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The Chicago Humanities Festival hosted two sold-out appearances last week by Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller, promoting the third season of their HBO comedy Somebody, Somewhere. Everett and Hiller were greeted by jam-packed crowds at the Chop Shop, the Wicker Park performance space that literally ran out of chairs for the crowd at the event.
Hosted by longtime WBEZ podcaster Greta Johnsen, the evening began with a screening of the season three opening episode. This was followed by a deep dive into the Peabody Award-winning HBO series Somebody Somewhere and provided a dose of what makes the show itself so popular and effective: a blend of gentle humor, heartfelt stories, and insightful discussions about their careers, the show’s unique Midwest tone, and the importance of queer representation in media.
Somebody, Somewhere: A Midwest Gem
Somebody Somewhere is a dramedy that has resonated with audiences for its authentic portrayal of life in the Midwest. Set in Manhattan, Kansas (but actually filmed here in the Chicago area— in Lockport), the show follows Sam (played by Bridget Everett), a woman grappling with loss and searching for a sense of belonging in her Kansas hometown. Jeff Hiller plays Joel, Sam’s friend who helps her navigate the complexities of life and rediscover joy through community and connection.
The series stands out for its genuine depiction of small-town life, capturing the nuances of the Midwest with a blend of humor and poignancy—a rarely seen narrative in national media that feels both specific and universal. Everett recognized that in her remarks: "It was important to me that we get the Midwest right. There were a lot of places we could have filmed the show... California, the East Coast, Georgia... but there's something special about the Midwest that you can't get anywhere else. And I wanted to show that."
The Midwest setting of Somebody Somewhere is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. The show captures the essence of small-town life with its slower pace, close-knit communities, and the unique challenges and joys that come with it. Everett and Hiller discussed how the Midwest tone influences the storytelling, from the dialogue to the settings, and how it adds authenticity to the narrative.
Career Journeys: from Cabaret to "Prestige TV"
Both Everett and Hiller reflected on their own career journeys. Everett has been a popular performer in New York City's downtown cabaret scene for years, carving out a niche for herself with a fearless—and often bawdy—approach to both comedy and music. Her performances are a unique blend of raunchy humor, powerful vocals, and unabashed stage presence, making her a beloved figure in the alt-cabaret world.
Still, before starring in Somebody, Somewhere, Everett was still waiting for her showbiz career to take off. "I said 'yes' to everything... every appearance, every opportunity, everything that came my way—and was still waiting tables. I remember one of the other waiters asking me 'When are you going to stop trying?' But I never stopped trying. I wrote down a quote I heard on Oprah, 'Dreams don't have expiration dates.'" That was my mantra.
Hiller had a similar journey. A veteran of New York's branch of The Upright Citizen's Brigade and other impro groups, Hiller was working as a temp when he received the email inviting him to audition for the role of Joel. "My boss had just asked me to do something I didn't know how to do—and then literally this email popped up in my inbox."
Queer Representation
One question addressed in the evening was the importance of queer representation in Somebody Somewhere. One of the show's central focuses is the experience of LGBTQ people in a small town, a topic not often discussed in the mainstream media.
Both Everett and Hiller emphasized the importance of authentic representation and storytelling. They discussed how the show’s portrayal of queer characters and their experiences in a small-town setting has resonated deeply with audiences, and provides a more nuanced portrayal of gay life. “It’s about finding your people and your place in the world,” Everett noted. “And that’s something everyone can relate to, no matter where they’re from.”
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