I’ve asked Kyle Kinane for his secret in two separate interviews, one in 2020 and one more recently. He revealed an answer. But I’m still not convinced I actually know how he does what he does on the level he does it. I’d love to figure out how he became a word wizard, a linguistic …

A Q&A About Kyle Kinane’s Shocks & Struts Read More »

Andrea Jones-Rooy/Photo by Ely Kay ********** Q: A professor, a comedian and a circus performer walked into a bar. How many people walked into the bar? A: Just one. Who is this remarkable one person? She is Dr. Andrea Jones-Rooy. As a professor at New York University, as a comedian, trapeze artist and fire dancer, …

We would be happier majoring in everything: A Q&A with Andrea Jones-Rooy Read More »

A new Paul Thomas show is always big news. So when I first heard that Paul’s Intimate and Appropriate will debut at The Den Theatre from October 18-21, I wanted to know everything or at least whatever Paul would tell me. Paul kindly agreed to Zoom. First, he told me, the show is a series …

Intimate and Appropriate: A Q&A with Paul Thomas Read More »

Photo: Kumail Nanjiani, Emily V. Gordon, Mike Bridenstine in 2006 Once upon a time in Chicago, a rogue group of comedians swept into the city, howling like the fiercest blizzard. They were bursting with rebellion and creativity. They would set the comedy world ablaze and change it forever. NO, I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT IMPROV …

The Perfect Amount of Wrong is Reason to Rejoice: A Q&A with Mike Bridenstine Read More »

Tyler Fowler named his new tour after his mom. Or more accurately, he named his new tour after his mom said he can’t go.  As a standup comic, Tyler says, “I’m on the road all the time. I noticed that no matter where I go, my mom is like, ‘Oh, that’s not a safe place!’ …

Tyler Fowler’s mom says he can’t go. He’s going anyway … And you’re invited! Read More »

I’m not sure this has ever happened in Chicago. One of comedy’s funniest, most unique and compelling voices, Yohay Sponder, is traveling over six thousand miles to the U.S. to film his first special in English. He is offering Chicagoans three chances this week to attend a sneak preview. His tour began in New York …

When Comedy is a Cure: A Q&A with Yohay Sponder Read More »