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, May 19
The Sausage Show and Other Bites
3110 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-610-5930
All things food are on the table for this meaty mini comedic opera cooked up by the female performers at Forte Chicago, with music by Lara Golan. Crowds hungry for comedy, puppetry, opera and more can expect to get their fill. 7:30 p.m. $15. Tickets: fortechicago.com
Friday, May 20
The Answer is Yes
The Beat Lounge at Second City
230 W. North Ave. 312-337-3992
Seasoned improviser and Second City Training Center faculty member Matthew Van Colton turns audience suggestions into an on-the-spot musical in this one-man show with the help of musical improviser Julie B. Nichols on the piano. 7:30 p.m. $8-$13. Tickets: secondcity.com
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Save My Life, Please! An Improv Therapy Session
1160 E. 55th St. 866-811-4111
Part comedy show, part life-coaching seminar, this performance aims to examine problems and suggest solutions for all that ails you, with a healthy dose of humor. 9:30 p.m. $5-$10. Tickets: the-revival.com
Housing Forward Presents W. Kamau Bell and Hari Kondabolu
DePaul University Merle Reskin Theatre
60 E. Balbo Drive 708-338-1724
Sociopolitical comedian W. Kamau Bell, host of CNN’s new travel show “United Shades of America,” and political comic Hari Kondabolu team up for one night of insightful comedy, with all proceeds benefitting Housing Forward’s efforts to fight homelessness. 7 p.m. $30. Tickets: brownpapertickets.com
Saturday, May 21
Porn Minus Porn
956 W. Newport Ave. 773-270-3440
Everybody watches porn for the meaningful dialogue, right? That’s the premise behind this returning favorite (and winner of Under the Gun’s 2015 Tournament of Shows) that strips the sex from real-life porno scripts. 10:30 p.m. $12. Tickets: undertheguntheater.com
Sunday, May 22
4:20 Matinee
3160 N. Clark St. 773-327-5969
Ron Ervin, Thomas Bottoms and Zach Zajac serve up running commentary for screenings of an obscure video, an out-there cartoon and 1985 cult flick “Tomboy,” along with free pizza and drink specials. 4 p.m. No cover. More information: shakersonclark.com
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Gwendolyn Purdom is a RedEye contributor.