Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
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Friday, October 11
I think Mayor Daley's appearances are a scream. Same for Rod Blago and Judy Barr (She MUST be related to Roseanne) Topinka.
But seriously, folks.
It's tried and true and still funny - Second City.
i just hang out with my friends. they are HI-LARIOUS.
I'm curious, too. I used to go to Improv Olymic, but I haven't been in years. Now I just go to my own head and crack myself up.
IO is usually great. Chicago Improv Festival in the Spring is a fantastic showcase of improv/comic folks. Lots of celebs too.
My favorite duos are the two guys that do BassProv (bassprov.com) and TJ and Dave.
Fox News
I've been to Gunther Murphy's for their Tuesday night Underground Cmomedy show once and had a great time. Love the Lincoln Lodge comedy nights on Thursdays and Fridays, and Elevated at Cherry Red was good the one time I saw it. Too bad the Lion's Den shut down- the open mic at Mix blows in comparison.
Go see Demetri Martin at the Vic in November. That guy tells jokes. Good ones.
I get on the #66 bus. The humor is private and ridiculous, but not always subtle.
The dramatic conflict could usually go either way, but it ends up as comedy, because at some point I get to exit the bus.
The Sun Times editorial section.
I go to work to laugh. I work at City Hall.
But for decent stand up, I've never been disappointed with Zanies on Wells and they get lots of well known comedians there.
The monthly Schadenfreude Rent Party is always a good bet.
Pitchfork - their reviews are a hoot!
I have a conversation with my boss (unintentional comedy)
1. Work.
2. Any relative's house.
3. Any one of my friends.
4. YouTube (I defy you to not see the funny in "the cussin' preacher" video!)
Simple answer, I still love Second City. I've never seen a bad show.
myspace.com/merchandiseonline (click "videos")
Anywhere I can see Nick Vatterot or TJ Miller perform. Chicago Underground Comedy on Tuesdays and the Lincoln Lodge usually.
www.drscience.com
Where do I go for comedy?
Easy!
Revenge of the Second City by Richard F. Carnahan.
Todd,
A quick jaunt by your mom's house is good for comedy, if by "comedy" you means "full release massage."
I confess that few sights transport me into peels of laughter as a jolly round of bear-baiting on the Harvest Festival or Fair Day. Some of the ursine creatures seem tame, at times nearly human, but the wise master never lets his hand stray far from the cudgel, lest the fearsome beast break loose and gorge itself on the tender vittles of screaming townsfolk. Still, their tumbles, tricks and displays of raw vigour are a sight to see!
I go to my private collection. I listen to stand-up comedy each and every morning when I shower. Check out my blog and see if there's anything you'd like to hear.
Oh, I can grade my students' papers anywhere.
Louis C.K. this weekend at Zanies. oops, actually tonight, tomorrow night and saturday night. saw that fucker in Indy at the beginning of September - my cheeks hurt after like 10 minutes of his set from laughing so hard.
Work, at the j.o.b. The co-workers are a comedy treat, though they don't know how much they entertain me. I try not to laugh in front of them. They might catch on that I'm laughing at them, not with them, someday.
I came from a job where it meant something when the boss had a fit. It took me a while to learn that it's always four alarm fire time with the boss here. It's like working for Basil Fawlty, when he's having his usual meltdown during his last five minutes of every episode of Fawlty Towers.
None of this helps Emerson, so here's something that might help. Plain ole street theater. Take a walk around the loop for an afternoon. Or just ride the red line back and forth from Roosevelt back to like the Berwyn stop and back. Between stupid cell phone talk and the occasional gambling, you'll find something to amuse you. For some reason the loop and the train are freak magnets.
I have xm radio and I listen to the comedy channel (151). I've found enough comics that I like that I've actually started checking listings to see if they're coming to town anytime soon.
gapers block
big yellow bus - thursdays, 8 pm, playground theater
and
cook county social club - fridays, midnight, i.o.
the mirror
Thursday nights at Fizz...the Star and Garter show has a bunch of comedians in between the their acts...TJ Miller was hosting and I think he's funny :)
Plus, come on, it's a Burlesque show, with a Comedy show...what more can you ask for?
Improv Olympic on Sunday nights is $5. I used to watch Dan Bakkedal (sp?) there, now he's a "correspondent" for the Daily Show.
There are two shows, I believe, both equally funny.
My sex life.
Urban Ethos [26]
What is Chicago's "urban ethos"?
Cool Glass of... [16]
What're you drinking?
Supreme Decision [22]
What's your reaction to the Supreme Court's decision on the Affordable Care Act?
Taking it to the Streets [20]
Chicago Street Fairs: Revolting or Awesome?
I Can Be Cruel [9]
Be real: what is the meanest thing you've ever done?
Andrew / October 12, 2006 10:44 AM
Question from Emerson, who says, "I'd be curious about good local comedians, showcases, etc."