Chicago Culture, Celebrity, Arts & Entertainment
Chicago culture, arts & entertainment with Billy Dec

Browsing all posts tagged with Comedy.

09/14/12

George Lopez and Rob Schneider To Share Chicago For Some Funny Business on September 22nd

celebrities, chicago, Comedy, Movies, nightlife, Theater

September 22nd should be a great night for comedy as The Chicago Theatre welcomes comedian George Lopez.  The comedian is scheduled to entertain what is sure to be a full house during the second night of his 2012 stand-up tour. Following the cancellation of his TBS talk show “Lopez Tonight,” George Lopez has decided to bring his presence to the stage for a second tour entitled “That’s The America I Live In”. The tour kicks off on September 21st in Milwaukee with Chicago on the following night.

Lopez could very well face some competition from fellow comedian and actor Rob Schneider who is performing at Improv Chicago in Schaumburg, IL throughout the weekend of September 21-23. The entertainer has had a pretty consistent career in comedy since his start on “Saturday Night Live” and has spent the years starring in hit comedies.  He had a cameo in the film “Jack and Jill” which received extremely negative reviews and scored a staggeringly low 3% on Rotten Tomatoes but has had impressive success with his CBS sitcom “¡Rob!” in which he plays himself and marries into a Mexican-American family.

Good luck to both guys on their tours! I’m sure we will be nothing but impressed. So if you are looking for something to do you should definitely check out either one of these great Chicago venues during the weekend of September 21-23. In 2010 when Schneider visited “Lopez Tonight”, the two discussed the prospects of returning to stand up comedy after having spent a large chunk of their careers focusing on film and television.

In time of political polarity and Chicago teacher’s strikes, it’s nice to have something to laugh about.

“With everything goin’ on in the country, it’s always a good time for stand-up.” – George Lopez

- Mandy Stifter

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09/13/12

Chicago Comedians join 2012 Cast of SNL

celebrities, chicago, Comedy, Theater, TV Show

By now we all know that 3 Chicago-based performers will be in the cast of SNL.  They are Aidy Bryant, Tim Robinson and Cecily Strong.   Everyone has been writing about how they all are from The Second City, but guess what? They also performed at other Chicago-based comedy clubs.  And Bryant, who went to Columbia College, actually worked at all three!

Lets start with the Annoyance Theatre, where Aidy Bryant performed earlier in her career.  It runs several different comedy shows including improvised, musical and sketch.  Aaand it’s a little subversive. How? Well they have a show called Skinprov.  Naturally that one is 18 and over.

Bryant also did the iO up in Wrigleyville.  She and Cecily Strong were a part of Team Virgin Daiquiri.  This comedy place is pretty much only improv.  So that means they have no plan on what the show is going to turn into.   What’s special about the iO is that it is long form improv.  Instead of games or short scenes, performers have a whole story arc with their characters and one whole sketch can last 30 minutes.  Tim Robinson also performed at the iO with the Cook County Social Club.

So I said Bryant was pretty busy.  That’s because she also did the improvised musical show called Baby Wants Candy.  Like a lot of improv shows, it starts with a suggestion.  Then, along with a band, the performers create a completely new musical.  They did Sarah Palin the Musical once, so who knows what they’ll do next.

If you want to see these comedians before the Saturday Night Live season premiere September 15, check out Aidy’s video above and here’s one from Tim: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5i9zJxS1mE&feature=youtu.be and one from Cecily: http://vimeo.com/15493458

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07/18/12

Theori Stages presents Wendell Tucker Hates the World

Art, chicago, Comedy, General, Networking, nightlife, Theater

The producers of I Still Love H.E.R. (a tribute to hip-hop) are proud to introduce their newest offering to Chicago, “Wendell Tucker Hates the World.” Wendell Tucker Hates the World is a comedic look at how depression affects a person’s perception of the world and how minority communities tend to neglect the idea of mental wellness.

This one-man show, starring writer and director Wendell Tucker, focuses on his experiences dealing with major depressive disorder, a condition that has led to him being labeled as the angriest man in theater. Wendell Tucker Hates the World debuts tomorrow, July 19th and runs through July 21st at the Provision Theater. Show starts at 7 pm and general admission is only $15! Click here to purchase tickets or you can pick them up at the box office.

