CHICAGO COMEDIANS IN THE NEWS
Chicago comedians on TV and in the news! The Bad Momz of Comedy appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show on October 12. The Chicago based group is Colleen Brennan, Lia Berman and Orly K.G. Watch here! You can see the Bad Momz at Zanies Rosemont on November 2.
WGN Morning News featured Sean Flannery and his new memoir Places I Can’t Return To. You can get your copy here and see Sean on Wednesdays at The Comedy Bar.
Damon Williams appeared on Sherri Shepherd‘s new show Sherri on October 12. Sherri Shepherd is also a Chicagoan. Watch here! You can see Damon at Riddles this weekend.
Vicki Quade appeared on Chicago Today on October 14. Watch here! You can see Vicki’s Holy Ghost Bingo and Late Nite Catechism at Greenhouse Theater Center.
Stand Up Stand Up returns! Just announced today, SUSU’s new home is the Den Theatre, Wednesdays beginning November 9. November alone will include appearances by Kristen Toomey, Mo Good, Calvin Evans, Blake Burkhart, Eric Emerson, Michael Meyers, Michael Robinson, Ty Riggs and Joy Gamby. Tickets and more info here.
Both celebration and concern around Second City. Earlier this month, Second City announced plans to open a theater and training center in Brooklyn, NY in Summer 2023 according to the New York Times. But the same week, Second City removed the Hollywood/Los Angeles location from its web site apparently without notice to all stakeholders. Some folks who worked at Second City Hollywood created a change.org petition with this Open Letter.
You can now get pajamas for your little one which include a nod to Chicago improv. Look closely and you’ll see it: “Good Night, Chicago” PJs by Smaller Things.
Appreciation to the Annoyance for making several shows accessible with live streaming. More details here.
THIS WEEK AT :
Zanies Chicago: Joey Villagomez, Super Six Showcase, Jason Cheny, Asif Ali, Chrissy Chlapecka, Vic Pandya.
Zanies Rosemont: New Material Night, Mr. Showtime, Ginger Billy.
Riddles: Tony Sculfield with host Damon Williams
The Improv: Bo Dacious, D.L. Hughley
In addition, I have a MEGALIST of 2022 shows with too many to list here. Please follow this link to learn where you can see Jeff Garlin, Phil Rosenthal, Demetri Martin and many more in the next few days.
PLUS here is a spotlight on fifteen shows this week, just a fraction of the original comedy happening all over Chicago. Please confirm all details before leaving home. Thank you to the Chicago comedy community.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 17
Fem Com Grad Show at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m. The course created by Cameron Esposito for Chicago’s up and coming female standups.
Laughs in Lakeview at Shakers on Clark, 8:30 p.m. Standup showcase “bringing South Side comedy to the North Side” hosted by Darrick Jones. No cover.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18
Ladylike at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m. Women and non-binary performers bring their grossest stories.
Flava, Flavor, Flavour at The Annoyance, 8:30 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, OCTOBER 19
Bobcat Goldthwait at Lincoln Lodge, 7:30 p.m. “Still working on new shit.” Breaking news: And recording his new album tonight!
Pilsen Standup at Simone’s, 8:30 p.m. Jaime De Leon and Abi Sanchez host Vik Pandya, Kristen Toomey, Tito Jorda-Cid, Sasha Rosser.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20
Hey Comedy at Hey Nonny, Arlington Heights, 7:30 p.m. Ronnie Ray hosts Ray Wisbrook, Maggie DePalo and headliner Joe Kilgallon.
Still Not Friday at Two Brothers Roundhouse, Aurora, 8:00 p.m. Three comedian showcase every week. Free show.
Jeanie Doogan at The Comedy Bar, 8:00 p.m. Jeanie’s comedy “draws on her experiences growing up on the South side of Chicago and 20 years as a public school teacher to deliver comedy that reaches audiences of all walks of life.”
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21
The Friday Show at Logan Square Improv, 8:30 p.m. Long-form improv showcase.
Dan Telfer at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m. Tonight and tomorrow night.
Michael Ian Black at The Den Theatre, 7:00 p.m. Tonight and tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Photo of Michael Ian Black courtesy of UTA.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22
Chicago’s Best Standup at Laugh Factory, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m. Ali Drapos, Vik Balaji, Abi Sanchez, Pat Tomasulo, Audrey Jonas, Mark Simmons
9:30 p.m. Mark Simmons, Kenyon Adamcik, Abi Sanchez, Pat Tomasulo, Audrey Jonas, Geoffrey Asmus, Vik Balaji
Sam Comroe at The Comedy Vault, Batavia, 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Celebrating The Comedy Vault’s One-Year Anniversary.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23
All In Comedy Showcase at Laugh Factory, 8:00 p.m. With Ben Noble and Kellye Howard. An all-inclusive variety show “featuring comedians from in and outside of the disability, chronic illness, and mental illness communities in Chicago. This event will be wheelchair accessible, and feature two ASL interpreters, large print and audio menus, and special lighting.”