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, AUG. 4
‘High Spirits Wine Tasting & Comedy Show’
1200 W. Randolph St. 312-733-9463
Comedian and sommelier Patrick Ney delivers approachable, no-frills wine education with a side of comedy. Tickets include one tasting of sparkling wine and three blind tastings of red and white wines. 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. $45. Tickets: citywinery.com
‘The Court of Public Opinion’
1160 E. 55th St. 866-811-4111
The latest internet debate gets its day in court. With not-so-real lawyers backing each side of the argument with totally real social media commentary, the audience becomes the jury tasked with closing the case. 8 p.m. $5-$10. Tickets: the-revival.com
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FRIDAY, AUG. 5
‘Liquid Courage: A Drinking Show’
The Beat Lounge at Second City
230 W. North Ave. 312-337-3992
The interactive drinking show premieres with booze-themed sketches, dances and songs, plus audience members can expect a slew of drinking game rules throughout the performance. Servers from Second City’s 1959 Kitchen & Bar will be on hand if you need a refill. 10:30 p.m. $13. Tickets: secondcity.com
SUNDAY, AUG. 7
‘The Wizengamot: A Harry Potter Debate’
956 W. Newport Ave. 773-270-3440
Was Albus Dumbledore a good headmaster? If you could be any Death Eater, who would you be and why? Two Harry Potter experts debate hard-hitting questions like these while a panel of witches and wizards judges the debate with help from the audience. 6 p.m. $15. Tickets: underthegun.theater
TUESDAY, AUG. 9
‘Beauty is in the Eye of the Beeholder’
851 W. Belmont Ave. 773-697-9693
This post-apocalyptic farce is set in 2076, when life as we know it has been destroyed and the only sustainable crop left is honey. The fate of the country rests in beekeeper Kate Google’s hands, and audiences are invited to follow her journey. 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.