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04/24/12

OMNI “An Evening of Laughs with Jay Leno”

celebrities, charity, chicago, Fundraiser, General, Networking, nightlife, Theater

Hi readers.  Candice Warltier here from Communication Strategies Group, a Chicago-based communications firm.  We are calling on all Leno fans!  We know you love to laugh, and  aChicagoThing wants to hook you up with tickets to a rare Chicago appearance by Jay Leno! This Saturday, April 28, 2012, Leno takes the stage at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, to celebrate OMNI Youth Services 40th anniversary – and we have three pairs of tickets to give away!  Eric Ferguson, WTMX radio “Eric and Kathy” morning show co-host, will serve as emcee and Second City, the world’s premier comedy club, will make a brief performance. Be sure to visit Billy’s Facebook page today for a chance to win a pair of tickets!

OMNI’s “An Evening of Laughs with Jay Leno” presented by Allstate will benefit OMNI Youth Services helps recognize OMNI’s contributions over the past 40 years in providing counseling, services and programming needs for children, teens and their families in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.  Tickets for the gala and performance-only tickets are available for purchase on OMNIyouth.org, check out the special ticket prices for aChicagoThing readers!  At the event, OMNI will be raffling off a Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe Motorcycle signed by Mr. Leno, himself!  Click here to purchase your Harley raffle tickets today.

Proceeds from the performance by the legendary comedian and host of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” will benefit OMNI’s Girls After School Program (GAP) which provides a safe haven after school, teaches life skills and promotes positive self-image for teen girls, REALITY Theatre, a teen troupe dedicated to promoting positive, healthy lifestyle choices through original theatre and the Outdoor Wilderness Therapy and Adventure Program, utilizing outdoor expeditions to overcome presenting challenges, develop life skills and the motivation to pursue a more promising productive future.

Thanks and see you there, Candice Warltier

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04/19/12

Kevin Farley Does Stand Up Act At Chicagos Laugh Factory

celebrities, chicago, Comedy

Hi aChicagoThing readers, Carol Johnson here! Capping off an illustrious nightlife career that spans decades at the forefront of cutting edge nightclubs (Shelter, Drink, China Club), amazing restaurants (Cantare, Gibsons Restaurant Group, Il Covo), I’ve joined forces with comedy culture icon Jamie Masada in bringing his standup magic to the Chicago scene.

The legendary Laugh Factory, LA’s Sunset Strip staple for 32 years is now open in Chicago!  This week, Laugh Factory presents Midwest native, Kevin Farley, when the comedic actor, film and television writer and director brings his hysterical standup to Laugh Factory 3175 N.  Broadway in Chicago Thursday, April 19th thru Sunday, April 22nd.

Kevin, the younger brother of the late comedian Chris Farley grew up in Madison, WI, then earned a business degree at Marquette before going into the family business selling asphalt for his father’s company.  After six years of literally pouring the pavement, Kevin, at the urging of his big brother, moved to Chicago to hone his craft at the iconic Second City before heading to Hollywood.

Upon arrival in LA Kevin landed roles in the films Tommy Boy and Black Sheep and eventually snagged a starring role as boy band mate “Doug Linus” on MTV’s sitcom 2gether where he received rave reviews. Farley also appeared in numerous TV series including That ’70s Show, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Joey, Just Shoot Me, and Curb Your Enthusiasm among others, before moving on to funny feature films.

Kevin Farley appeared in Adam Sandler’s animated comedy Eight Crazy Nights, The Waterboy, Dirty Work, Cedric the Entertainer’s laugh riot Johnson Family Vacation just to name a few. Farley recently starred in An American Carol playing a cynical, Anti-American “Hollywood” filmmaker on a crusade to abolish the 4th of July. The film, directed by David Zucker, is a parody of liberal filmmaker Michael Moore that uses the framework of A Christmas Carol to lampoon contemporary American culture, particularly Hollywood.  For a taste of his stand up visit: http://www.laughfactory.com/comedians/321/Kevin%20Farley

**Billy Dec is giving away free tickets to each of Kevin’s shows this week! Click here to enter:  https://www.facebook.com/billydec and I’ll see you there! **

- Carol Johnson

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03/06/12

Laugh Until You Cry With The Second Citys 100th Revue

chicago, Comedy, nightlife

 

You know when you laugh so hard you cry or when something’s so funny that your cheeks start to hurt from smiling so much? Well that was me on Thursday…along with the other 300 people that filled the seats of the Main Stage at Second City to see the 100th Revue. If you’re unfamiliar, The Second City specializes in sketch comedy and improv and has been entertaining audiences for more than 50 years!

