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Stand-up Fri Sep 12 2008
Chicago Underground Comedy @ the Beat Kitchen
(*This post's author co-produces Chicago Underground Comedy.)
Every Tuesday at 9:30pm, the Beat Kitchen (2100 W. Belmont) takes a break from the rock and punk bands that grace the stage every other night of the week to host Chicago Underground Comedy, an independent artist-produced stand-up showcase featuring Chicago's best and brightest alternative stand-up comedy talent. It's a lot of smart funny for only $5.
The show began several years ago with 16 core cast members, but few of those original comedians remain. The group is constantly refreshed with up-and-coming new talent, as every few months, another comedian leaves the training ground of Chicago for New York or L.A.
Among the show's current cast members, favorite guests, and returning ex-pats are an impressive tally of credits: new writers for Saturday Night Live, new cast members on MADtv, and performances on Comedy Death Ray, Comedy Central's Premium Blend and Live at Gotham, the Craig Ferguson Show, Last Call With Carson Daly, and more.
Highlight video from May and more photos from last Tuesday's Chicago Underground Comedy show after the jump!
Special guest (and frequent Jay Leno guest), Chicago native John Roy:
Founding castmember Allison Leber:
Castmember Paul Thomas, also a musical comedian/video whiz:
Co-producer and stand-up Dan Telfer, who will open for Maria Bamford at the Lakeshore Theater in December:
Chicago Underground Comedy Highlights from May 20, 2008, featuring Adam Burke, James Asmus, Robert Buscemi, Cameron Esposito, Brendan McGowan, and Ricky Carmona: