Performing Arts Search
America: All Better!
Open run: Tue-Thu 8 PM, Fri-Sat 8 and 11 PM, Sun 7 PM,
312-337-3992Improv/Sketch
See Albert Williams's in-depth review.
$20-$25
The Armando Diaz Theatrical Experience and Hootenanny
Open run: Mon 8:30 PM 773-880-0199Improv/Sketch
A monologist tells personal stories that inspire the improv. $12
The Audacity of Nope, or How I Fell for a Pansy Scheme
Through 12/5: Thu-Sat 8 PM, 800-838-3006Improv/Sketch
Despite its title, GayCo's latest LGBT-themed sketch comedy revue never really takes President Obama to task for dillydallying on gay rights. But then, Sean Cusick's production isn't strong on topical material in general. The bit about giving a pair of pigs swine flu is too obvious, for example, and Vincent Kracht's impression of the perpetually unhinged Glenn Beck is entirely too hinged. The show is at its best when it sticks to the everyday 'mo on the street: a gay guy who can't stomach details of his lesbian roommate's love life, two grooms in Iowa finding surprising levels of tolerance at a church potluck. Even when the material misses, though, an appealing cast manages to salvage a chuckle or two. Standouts are Kathy Betts and Jim Bennett--zany and brainy, respectively. --Zac Thompson $20
Baby Wants Candy: The Rock Musical
Open run: Fri 10:30 PM, 773-935-6100Improv/Sketch
Baby Wants Candy--a tight troupe now famous for its improvised musicals--began in 1997 as one of the dozens of ImprovOlympic teams formed every year. Somehow they've avoided the usual dissolution of such groups. More impressive, they've never experienced the artistic conservatism that paralyzes improvisers eager to "do it right"--and reap the reward, presumably, of a career in NYC or LA. Instead the troupe has become the very model of smart, physical, quick-thinking, and just plain silly long-form improvisers; they still play well together and manage to entertain. Inspired by the improbable suggestion "So this is it" at the show I saw, nine actors (backed by the five-member Yes Band) improvised a complicated, hilarious, tongue-in-cheek tale of three partnerships on the rocks--two marriages and a professional relationship--and the narrator who helps bring the couples back together. --Jack Helbig $5-$15
The Best of Second City
Open run: Mon 8 PM (free improv set follows), Sat 4 PM 312-337-3992Improv/Sketch
The title suggests that Second City luminaries got together and pored over the comedy institution's hundreds of sketches, then picked the funniest for restaging. That's not what happened. Each of the SC touring companies--GreenCo, BlueCo, and RedCo--programmed its own show, which can change, and alternates performances with the others. They all favor sketches they can see on video, so most of the material is from the mid-90s on. They also focus on characters they can do, and rightly so--who but Chris Farley could pull off his squatting motivational speaker? Each group also adds a few original sketches and some improv. For those familiar with the Second City and E.T.C. revues, these performances may feel like the minor leagues: in general the timing is less crisp and the players are less demonstrative and charismatic. But the execution is still consistently good, and occasionally the "Best of ... " performers outshine the originals, as when BlueCo's Michael Lehrer tackled a sketch from the current main-stage show, playing a working-class Chicagoan giving a live audio tour of the Art Institute. All the companies, but especially RedCo, are very funny in the improv bits. --Ryan Hubbard $15-$20
The Big Yellow Bus
Open run: Thu 8 PM 773-728-1682Improv/Sketch
A core cast performs a different type of long-form improv each week, with guests. The actors meet once just before going on, which gives a frenetic unpredictability to their bits and leads to prankish pushing and pulling, but it also produces occasional fumbling to discover others' sensibilities. (RH) $10
Bikerman & the Jewish Avenger: Love Hurts
Sat., Feb. 13, 10 p.m. 847-577-2121Improv/Sketch
We go years without hearing from these guys. They don't write, they don't call, they just show up and expect to do a show. Does this sound like your dating life? Why do you do it? For the excitement? The danger? We let them back because they're funny. This time they take on Valentine's Day and hand it to you straight. They don't pull any punches in this hysterical monologue/storytelling show that breaks down the intricacies of dating, romance and love. Come with a date or with friends. But don't come alone, they might point you out and make fun. Contains adult language and content. Not recommended for children or young teens.
February 13, 2010 . 10 P.M. Tickets $16.50
Black Ted Williams
Open run: Tue 10 PM, 773-880-0199Improv/Sketch
Barry Hite and Kevin Sciretta, who called their duo Black Ted Williams after an early nickname of fallen baseball hero Darryl Strawberry, explore the "grand and tragic" in this entertaining improv show. At the performance I saw they played supercilious Yale/Princeton grads, a successful boxer admitting steroid use to Congress, and a son ostracized to his family's boathouse when the Kennedys visited because he "looked like a werewolf." These guys are as literate as they are manic, and their comedy is wordy, fast, and full of smart references and flashbacks. They do solid accents (southern, Spanish, Arabic) and impressions (e.g., the Kennedys), too. But not quite enough of what they throw at the wall sticks. 21st Century Men open. --Ryan Hubbard $5
BlackOut
Open run: Thu 10 PM, 773-549-8080 or 312-559-1212Improv/Sketch
Most improv groups don't take enough risks. The five members of BlackOut often take too many, challenging each other and tinkering with setups until bits are either stuck in the mud or an uproarious mess. At the show I saw, a hint of wrestling turned into full-out body-slamming. The chances of success are good, though, because these guys have a commitment to the moment and an impressive range of pop-culture references that leads to material both literate and lowbrow. Their flirtation with race--all are black--further adds to the surprises. A scene of God lecturing Jesus became a lot funnier when it turned into a movie starring Bill Cosby, with Will Smith as the jazz-playing messiah. --Ryan Hubbard $5
Blewtenanny!
Open run: second Sat of month, midnight 773-728-1682Improv/Sketch
Variety showcase, a Blewt! Productions show.
Boss
Fri., Nov. 20, 12 a.m., Fri., Nov. 27, 12 a.m., Fri., Dec. 4, 12 a.m. and Fri., Dec. 18, 12 a.m. 312-337-3992Improv/Sketch
Sketch comedy revue "that focuses on social satire." $8-$10
The Bryan Room Presents
Open run: first and third Wed of month, 8 PM 773-296-9700Improv/Sketch
Showcase of comedy acts hosted by improv group the Bryan Room.
Burlesque Is More
Through 12/19: Sat 10 PM 773-561-4665Improv/Sketch
Holiday-themed show "combining the sexiness of burlesque with the hilarity of quality improv." $15
buROCKracy: Comedy by Committee
Through 11/27: Fri 11 PM 773-458-6151Improv/Sketch
The Original Improv Gladiators season seven winners. $10
Butch LaRue: Shotgun Wedding Planner
Through 12/18: Fri 10:30 PM, no show 11/27 773-327-5252Improv/Sketch
Sketch revue by the group Butch LaRue. $15
