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.
FRIDAY, JULY 22
VAMP: A Music Comedy Drinking Show
3110 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-610-5930
The twice-weekly show celebrates its second anniversary with two nights of interactive musical comedy and BYOB bliss. Cast members and house band The Vampers offer “Whose Line Is It Anyway”-style laughs kicking off Friday. 10:30 p.m. $15-$18. Tickets: mclchicago.com/vamp
Don’t You Forget About Me (or Your Student Loans)
230 W. North Ave. 312-337-3992
For their next trick, the Rough Writers sketch group ventures back to high school, when the biggest worries were friendships and first times. The show is jam-packed with pop culture references that will have you missing those carefree days. 7:30 p.m. $13. Tickets: secondcity.com
Anarchy: An Improvised Rock Opera
1160 E. 55th St. 866-811-4111
The cast composes an original improvised rock opera based on audience suggestions. 8 p.m. $5-$10. Tickets: the-revival.com
SATURDAY, JULY 23
Butthead & Friends Live from Makeout Point
1501 N. Kingsbury St. 312-929-2401
Grab your favorite lip gloss, throw back some mouthwash and head to Makeout Point with this improv show that combines music, storytelling and sketch comedy. In addition to the regular cast, expect special guest appearances. 10:30 p.m. $14. Tickets: ioimprov.com
More Top Picks Best Smartwatches For Sleep Tracking With Phone
Silence! The Musical
4210 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-650-1331
The unauthorized musical parody of everyone’s favorite horror flick “The Silence of the Lambs” puts a hilariously raunchy twist on the tale of Clarice Starling, Hannibal Lecter and Buffalo Bill. 8 p.m. $20. Tickets: cornservatory.org
SUNDAY, JULY 24
Comedy Comes Alive
851 W. Belmont Ave. 773-697-9693
The two-man sketch comedy follows a queer New Englander and a straight dude from rural Wisconsin who are both obsessed with B-movies and “Frasier.” 8 p.m. $8. Tickets: theannoyance.com
Want to see your show in Set the Scene? Us too! Send details to Morgan Olsen at [email protected] for consideration.