Step away from the Netflix marathon and find your way into one of these local theaters for a belly laugh this week. Your guide to Chicago’s affordable and under-the-radar comedy scene awaits.
Thursday, April 14
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Strip Joker
Gorilla Tango Theatre Bucktown
1919 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-598-4549
Think strip poker, but instead of losing an item of clothing when you draw a bad hand, these comics get progressively more naked if their jokes flop. In partnership with the You Are Beautiful campaign, the show, headlined this month by Cody Melcher, emphasizes body positivity. 8 p.m. $15. Tickets: gorillatango.com
I Wrote This For Me; Do You Like it?
1501 N. Kingsbury St. 312-929-2401
Written by Rose Boyle, this autobiographically themed production is a part sketch show, part play that examines what it’s like to be a single woman in today’s world through the eyes of a recently deceased writer. 10:30 p.m. $5. Tickets: ioimprov.com
Friday, April 15
Pulp: Investigative Improv
1515 W. Berwyn Ave. 773-961-8214
Fans of cheesy true crime TV will especially appreciate the format of this improvised three-act show: The audience chooses the victim, and the cast launches an investigation in the vein of “Snapped” or “Making a Murderer.” 9:30 p.m. $8-$12. Tickets: whatisph.com
Saturday, April 16
Tony Hinchcliffe
1548 N. Wells St. 312-337-4027
The Comedy Central writer and comedian behind popular comedy podcast “Kill Tony” performs three shows. 7, 9 and 11:15 p.m. $25. Tickets: chicago.zanies.com
A Swarm of Spoilers
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956 W. Newport Ave. 773-270-3440
Ahead of “Game of Thrones” much-anticipated April 24th Season 6 premiere, this parody recap condenses the first five seasons of the gory fantasy into a single comedy show. 7 p.m. $18. Tickets: undertheguntheater.com
Tuesday, April 19
Open Books and Laugh: Stand up for Literacy!
3175 N. Broadway St. 773-327-3175
Featuring comedians including Chris Bader, Kelsie Huff, Adam Burke, Pat Tomasulo and more, this third annual benefit will help fund Open Books’ reading and writing programs. 8 p.m. $20-$30. Tickets: laughfactory.com
Gwendolyn Purdom is a RedEye contributor. @gwenpurdom
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