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.
Wednesday, May 4
99 Problemz Presents: KoolAid Mix
230 W. North Ave. 312-337-3992
You no longer have to drudge through “Fuller House” to get your ’90s sitcom fix. This nostalgia-heavy improvised show, complete with scripted “commercial breaks” and ’90s sitcom tropes, takes an audience suggestion for the episode title and runs—or perhaps Carlton-dances—with it. This week’s special guest is Joe Janes. 8 p.m. $13. Tickets: secondcity.com
Thursday, May 5
Improvised Twilight Zone
851 W. Belmont Ave. 773-697-9693
As part of the ongoing Chicago Improv Festival (more on that at chicagoimprovfestival.org), Annoyance regular Kyle Dolan directs this comedic take on the supernatural parable show. 9:15 p.m. $15. Tickets: theannoyance.com
Friday, May 6
The Anti-Boss
6670 N. Northwest Highway 312-692-9327
Audience members are new employees at opening night of this mock office orientation session led by comedian (and RedEye contributor) Mike Maxwell. 8 p.m. $15. Tickets: thewiptheater.com
Saturday, May 7
And Now You Know Everything About Laurel Krabacher
More Top Picks Agility Ladder
1422 W. Irving Park Road 773-799-8506
Chicago improv vet Laurel Krabacher spills all her secrets in this painfully honest weekly one-woman show. 8 p.m. $10. Tickets: cictheater.com
Monday, May 9
Rebecca O’Neal
929 W. Belmont Ave. 773-549-8080
Weekly Chicago stand-up comedy showcase “100 Proof” features South Side native Rebecca O’Neal as its headliner. 8 p.m. $10. Tickets: cszchicago.com
Tuesday, May 10
Top Ten Tuesdays
3175 N. Broadway 773-327-3175
The new weekly show delivers 10 Chicago comedians for $10. Performers include Ramon Rivas, Bill Gevirtz, Dane Arden, Meaghan Strickland and more. 7:30 p.m. $10. Tickets: laughfactory.com
Gwendolyn Purdom is a RedEye contributor.
Want to learn how to brew beer or make a craft cocktail? Click here for cocktail classes in Chicago.