured in the NYUCF’s “The New Wave” on December 3! Details below.
The Boston Comedy Festival is streaming live this week. Shows include Jackie Kashian, “Wittiest Women Showcase,” Lewis Black, Judah Friedlander, labs for comedians, and much more. Details here.
Chicago comedy clubs are temporarily closed. Following is this week’s online comedy calendar. If you have a show you would like me to add this week or anytime, please email temewring@gmail.com.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Ladies of Laughter 7:00 p.m. Produced by Denise Medina and Mark Klaber. MC greatness by Jessica Winther. Headliner: Patti Vasquez! Patti is a nationally touring headliner and one of comedy’s best. Plus, ten more comedy stars from around the country! Broadcast free on Facebook Live. Donations appreciated and benefit National Organization of Women.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1
Chicago Improv Productions premiers “Improv at Home.”
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2
Samantha Irby and Megan Stielstra 7:00 p.m. Two very funny and insightful Chicago writers discuss “what it means to tell stories in this time and of this time, and why we have to keep trying—even when it hurts—and moving—even when we can’t move—and laughing—even when all we want to do is launch our laptops into the sun.” Sponsored by the Black Mountain Institute.
Judy Gold Book Club 6:30 p.m. Judy Gold’s latest book is Yes, I Can Say That: When They Come for the Comedians, We’re All in Trouble.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3
Denise Medina at New York Underground Comedy Festival, 8:30 p.m. Denise is featured on “The Next Wave.”
Second City Happy Hour 7:00 p.m. Livestream with current cast members and alums from all over the country.
Pop-Up Book Club with Mike Birbiglia and Hope Stein 6:30 p.m. A book club discussion with Mike Birbiglia about his new memoir, The New One. With his partner, Hope Stein. Advance registration recommended.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4
Virtual ComedySportz 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Mary Lyn Rajskub 8:00 p.m. Actor, comedian and writer, also known as ‘Chloe’ on the Fox drama 24 and also ‘Gail the Snail’ from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5
Late Late Breakfast “Bye Bye 2020!” 3:00 p.m. This surprise party of a comedy show originated in Chicago, toured throughout the country and is now headquartered in L.A. But today you can attend online from home.
The Really Awesome Comedy Show 3:00 p.m. Second City’s “family-friendly, interactive, live online show that taps kids for suggestions and inspiration to create high energy, improvisational silliness!”
Virtual ComedySportz 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Stand-up for Pits 8:00 p.m. Live comedy and music. Featuring Clare Dunn, Orfeh, Sebastian Steinberg, the Watkins Family Hour and David Garza. Hosted by Rebecca Corry. Followed by a VIP Meet and Greet. “The Stand Up For Pits Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to educating, advocating and saving the lives of pit bull “type” dogs.”
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
Home for Hanukkah with Bubbe and Zayde 5:00 p.m. ComedySportz presents this FREE weekly show through December 20.
Virtual Veep Reunion 7:00 p.m. The cast of VEEP and special guests reunites to benefit AMERICA VOTES and their work to turn out voters for the upcoming Georgia Runoff. With Julia Louis-Dreyfus (President Selina Meyer), Anna Chlumsky (Amy Brookheimer), Reid Scott (Dan Eagan), Sam Richardson (Richard Splett), Tony Hale (Gary Walsh), Timothy Simons (Jonah Ryan), Clea DuVall (Marjorie Palmiotti), Matt Walsh (Mike McLintock), Gary Cole (Kent Davison), Sarah Sutherland (Catherine Meyer), David Mandel (Executive Producer and Showrunner), and several special guests including Chicagoan Kumail Nanjiani. (Julia Louis-Dreyfus got her comedy start in Chicago, too!)
Ana Gasteyer & Seth Rudetsky 7:00 p.m. Tickets are also available for a “VIP Soundcheck” with Ana Gasteyer at 5:00 p.m.
Stay up to date with Comedians Defying Gravity by typing your email address in the box and clicking the “create subscription” button. My list is completely spam, spam, spam, spam free, and you can opt out at any time.