CHICAGO COMEDIANS IN THE NEWS
Lil Rel Howery is one of the stars of Harold and the Purple Crayon, the movie based on the classic children’s book. The Sony Pictures production is in theaters on August 2. Lil Rel plays an illustrated moose who comes to life and accompanies Harold into the real world. You can see the trailer here.
W. Kamau Bell is the recipient of a Television Academy Honor Award for 1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed, the documentary he produced and directed for HBO.
Fox 32 ran a feature about the emerging comedians of AAPI heritage who are the newest recipients of Second City fellowships.
The Comedy Vault in Batavia is in the news for cancelling all of Michael Rapaport‘s shows this week citing “escalating threats of violence.” The club did not respond to my request for further clarification.
Matt Rife postponed eight long-scheduled shows at the Chicago Theatre last week due to “extreme exhaustion.” The new show dates are scheduled for late December.
ADVANCE TICKET ALERTS
June 13: Beth Stelling at the Den Theatre
June 15: Steven Springer hosts Mike Stricker & headliner Bill Gorgo in Father Laughs Best, a special Father’s Day comedy dinner and show at Continental Restaurant in Buffalo Grove. A Mark Klaber Production. NOTE: Tickets to Mark’s shows sell out fast. Reserve now!
June 21: Denise Medina hosts Pride Comedy Night with Dina Nina, Scott Duff and Sharron Palm in the Barrel Room at Harbor Brewing Company in Lake Villa. NOTE: Tickets to Denise’s shows sell out fast! Reserve now!
August 10-11: Ellen DeGeneres at the Chicago Theatre
August 14-24: Rachel Bloom’s Death, Let Me Do My Show at Steppenwolf
September 12: Hannah Gadsby at the Chicago Theatre
September 21: Pat & Amy Tomasulo’s Laugh Your Face Off benefit for the Facial Pain Foundation at Park West
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Following are eleven shows this week, just a fraction of all the original comedy taking place in our city. Please confirm all details before leaving home! Wishing you healing laughter wherever you can find it in our challenging times (the following productions are great bets).
MONDAY, JUNE 3
Dose of Laughter at Zanies Chicago, 7:00 p.m. A standup show designed to heal.
Triumph the Insult Dog at The Den Theatre, 8:00 p.m. Triumph (Robert Smigel) brings his unique game show “Let’s Make A Poop” to Chicago with celebrity panelists scheduled to appear: former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Cubs legend Ryan Dempster, WGN weatherman Paul Konrad and more surprises TBA.
Reggie Watts at Old Town School of Folk Music, 8:00 p.m. The comedian and musician in conversation and performance. Reggie Watts was also the house band leader for the Late Late Show with James Corden from 2015-2023.
TUESDAY, JUNE 4
SketchTest at Bughouse Theater, 7:30 p.m. Lindsay Williams hosts this open mic for solo and group sketch. In its thirteenth year. Pay what you want.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5
Birdlady and Dumb John at iO, 7:30 p.m. Admission is free to this new weekly long-form improv show.
THURSDAY, JUNE 6
Stand Up for Kids at Greenhouse Theater, 7:00 p.m. Patti Vasquez, Jeanie Doogan, Mike Toomey, Chris Barnes star in this special fundraiser for Kids Above All.
Chingona Comedy Hour at Laugh Factory, 7:00 p.m. Janice Rodriguez and Las Locas Comedy hosts Rebecca O’Neal, Audrey Jonas, Susana Rodriguez, Emily Ogle, Natasha Samreny.
Cristela Alonzo at Zanies Rosemont, 7:15 p.m. This history-making comedian is in town for five shows through Saturday. Follow link for all show times.
FRIDAY, JUNE 7
Jeff Arcuri at The Vic, 7:00p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Jeff Arcuri is a nationally touring headliner returning this week to his comedy hometown. He has appeared on Comedy Central’s Roast Battle, Laughs on Fox and Windy City Live.
SATURDAY, JUNE 8
Paul F. Tompkins’ Varietopia at The Riviera, 7:30 p.m. “A 21st Century variety show.” Paul F. Tompkins is also known for his work on Bojack Horseman, Mr. Show with Bob and David and Real Time with Bill Maher.
SUNDAY, JUNE 9
Fundraiser for Rick Gieser at Zanies Rosemont, 7:00 p.m. Support Rick Gieser’s campaign to join the DuPage Forest Preserve District Board. This show stars many of Chicago’s top comedians.
So many great things happening! Love to be in the Know through this site!
Thank you! I’m so lucky to have you as a reader!