The idea behind the 100th Revue is to celebrate the creation of their centesimal show and for the audience to get an exclusive look at brand new material solely created for this special show! I have always wanted to check out an improv comedy show since I was little and boy am I glad this was the show I chose!!

I attended with a few of my girlfriends and we honestly had a blast. The crowd’s energy was electric and the jokes had us all bursting with laughter. The 110th Revue was a solid two hours (including the encore) and cocktails and food were available throughout the entirety of the show! The theatre seating was cozy and the food & drinks were delish. The staff was nothing but nice and the waitresses took care of each table like it was their only one. From the random suggestions coming from the audience to the actors conforming to their quick recommendations, it was perfect from start to finish. I give this show my highest recommendation and hope that more Chicagoans support the great comedians our city has to offer!

 

The Second City’s 100th Revue is written and performed by an award winning cast that includes:

Tim Baltz (Jeff Award Winner – Best Actor, Ensemble, New Work)

Edgar Blackmon

Mary Sohn (Jeff Award Winner – New Work)

Holly Laurent

Katie Rich and Steve Waltien with Jeff Award-Winning Director

Matt Hovde (Studs Terkel’s Not Working, Sky’s the Limit (Weather Permitting)

 

Schedule & ticket prices are as follows:

Tuesday: 8pm – $23.00

Wednesday: 8pm – $23.00

Thursday: 8pm – $23.00

Friday & Saturday: 8pm & 11pm – $28.00

Sunday: 7pm – $23.00

Tickets for The Second City’s 100th revue are available by phone at 312-337-3992 or online at www.SecondCity.com.

-Amanda Rivera

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01/31/12

Avoid Valentines Day With The Anti-Valentine’s Day Cabaret Show

chicago, Comedy, Music, Theater

I love to hate love. For me, love is like going to an abandoned carnival, it looks like it used to be a lot of fun, but all of the attractions are rusted and there are far too many raccoons. There’s only one place I know that a V-Day Scrooge like me can go to avoid getting my heart stabbed in its pulsing bloody back: an anti-Valentine’s Day cabaret! Letters/X is a performance pieced together by real letters, emails, text messages, Facebook posts and other publicly written submissions that are presented as monologues and original songs.  The cabaret was produced in 2004 with Groundup Theatre and has been going strong for nine years. The show has fresh material and is guaranteed to be a savvy way to not celebrate a certain senseless societal holiday. The show runs in the Apollo Theater from February 2nd through March 10th and starts at 8pm. You can grab your tickets at the Apollo box office, or  through Ticketmaster.com, but hurry, nearly all performances of the anti-Valentine cabaret sold out last year.

Among the Letters/X ensemble and crew are Jessica Jane Childs, a 7 year veteran whose credits include Steep, Halcyon, Dream Theatre and The Lakewood Manor players, Stephanie Clark who has worked on several Tennessee Rep Theatre productions includingSweeney Todd, Rabbit Hole and Darwin in Malibu, and Anthony Roberts, Chicago’s resident playwright, composer, singer, guitarist and actor who has been involved in productions at American Blues Theater, Chicago Dramatists, Groundup, Serendipity, and American Theatre Company.

The affair is sure to be an absolute solute to all things love, and will allow you to reminisce on true love, lost love, and shady yet necessary affairs. Don’t be left home alone this Valentine’s day. Make sure you hop, skip, and jump over to the Apollo Theater to catch Letters/X soon!

Wanjiku K </3

 

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03/07/11

Laughing Hearts Comedy Night at stage 773 chicago!

Comedy, Homepage Feature

After my improv performance at the iO a few weeks ago I’ve kind of been obsessed with Chicago’s world renowned & thriving improv and comedy scene! Today I’m keeping the laughter going with another amazing comedy event called “laughing hearts comedy night” tomorrow/Wednesday, March 9 at 6:30p at stage 773 (1225 W. Belmont Ave). Even better, 100% of the ticket proceeds go to the american heart association!

