Beth Stelling is at The Den Theatre this Thursday.
CHICAGO COMEDIANS IN THE NEWS
John Mulaney was front and center at the Television Academy’s Saban Media Center in Los Angeles last Wednesday night. It was an encore showing of the fifth episode of Everybody’s in L.A., the show he created for this year’s Netflix is a Joke Festival. Six episodes originally aired live on Netflix in May with Jerry Seinfeld, David Letterman, Luenell, Sarah Silverman, Mike Birbiglia, Cassandra Peterson, Bill Hader, Tom Segura, Pete Davidson and more, and Richard Kind em’ceeing. The series was about L.A. and why it’s so bizarre, but felt very Chicago in its approach. As Mike Bridenstine described in The Perfect Amount of Wrong, Chicago comedy elevates risk, innovation and unpredictability over slick production and perfect outcomes. Everybody’s in L.A. overflowed with surprise, joy, authenticity, spontaneity, and delightfully awkward moments. Mulaney’s writing team included two spectacular Chicago writers, Langston Kerman and Fran Gillespie. Wednesday night’s re-broadcast appeared sold out with members of the Television Academy (the Emmy folks) filling many of the seats.
After the Saban audience saw Episode #5, which was about earthquakes, Nick Kroll interviewed Mulaney and his writers. Some interesting revelations: Mulaney gave his writers complete freedom to go after whatever aspect of L.A. fascinated them and this episode sparked a lasting friendship between Luenell and David Letterman (watch and you’ll see why).
Also there was an exciting announcement: Langston Kerman’s new stand-up special, filmed last winter at The Green Mill and directed by Mulaney, will be released in August.
As further testament to the impact of Everybody’s in L.A.’s and this episode about earthquakes, an actual 3.6 earthquake shook Los Angeles county on Wednesday evening during the show.
In true warmhearted Chicago fashion, Langston and Fran were the two writers out in the Saban lobby afterwards, happy to say hello to anyone who approached them. All six episodes of Everybody’s In L.A. are available on Netflix.
Speaking of Pete Davidson, he’s at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan this Saturday. Very few tickets remaining.
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Ali Clayton released her new album Country Queer on May 31 to universally excellent reviews and is now touring the Midwest. She has four Chicago appearances this week, including headlining at the Comedy Plex in Oak Park this Thursday. All details and show times here. Tickets are in demand and going fast.
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On June 18, Netflix releases Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution, a documentary exploring the history of LGBTQ+ stand-up and comedians’ personal stories. Joel Kim Booster, River Butcher, Matteo Lane, and Marsha Warfield are all featured. Joel Kim Booster is at the Den Theatre this Friday and Saturday. Tickets are almost gone.
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Mo Welch‘s new special Dad Jokes premiers on 800 Pound Gorilla’s YouTube Channel this Thursday, June 13. Mo also directed Beth Stelling’s critically acclaimed 2023 special If You Didn’t Want Me Then.
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There will be a big Chicago presence in the fourth and final season of Netflix’ The Umbrella Academy. Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally and David Cross all guest star. The season premiers August 8th. More details at 800 Pound Gorilla.
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Julia Louis-Dreyfus was featured on CBS Sunday Morning this week. She talked about her career, age, parenting, and her new movie Tuesday which will be released nationwide on June 14. Julia Louis-Dreyfus began her career with The Practical Theatre Company.
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New classes are launching at The Revival and at the Home Comedy Theater where TJ Jagodowski will teach a scene class next weekend.
ADVANCE TICKET ALERTS
June 19: Juneteenth Patio Party at iO
June 21: Denise Medina hosts Dina Nina, Scott Duff, Sharron Palm at Pride Comedy Night at the Barrel Room, Lake Villa
July 25-28: iO Fest. Shows and classes with some of Chicago’s most famous improv stars.
July 20: Tyler Fowler & Vic Pandya What’s So Funny About Pickleball? at The Laughing Academy, Glenview
July 27: Peter Sagal at The Athenaeum
September 20: Marlon Wayans at Grossinger Motors Arena, Bloomington, IL
September 22: Marlon Wayans at The Rialto Theatre, Joliet
November 16: Maz Jobrani at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, Skokie
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FOLLOWING are thirteen more shows happening only in Chicago this week. For an even bigger list, check this out. Please confirm all details before leaving home.
MONDAY, JUNE 10
One Star at The Annoyance, 7:00 p.m. “A Chicago-based comedy troupe that enjoys schadenfreude. We take inspiration from other people’s bad (or good!) experiences. With your suggested business or location as our guide, we’ll look up a real review on the fly and improvise an entire piece, hoping to transform their bad (or good!) experience into a great one for you.”
TUESDAY, JUNE 11
Anthony Bonazzo Presents at The Comedy Bar, 8:00 p.m. More about Anthony here.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12
Meet the Author at Kibbitznest, 6:30 p.m. A play by Emmy Award winner Joe Janes (Second City, Saturday Night Live, Columbia College faculty).
John Cleese at The Vic, 7:30 p.m. Tonight and tomorrow night. “Last Chance to See Me Before I Die” Tour.
THURSDAY, JUNE 13
Beth Stelling at The Den Theatre, 7:15 p.m. Beth Stelling returns to her comedy hometown following her Netflix hit special If You Didn’t Want Me Then. Her special appeared on every 2023 “best of comedy” list. More about Beth here. Tickets are almost gone.
Bad Momz of Comedy at Riddles, Alsip, 7:30 p.m. Orly K.G. hosts Lindsay Porter, Amy Sumpter, Janice Rodriguez & Correy Bell. Get tickets soon! Bad Momz tickets go fast!
FRIDAY, JUNE 14
Lip Service at Lincoln Lodge, 7:00 p.m. A Fem Com alumni showcase.
Seth Meyers at The Vic, 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tonight and tomorrow night.
Joel Kim Booster at The Den Theatre, 7:15 p.m. Tonight and tomorrow night.
Correy B & Friends at Riddles, Alsip, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. A Father’s Day weekend show. Tonight and tomorrow night. Follow link for all show times.
Jen Weigel at The Laughing Academy, Glenview, 8:00 p.m. Jen Weigel’s one-woman show I’m Spiritual Damnit!
SATURDAY, JUNE 15
Father Laughs Best Comedy Night at Continental Restaurant, Buffalo Grove, 6:30 p.m. Steven Springer hosts Mike Stricker and headliner Bill Gorgo. Dinner at 6:30. Show at 8. Reserve your place soon! A Mark Klaber Production. Tickets are going fast.
SUNDAY, JUNE 16
The Early Bird Special Geezers of Comedy at Laugh Factory, 7:00 p.m. Steven Springer hosts Denise Medina, Mariann Aalda, Laura Hugg, Christine Ferrera, Ricky March, Greg Stobbe. Tickets go fast!