A sketch troupe transforms itself into a comedy production company, one that offers a multimedia bounty of laughs. It’s further proof that the way comedy is presented is ever changing.
Wits’ End was created as a sketch comedy troupe to perform at Excalibur this past winter. After shutting down its production in April, the group’s producer came up with an idea to offer comedy in different forms. The results will be seen Thursday at the entertainment center’s Dome Room.
“It’s designed to showcase comedy talent in Chicago,” says Marion Sours, Wits’ End’s producer, “being not so much in competition with any other company per se, but rather bringing in performers who are from other comedy companies.
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“The idea is that in each show, there will be one improv group, at least one standup comedian — probably two or maybe even three — a small band, a comedy video and an emcee.”
The show, called “A Dog Gone Good Time,” will feature improvisation by the Pack, a group directed by local comedy director Armando Diaz; standup by Bridget Smith; music by Dave Andersen; and comedy videos by My Shins and Pepper Pot Productions.
Sours decided to disband the sketch troupe, although several former members will still perform as part of the new production. She decided to make a change because “I realized that there was such a huge amount of competition as far as the comedy scene in Chicago. Yet it seemed to me that a showcase is one thing that really is not common in this city.
And I’ve seen so many really good groups in smaller clubs around the city that I thought if only more people could see these comedians. And this is a chance for them to be seen by a wider audience.”
Several comics, including the nuts with Chicago Comedy Works, are doing different things to get people in the seats, including offering sketch comedy and music along with standup. In effect, they’re adding variety to their performances. And Sours agrees it’s an effective means of attracting an audience.
But see for yourself Thursday at the Dome Room, in Excalibur, 632 N. Dearborn St. Call 312-266-1944 for more information.
Moore’s invasion
Talented Steve Moore is assaulting Chicago this weekend with his impressive, impassioned and funny standup comedy.
Moore is the comedian whose June HBO special, “Drop Dead Gorgeous (A Tragi-Comedy): The Power of HIV-Positive Thinking,” was such a creative success. It dealt poignantly and hilariously with the comic’s living with AIDS. And Moore will showcase his talents in two separate venues.
Moore is holed up at the Bailiwick Theatre, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., for three shows Friday through Sunday. For show times and reservations, call 773-883-1090.
Moore is stealing some time away from the Bailiwick to perform a short program at Northalsted Market Days 1997, a Saturday-Sunday festival of entertainment, a bazaar of antiques and collectibles, arts and crafts and food.
Moore is set to perform at 7 p.m. Saturday on the LesBiGay Radio Stage, which will be at Belmont Avenue and Halsted Street. The event, sponsored by the Northalsted Area Merchants Association to benefit charities to fight crime, homelessness and HIV/AIDS, is free, but a $2 donation is appreciated. Call 773-868-3010 for other details.
The standup lineup
Here’s where the comedy action is this weekend and next week. Current comedy club sets are scheduled to run through Sunday; all new acts begin on Thursday unless otherwise noted. Lineups are subject to change.
– Lots of activity is at Second City e.t.c., the comedy group’s experimental branch. Its 18th revue, “RiverAnts,” which doesn’t feature either dancing Irish people or insects, is an ongoing production staged Wednesdays through Sundays.
Meanwhile, Tuesdays at e.t.c. through Aug. 26 is “Toteroonie . . . the show for the inner child in you.” This one looks at adult-world issues, but in the form of a kids show. Second City e.t.c. is at 1616 N. Wells St. in Piper’s Alley. Call 312-642-8189 for either show.
– It should be strange this weekend at Zanies’ location in Vernon Hills with comic Tim Slagle, who always has a sharply bent perspective on things. Zanies’ north suburban club is at 230 Hawthorn Village Commons in Vernon Hills; call 847-549-6030.
– Take an angst-ridden pseudo-writer, mix in a garage band musician, an alcoholic, a racist, a freaky disc jockey and a yuppie, stir vigorously, and you have “Alive,” a comedy production featuring a lot of mock beer-drinking. “Alive” is running Thursdays through Saturdays at the Factory Theater, 1257 W. Loyola Ave.; call 773-274-1345.
– Spike Manton, who reports on sports for Steve Dahl’s WCKG-FM afternoon show, is working the Funny Bone, 1504 Naper Blvd.-Tower Crossing Shopping Center in Naperville, Friday and Saturday; call 630-955-0500.
Listen to this!
“Cheese n’ Macaroni — Uncooked” doesn’t sound too appetizing, but it makes for a catchy CD title, probably one reason why comedian Paul Rodriguez chose it.
“I’m as American as cheese and macaroni,” he says in a release. “I’m glad my mother and father had the smarts and desperation to come to America — in other words, we were starving.”
Rodriguez is releasing his CD on his own label, Payaso Records Inc. (“payaso” is Spanish for “clown”) in association with Barbwire Records. It will be distributed nationally by Virgin.
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“It is my goal for my CD to help my Latino brethren make the transition from eight-track to CD,” says the ever-humanitarian standup and actor. Look for “Cheese n’ Macaroni — Uncooked” in stores on Aug. 26.