Interviews

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

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!’

August 14, 2023 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

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,

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

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

As snowstorms rage across the country, my mind is on one particular comedian. When Maggie Faris is not starring in comedy clubs across Minnesota’s Twin Cities and the Midwest, she is at the wheel of a city snowplow in Minneapolis-St.Paul. If you’re curious about the life of this unique funny snow wrangler, you must listen