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 26
Kill, F*ck and Marry
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956 W. Newport Ave. 773-270-3440
The unconventional stories, stand-up acts and sketches in this show turn love-centric clichés on their starry-eyed heads and feature a new lineup of performers each week. 9 p.m. $12. Tickets: undertheguntheater.com
Friday, May 27
Michael Issac
1548 N. Wells St. 312-337-4027
South Side native Michael Issac—a familiar face from “Empire,” commercials and the local stand-up scene—headlines at the Old Town club all week. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. $25. Tickets: chicago.zanies.com
Saturday, May 28
Orange is the New Comeback: Season 2
3914 N. Clark St. 773-230-4770
Set at the Orange County Rehabilitation Center, this mashup of a cutthroat reality competition show, Netflix’s lady prison dramedy and female celebs feuding to land back on the tabloid covers incorporates Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Oprah and more. 10 p.m. $15. Tickets: thepubtheatre.com
Sunday, May 29
Spell
1501 N. Kingsbury St. 312-929-2401
In the previous two iterations of his solo show trilogy, comedian Zach Zimmerman explored sexuality and religion. In “Spell,” audience interaction gets its turn via a variety of spell-binding or spell-casting characters and escalating back-and-forth with the crowd. Cat McDonnell opens. 8:30 p.m. $12. Tickets: ioimprov.com
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Awkward Moments Live Podcast
3175 N. Broadway 773-327-3175
Stand-up comic Collin A. Bullock’s Awkward Moments podcast—in which Bullock interviews weird and interesting people like Juggalos and porn stars—gets a live recording featuring music, audience participation, other comedians and, of course, mystery guests. 7 p.m. $17-$30. Tickets: laughfactory.com
Gwendolyn Purdom is a RedEye contributor.