Guess which facts about Steven Springer are true or false: The first time I was impressed by Steven Springer was when I happened on his YouTube clips about seven years ago. His delivery is on an almost magical frequency – both inscrutably deadpan and intriguingly charming. I wanted to hang on to every word. The …
Early Bird Gets the Laughs: A Q&A with Steven Springer Read More »
Welcome to the Comedians Defying Gravity Ticket Alert index for 2023! My hobby is scouring comedy listings to find the best shows whether I can attend or not. Is that weird? Well, no matter. My goal is at least one show -maybe more- for every day of the year. Because Chicago Comedy. Here’s what I’ve …
PHOTO: DANA OLSEN, VICTORIA ZIELINSKI, PAUL BARROSSE The legendary Practical Theatre Company will present the world premiere of Vic & Paul & Dana’s Post-Pandemic Revue at Studio5 in Evanston from December 29-31 and January 4-7 with a special New Year’s Eve edition. The sketch comedy and music extravaganza stars Victoria Zielinski, Dana Olsen and Practical …
It’s Time to Celebrate “Vic & Paul & Dana’s Post-Pandemic Revue”: A Q&A with Vic & Paul Read More »
PHOTO: DANA OLSEN, PAUL BARROSSE, VICTORIA ZIELINSKI, STEVE RASHID If you spot Dana Olsen playing with his grandson at a North Shore park, know that you are not looking at just any grandpa. Dana’s comedy partners Victoria Zielinski and Paul Barrosse describe him as a “tall Nord” and “as fine a comedy writer as there …
It’s Time to Celebrate “Vic & Paul & Dana’s Post-Pandemic Revue”: A Q&A with Dana Olsen Read More »
Welcome to my Comedy Ticket Alerts Megalist for 2022! Since we’re still in a “plandemic”, please confirm all details. If you click on the “calendars” tab above, you can see listings for even more shows in my (mostly) weekly calendar posts. Thank you for dropping by. Please keep checking in and I’ll keep updating these …
Chicago comedians in the news: Sean Bair-Flannery’s long-awaited memoir Places I Can’t Return To has just been released. Order your copy here. Sean has been featured on Comedy Central, written one-man shows (which sold out week after week) and is the creator of Blackout Diaries (now at Lincoln Lodge), one of the most critically acclaimed …
Chicago comedy spotlight for Tuesday, July 5 – Sunday, July 10, 2022 Read More »
No one does Creepiness, Comedy and Camaraderie like Sinisterhood! A Q&A with Christie Wallace and Heather McKinney —– Heather McKinney first saw Christie Wallace in 2017 at an improv show at the Dallas Comedy House. In her lyrical Texas drawl, Heather told me, “I remember spotting Christie. She was a teacher. She was on all …
Sinisterhood in Chicago: Comedy comes to creepy curses Read More »
CHICAGO COMEDIANS IN THE NEWS: Second City announced its first artistic advisory board in its 62-year history. Board members “will help guide The Second City’s creative direction and uphold the creative values of the institution.” Stephen Colbert will serve as Artistic Advisory Board Chair with board members Steve Carell, Dwayne Colbert, Tina Fey, Keegan-Michael Key, …
Chicago comedy spotlight on 14 shows: Tuesday, May 31- Sunday, June 5, 2022 Read More »
As Geico’s spokesperson, John Lehr played the most highly evolved caveman in the history of humanity. He was known for his metrosexual style, sensitive nature, and pained response to the word “Neanderthal.” Business Insider called him one of the greatest, most recognizable brand icons of all time. After infusing the prehistoric spokesman with unforgettable personality, …
From Geico caveman to cold sober comedy: A Q&A with John Lehr Read More »
I’ve always wanted to know how Christopher Piatt creates a once-in-a-lifetime show every single week. For over a decade, I’ve also been curious about the name of that show: Paper Machete. What does it mean? Does it mean that like paper, the show is essential to civilization, discourse and the arts? And like a machete, …
Paper Machete celebrates American women in media with an original May 22 event Read More »
TICKET ALERTS! May 26: John Lehr at Gateway Foundation Benefit at Chicago History Museum June 3-4: Kurt Braunohler at The Den Theatre June 11: Pat McGann at the Raue Center, Crystal Lake June 19: Gwen La Roka at Zanies Chicago June 24-25: Kyle Kinane at Chop Shop July 15-16: Rick Overton at The Comedy Shrine, …
Spotlight on 14 shows: Monday, May 16-Sunday, May 22, 2022 Read More »
TICKET ALERTS: May 14: Neal Brennan added a day to his appearance at The Den Theatre after May 12-13 sold out. Tickets still available for May 14. May 26-28: Michelle Wolf at The Den Theatre. May 29: Vicki Quade presents the 29th Anniversary of Late Nite Catechism with a special performance and 29 tickets available …
Spotlight on thirteen comedy shows: Monday, May 2-Sunday, May 8, 2022 Read More »
CHICAGO COMEDIANS IN THE NEWS Chicago comedians are on the national stage talking about Will Smith, Chris Rock and the Oscars. Curtis Shaw Flagg, president of operations at Chicago’s Laugh Factory, appeared on Fox News here. Chris Redd was Will Smith on Saturday Night Live. Colleen Brennan and Janice Rodriguez released the third season of …
Ten-Show comedy spotlight: Wednesday, April 6-Sunday, April 10, 2022 Read More »
Chicago comedians in the news: Gwen La Roka, the winner of HBO’s Latino Comedy Competition, is the voice of Mom in Viva Kids Films’ Around the World in 80 Days. This new animated feature will be released in theaters on May 6. Subscribe to Pat Tomasulo’s newsletter to be the first notified when his new …
Chicago comedy show spotlight: Thursday, March 24-Sunday, March 27, 2022 Read More »
