Author name: Teme Ring

A Q&A About Kyle Kinane’s Shocks & Struts

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 …

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

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, …

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Intimate and Appropriate: A Q&A with Paul Thomas

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 …

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

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 …

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

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!’ …

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Ten Shows This Week: Monday, August 28-Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023

Chaunté Wayans is at The Den Theatre this weekend. CHICAGO COMEDIANS IN THE NEWS Mike Bridenstine’s spectacular new book The Perfect Amount of Wrong: The Rise of Alt Comedy on Chicago’s North Side is now available for pre-order (release date: September 25). Special Labor Day Announcement: Jamie Campbell is releasing his hit show Big Dad …

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

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 …

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Ten Shows This Week: Monday, August 7 – Sunday, August 13, 2023

Alingon Mitra/Photo courtesy of The Gersh Agency —————————— CHICAGO COMEDIANS IN THE NEWS: Second City announced the cast and crew of its upcoming e.tc. 47th Revue. Touring Company director Jeff Griggs will direct his first resident stage revue. The cast includes returning e.t.c. members Terrence Carey, Claudia Martinez, and Jordan Savusa. Joining them are Meghan Babbe, Leila Gorstein, and Tim Metzler. Tilliski Ramey returns as …

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Ten Shows This Week: Monday, July 31-Sunday, August 6, 2023

Christianee Porter brings “The Christi Show” to the Den Theatre this Sunday. TICKET ALERTS: August 23: Micro Sets II Live Special Taping with Taneshia “Just Nesh” Rice, Calvin Evans, Jim Flannigan, Abi Sanchez, Dr. Bill Miller at Zanies Chicago September 9: Pat McGann at The Raue Center, Crystal Lake September 13: Jerry Seinfeld at Peoria …

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Ten shows this week: Monday, July 24-Sunday, July 30, 2023

ADVANCE TICKET ALERTS August 4: Hot Dish with Lauren Hooberman, Colleen Brennan, Amy Sumpter and Special Guest Geoffrey Baer at Steppenwolf August 28: Maurice Benard, “Sonny Corinthos” General Hospital Tour. Comedy, Q&A, mental health awareness and advocacy at The Comedy Vault, Batavia September 29-30: Patti Vasquez at CG’s Comedy Club, Bolingbrook September 29-30: Jess Hilarious …

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Ten shows this week: Monday, July 17-Sunday, July 23, 2023

Hallmark’s special collection of Golden Girls glasses. What do they have to do with Chicago comedy? Please read on …. Chicago comedians in the news: Joey and Faith Soloway‘s Transparent musical is headed to Broadway after a successful run at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. And Just Like That – the sequel to …

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The Woman King of Comedy Comes to Chicago: A Q&A with Gina Yashere

Gina Yashere is known for soaring to great heights. Before she became a comedian, Gina rode on elevators. No, not in elevators. As the first female electrical engineer hired by Otis UK, Gina stood on top of elevators – designing, installing, repairing, wiring – as the machines hurtled through skyscrapers’ vertical canyons. As a comedian, …

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Father’s Day Weekend with “World’s Greatest Dad(?)” A Q&A with Jimmy Carrane

Don’t be the world’s latest dad! Get tickets to Jimmy Carrane’s World’s Greatest Dad(?) before they sell out completely. Jimmy is reprising his critically acclaimed show this weekend in honor of Father’s Day. Two of the three shows are already sold out. Tickets are still available for Saturday night’s performance at 9:00 p.m. at Glenview’s …

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Want to Understand Chicago’s Stand-Up Scene? Michael Alexander’s “Out of the Loop” is Mesmerizing Must-See Viewing

Michael Alexander’s new film about Chicago stand-up, Out of the Loop, is wall-to-wall “wow” moments. From the first minute, we’re flies on the wall in the lives of Chicago’s comedians. As the film opens, we hear a personal voicemail to Michael from Better Call Saul’s Bob Odenkirk (Berwyn native, student of Del Close, Second City …

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