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 »
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 …
Ten Shows This Week: Monday, August 28-Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023 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 …
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 …
Ten Shows This Week: Monday, August 7 – Sunday, August 13, 2023 Read More »
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 …
Ten Shows This Week: Monday, July 31-Sunday, August 6, 2023 Read More »
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 …
Ten shows this week: Monday, July 24-Sunday, July 30, 2023 Read More »
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 …
Ten shows this week: Monday, July 17-Sunday, July 23, 2023 Read More »
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, …
The Woman King of Comedy Comes to Chicago: A Q&A with Gina Yashere Read More »
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 …
Father’s Day Weekend with “World’s Greatest Dad(?)” A Q&A with Jimmy Carrane Read More »
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 …
Luke Mones (MOHN-ess) will make your day funnier. I’m not just talking about the day you listen to his new album Happening In My Head. That day will be funnier, but so will every day thereafter. Every time I drive by a 7-Eleven now, I laugh and think about bananas. I can no longer pick …
Evanston born Emilia Barrosse is blazing a unique path as a comedian. This weekend, Emilia, who is known as a writer for the hit series Veep and Tacoma F.D., will return to her hometown for a two-night standup comedy event at Studio5 as part of the Practical Theatre Company’s new season. At just two weeks …
PHOTO from the top: Steve Rashid, Victoria Zielinski, Paul Barrosse, Dana Olsen ************** On New Year’s Eve 2023 at Studio5 in Evanston, the laughter was loud and nonstop, the mood celebratory, the joy palpable, and the air electric. Who created that magic? It was the legendary Practical Theatre Company, specifically Paul Barrosse, Victoria Zielinski, Dana …
