CHICAGO COMEDIANS IN THE NEWS
Mariann Aalda’s film Gumbo is now streaming on Xfinity.
The Murray Brothers Caddyshack Restaurant, originally scheduled to open in Wilmette last March, has been delayed without explanation, as reported on August 4 by The Record. The Murray Brothers have until September 8 to act on their special use permit. Neighbors are disgruntled with the current rundown state of the proposed site, formerly Baker’s Square, but fans remain hopeful. The Murray brothers grew up in Wilmette.
In positive restaurant news, a Golden Girls pop-up restaurant is very popular in Los Angeles right now. The movable eatery is scheduled to visit only a few cities, but Chicago is one of them! Chicago was also the site of the first Golden Girls convention last April. Hoping Dorothy will drop by to tell off her doctor.
Kumail Nanjiani is a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday, August 8.
Late Night with Seth Meyers is in reruns this week, but almost every night features a Chicago comedian: Rachel Dratch (Monday), Chris Redd (and Chicago musician/Styx drummer Todd Sucherman – Tuesday), Tina Fey and Craig Robinson (Thursday), Robin Thede (Friday).
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is now a picture book for kids.
All sorts of comedy classes start this week at Lincoln Lodge!
TICKET ALERTS
August 21: Tim Meadows at Zanies Chicago
August 22-23: Chris Redd at Zanies Chicago
August 26: Brian Noonan at Madame ZuZu’s, Highland Park. A Funnier By the Lake Production.
September 6: Jeanie Doogan hosts Mo Good, Cecilia Gonzalez, Bridget McGuire, and headliner Kristen Toomey at Zanies Chicago
September 24: Denise Medina’s 4 Course Comedy. Dinner and a show featuring JT Newton, Grey Dolan and headliner Bob Jay at Yorkies in Wadsworth. Advance purchase recommended before these tickets sell out!
November 4: Randy Rainbow at The Genesee Theatre, Waukegan
December 9-11: Margaret Cho at The Improv, Schaumburg
Following is this week’s spotlight, just a fraction of all the original comedy happening in Chicago every night! Please confirm all details before leaving home.
THIS WEEK AT:
Zanies Chicago: Case of the Mondays, Super 6 Showcase, UpDating, Josh Potter, Calvin Evans, Aaron Putnam & Friends
Zanies Rosemont: New Material Night, Henry Cho, Rahn Hortman, “All Over the Place” Podcast
Riddles: Will Hill’s Open Mic, Bored Teachers Summer Break Comedy Tour, Stephon hosts Alex Ortiz and Chastity Washington, Robert Kane hosts Sunday Night Funny
The Improv: Aries Spears
MONDAY, AUGUST 8
Sulzer Improv Club and Film Fest at Bughouse Theater, 6:00 p.m. Improv plus short films from Sulzer Library’s Summer Shorts Film Festival.
Red Lobster Comedy: The Headliners at Laugh Factory, 8:00 p.m. Featuring Alex Klaes, Pat Tomasulo, Vik Pandya and more TBA.
Laughs in Lakeview at Shakers, 8:00 p.m. Open mic and showcase hosted by Darrick Jones.
Bored Teachers Tour at Genesee Theatre, Waukegan, 7:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9
Bobcat Goldthwait at Lincoln Lodge, 7:30 p.m. Bobcat Goldthwait is “working on new shit” at Lincoln Lodge. Tuesdays in August.
Fem Com Punch Up Grad Show at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m. Feminine Comique’s advanced students.
Flava Flavor Flavour at The Annoyance, 8:00 p.m. “Chicago-based improv group featuring three Black performers (Tysh Chrisp, Jason Tolliver, Warren Stokes) who came together to add some ‘seasoning’ to the world of short and long form improv.”
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10
Gilda’s Club at The Music Box Theatre, 7:00 p.m. A special screening of Haunted Honeymoon, the 1986 film starring Gilda Radner and Gene Wilder. Special panel discussion follows. Proceeds benefit Gilda’s Club Chicago.
The Best of the Second City Chicago Style at Second City, 8:00 p.m. Second City’s best sketch and music about Chicago.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11
Ashley Hesseltine at The Den Theatre, 8:00 p.m. Tonight and tomorrow night at 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Ashley Hesseltine is also the co-host of Girls Gotta Eat podcast.
Mike Bridenstine at Lincoln Lodge, 9:15 pm. Mike Bridenstine’s comedy career began in Chicago and he is back this week for several special appearances at Lincoln Lodge. Tonight is a live recording of his podcast Hunk!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12
The Comedy Nosh at at Max and Benny’s, Northbrook, 7:30 p.m. Ricky March hosts Jeremy Drazner, Lance Richards and headliner Patti Vasquez. A Funnier By the Lake Production.
Mike Bridenstine Album Recording at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m.
Jeanie Doogan at CG’s Comedy Club, Bolingbrook, 8:00 p.m. Tonight and tomorrow night. “Jeanie has set herself apart with her quick observations and no-apology take on teaching, parenthood, and American culture. Her sharp wit draws on her experiences growing up on the South side of Chicago and 15 years as a public school teacher to deliver comedy that reaches audiences of all ages, genders, and walks of life.”
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13
DOPENESS: A Work in Progress at The Annoyance, 7:00 p.m. Behind the scenes with DOPENESS as they prepare for their September show on the Annoyance main stage. “DOPENESS is pure, unadulterated black joy. Made up of all rising stars the cast and crew has performed literally all over the world and has worked on or currently works on The CHI (Showtime), Shameless (Showtime), Empire (FOX), Chicago Med (NBC), Chicago Fire (NBC), Chicago P.D. (NBC), The Big Leap (FOX), Hot Date (Netflix), Laugh Factory, Second City, and Zanies.
Laurie Kilmartin at The Den Theatre, 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Comedian, Conan writer and best-selling author.
Chicago Comic Book at The John & Nancy Hughes Theater, Lake Forest, 7:30 p.m. All-star lineup. Rick Young hosts Michelle Krajecki, Laura Hugg, Vince Maranto and Hari Rao. Standup followed by conversation with the audience.
Mike Bridenstine Album Recording at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m.
Max Is Having People Over to His House at Logan Square Improv, 10:00 p.m. Performances from neighborhood guests.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 14
Gwen La Roka’s Mi Casa es Tu Casa at Aguijon Theater Co., 3:00 p.m. Lines are stretching out the doors and tickets are selling out fast for this wonderful, award-winning, comedian’s one-woman show. Advance purchase recommended! Thursdays to Sundays thru August 21.
Caryn Caffarelli in MOMufactured at The Skokie Theatre, 7:00 p.m. A funny, inventive, musical comedy insider’s look at parenting.