This event was shared with me by a facebook friend patricia true agos (thank you!), who’s walked the Chicago heart walk for the last seven years for her mom. her mom was the first person in her hometown to have open heart surgery… at the age of 15! doctors told her she would be unlikely to have children, but patricia is the youngest of five kids. her mom volunteered at the american heart association and coordinated many events on behalf of the aha and more charities until she passed away of heart attack in 2003. since 2004, patricia has raised nearly $13,000 but wanted to do something more. as a graduate of the second city conservatory, she loves to laugh and make people laugh, and with those passions “laughing hearts comedy night” was born.

performers include pastor dave of the best church of god, off off broadzway, the union, the tim & micah project, henrietta pussycat, and more. there’s also gonna be a silent auction with awesome items like chelsea handler autographed books, blackhawks pucks signed by jonathan toews and patrick kane, an adult class at the second city training center, tickets to several chicago theaters, and so much more. check out her site for tix & info, and go! it’s good for the heart!

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06/17/10

Ellen Live TBS Show at Chicago Theatre!

Art, blackhawks, celebrities, chicago, Comedy, General, Music, nightlife, Theater

I love to share awesome prizes, tickets, vip passes…to all the experiences I get invited to w/ all my friends and followers on facebook and twitter (click on them to get in on it!). Yesterday I made up a fun lil contest to take a couple fans to Ellen’s amazing live show at The Chicago Theatre…you got to see these pics & read this review that one of the winners wrote, it’s awesome!

(more…)

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04/02/10

Chicago : The Comedy Breeder

Art, celebrities, chicago, Comedy, General, Movies, nightlife
a couple weeks ago… I came home from cutting the ribbon at the nightclub & bar show in vegas w/old friend dan aykroyd, to have a meeting at sunda where I see harold ramis entertaining chevy chase for dinner, at which time I’m told I landed a part in a new movie filming here called “sin bin” where I’m in a super funny scene w/jeff garlin… and it hits me, this city isn’t “2nd” to anyone when for yet another category… and that’s being a comedy breeder!  It was obvious that the random combination of all these amazing talents are just a small example of what its like in this city where we are blessed beyond belief w/ major comedic street cred having given birth to some of the best talent in comedy celebrated around the world for decades!
Even creepier of a coincidence, I was pitched with doing a very grassroots comedy open mic night at one of my places the very next morning!  I originally thought that there are probably better homes for an open comedy night like our infamous comedy clubs that I love like zanies, improv,… but then thought, undiscovered raw talent can be discovered anywhere in this great town, and if truly a supporter of all emerging talent in chicago, I need to atleast give them a shot- So I am!
Tonite at Rockit Wrigley, from 7p-9p, before we start with live karaoke, we are inviting some of the best comedians around the city trying out their newest material, along with some nervous newcomers who will make their historic debuts as we are encouraging rookie comics who aren’t booked for shows to get in some more stage time now with us!  Now that I think about it, comedy and karaoke??? Hmmmmm… could be the next big thing!??!  all they need is you for is to come join us to hear them out so they can just have the chance!!!!!  See you there!
071208StevenSchreiber
a couple weeks ago… I came home from cutting the ribbon at the nightclub & bar show in vegas w/old friend dan aykroyd, to have a meeting at sunda where I see harold ramis entertaining chevy chase for dinner, at which time I’m told I landed a part in a new movie filming here called “sin bin” where I’m in a super funny scene w/ jeff garlin… and it hits me, this city isn’t “2nd” to anyone when for yet another category… and that’s being a comedy breeder!  It was obvious that the random combination of all these amazing talents are just a small example of what its like in this city where we are blessed beyond belief w/ major comedic street cred having given birth to some of the best talent in comedy celebrated around the world for decades!
Even creepier of a coincidence, I was pitched with doing a very grassroots comedy open mic night at one of my places the very next morning!  I originally thought that there are probably better homes for an open comedy night like our infamous comedy clubs that I love like zanies, improv,… but then thought, undiscovered raw talent can be discovered anywhere in this great town, and if truly a supporter of all emerging talent in chicago, I need to atleast give them a shot- So I am!

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