Review: A New Era in Theater? Dogprov is Ruff and Rowdy
Have you ever wondered–can dogs be showpeople? Are canines natural performers who adore the limelight and thrive on the roar of the crowd? Can they take direction? Do they understand […]
Preview: WTTW Celebrates Mother of Invention Viola Spolin in Inventing Improv
Tonight WTTW’s Chicago Stories premiers “Inventing Improv,” a one-hour special about “Chicago’s greatest export,” improvisation, and its visionary creator, Viola Spolin. Writer/producer Jude Leak chronicles the journey of Spolin, the […]
Preview: NERD ALERT!! Bring Your Friends and Your Pets for the Virtual Chicago Nerd Comedy Fest
Way back when, when I was, I guess, a “cub” writer, I was unofficially assigned the “nerd beat.” This was in no small part due to the fact that my […]
Preview: Be a Good Nerd and Nerd Out for Good at the First Ever Digital Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival
Stage 773’s Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival is a staple in Chicago’s nerd/pop culture scene. In fact I’ve been covering it since its inception in one form or another. It’s always […]
Review: The Hilary Duff Project Nails the Nostalgic Sendup with Talent to Spare
Nostalgia is a hot commodity lately, likely due to the rather dismal present and threat of an even more dire future. Taking a look back at simpler times can be […]
Preview: True Blue Revue to Launch Indivisible Chicago’s 2020 Campaign February 3 at the Athenaeum
Indivisible Chicago will stage True Blue Revue, the group’s 2020 campaign kickoff and free live show, Monday, February 3, at the Athenaeum Theatre’s mainstage, 2936 N. Southport Ave. Doors open […]
Review: Chicago Comedian Drew Michael Captivates Crowd at The Den Theatre
Local comedian Drew Michael brought his stand-up tour home to Chicago last weekend. Michael performed at The Den Theatre’s Main Stage for a full audience. Maddie Wiener was the opening […]
Review: The Second City Asks Do You Believe in Madness?
The Second City’s 108th revue, Do You Believe in Madness?, is a bright look at dark times. Under the direction of Ryan Bernier, the cast well-represents the East Coast here […]
Review: I’m Not A Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce is a Heartfelt, Raunchy Look into the Life and Times of Lenny Bruce
Warning: This article uses coarse, vulgar language Lenny Bruce: comedian, satirist, and hardcore supporter of the US Constitution’s First Amendment. Truly groundbreaking in his time, he led the way for […]
Review: High Crime-ing and Ms.-Demeanors with Mueller, She Wrote
Constitutional crisis commentary has become a cottage industry, and three SoCal women have carved out their niche with focused, funny, and accessible vivisections of the constant onslaught. The Daily Beans […]
Review: Jonah Ray and a Killer Lineup of Local Comedians Serve Up Unique and Hilarious Show at Lincoln Lodge
It’s already been established that fezzes are cool. In Chicago, though, it’s doubly true, as anyone who frequents The Lincoln Lodge should well know. The alt comedy playground, now located […]
Review: Author, Auteur John Waters and the Tarnished Wisdom of a Filth Elder
Iconoclastic film- and filth-maker John Waters told interviewer Michael Phillips that the first time he came to Chicago was with a “drive-away” car. He couldn’t believe a stranger trusted him […]