Hannibal Buress is a triple-threat talent, making waves in stand-up comedy, television and film. But for his homecoming gig at the Chicago Theatre he’ll be doing what he loves best. “I like stand-up the most because that’s what I’ve done the most and am most familiar with,” he says, calling recently from a tour stop in New Orleans. “I enjoy sharing my ideas unfiltered, without editing any of it. It’s my show.”
It was one of Buress’ unfiltered riffs that drew national attention last October and created a media stir. Performing at the Trocadero Theatre in Philadelphia, Buress did a bit about Bill Cosby and the sexual assault allegations that have long dogged the veteran comedian and television star.
An audience member made a grainy video recording of Buress’ routine, and the clip went viral. The ensuing coverage renewed interest in an old story and more women came forward with accusations against Cosby.
For Buress, the fallout was unexpected. He’s reluctant to revisit his role in helping bring the matter into the spotlight.
“Yeah, it was really weird,” is all he says when asked if he was surprised when the video went viral. He has even less enthusiasm for a follow-up question about the matter. “I’m weary of this right now,” he says. “I know you’ve gotta write about it, but I’d rather talk about something else.”
As far as Buress’ career is concerned, there is a lot to talk about. He’s on the road with his national stand-up tour “Comedy Camisado,” which brings him to the Chicago Theatre on Thursday.
The word “camisado” is an archaic term for “attack by night.” Buress explained how he came up with the title for the tour:
“The show happens at night,” he says. “‘Camisado’ is also fun to say. Some words roll off the tongue in a way that’s enjoyable. I think it sounds great.”
His Windy City stop returns Buress, 32, to his hometown.
He was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago in the Austin neighborhood.
He began doing comedy when he attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.
“I started doing open mics there and really fell in love with it,” he recalls about his first forays into comedy while in school.
“I started performing and hosting my own events. I was doing real small-room gigs at that time. Once I started doing it, I had a lot of fun and I really focused my energy on it.”
The comedian returned to Chicago from SIU and began working the clubs. He went to New York for a short time in 2006, came back to the Windy City and then made a permanent move to the Big Apple in 2008.
Along the way, Buress has been busy on a number of fronts.
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He worked stints as a writer for the long-running “Saturday Night Live” and the hit sitcom “30Rock.” Featured on the comedy shows “Louie” and “The Mindy Project,” Buress also appeared in the feature film “Neighbors” starring Seth Rogen.
His second stand-up special on Comedy Central, “Hannibal Buress Live From Chicago,” was taped at The Vic Theatre.
His plate is overflowing with high-profile projects.
Buress is currently a cast member on two critically lauded TV shows. He plays dentist Lincoln Rice on Comedy Central’s “Broad City.” Created by and starring Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson, the funky sitcom follows the travails of two 20-something New Yorkers. Comedian and actress Amy Poehler is a co-executive producer.
Buress is also the co-host of “The Eric Andre Show,” a witty sendup of a public access talk show that is part of Cartoon Network’s “Adult Swim” programming block.
On the real-life talk show circuit, Buress has made the rounds.
He’s been a frequent guest on the “Late Show With David Letterman,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” For Comedy Central’s recent roast of Justin Bieber, Buress joined a dais that included Snoop Dogg, Shaquille O’Neal and Martha Stewart.
Buress says his experience in television writing has taught him valuable lessons. “I enjoy TV writing because it helped me learn how to turn a joke around quickly,” he says. “You have to pitch jokes. You have to be quick. You also learn what it is to run a room. You get to watch some great showrunners. That experience helps what I do.”
Buress’ comedy is skillfully drawn and unexpected, whether he’s skewering hipsters with handlebar mustaches or rap lyrics. He gets his source material from a number of places.
“It varies,” he explains. “A lot of it is just my opinions and stories. Some of it comes from real things that annoy or bother me. I could be watching a movie. I could be hanging with my nieces and nephews. I overhear something and try it onstage.”
His own favorite comics include Chris Rock, Louis C.K. and Dave Chappelle. “I’ve watched him over the years,” Buress says about Chappelle. “He’s a top-notch writer. He has great stage presence.”
Buress has seen proof of his own rising popularity out on the road.
“Just going through different cities and playing 1,500 seats or 2,000 seats is the direct indicator of that,” he says. “We go to certain cities where we think it’s going to be OK and then ticket sales go through the roof.”
After 13 years of performing comedy, what advice would Buress give to an aspiring comic looking to follow in his footsteps?
“Just work,” he advises. “If you want to do stand-up, then you have to do a lot of stand-up. Go to open mics. Watch other comedians and learn.”
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When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.
Tickets: $35-$55; 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com