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Preview Tue Jul 10 2012
ComedySportz World Championship Comes to Chicago
Two of the most universally joyous experiences in life are laughing and winning. ComedySportz has long been known for combining these elements of comedy and competition, but this summer they're taking it to the global level with the annual ComedySportz World Championship. This four-day event will feature as many as 21 teams from the U.S. and Europe who will fight for the last laugh in this winner-takes-all tournament of improv comedy.
For the uninitiated, ComedySportz is a brand of short-form improv comedy played as a sport. Two teams take turns creating scenes based on suggestions from the crowd and the audience votes on the winner. For the long-time fans of the red v. blue battles, this competition will feature the funniest faces from Chicago's stage throwing down against other cities from Manchester to Milwaulkee for the title.
The shows will include two matches between two teams each (that's four teams of fast-paced, joke-dropping, laughter-inducing comedians). Wednesday through Thursday, each evening offers two shows with different competitors every time, so you can keep up the giggles for 3 ½ hours straight if you think your abs can handle it. Saturday gets exciting with an All Star exhibition match followed by the final match, which will determine the 2012 ComedySportz World Champions.
A comedy showdown like this doesn't happen every day in Chicago, or even every year--the show will be held at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., marking the first time in 11 years that the Windy City will have the hometown advantage in the tournament.
Tickets can be purchased for $25 per show, or $110 for festival passes which includes admission to all shows, plus preferred seating. To purchase tickets and cheer on your city, visit the Athenaeum Theatre website, call 773.935.6875, or visit the Athenaeum Theatre Box Office. The match schedule can be found here.