Harry Hickstein is not the man he used to be. He’s even better. Back in 1985, Harry went on stage for the first time at the Comedy Womb in Berwyn. He was “a hulky, intimidating presence” and audiences wondered whether he was a member of the Mob or Hell’s Angels, according to Vince Vieceli and […]

Once upon a time, you could switch on your TV in December and sink into a spectacular year-end special. Bleak skies, frigid temperatures and, God help us, the news, would be kept at bay for an hour or two as you luxuriated in comedy, music and holiday cheer with the King Family, Dean Martin, the […]

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 […]

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, […]

A new Paul Thomas show is always big news. So when I first heard that Paul’s Intimate and Appropriate debuts 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 of […]

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 […]