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, SEPT. 2
‘The Time is Now (Starting Tomorrow)’
More Top Picks Best Ergonomic Office Chairs For Home Offices
956 W. Newport Ave. 773-270-3440
Just think of all the things you could do if you put in the extra effort. The folks at the Lakeview theater take it one step further by acting out extreme scenarios: How far would Hillary Clinton go to land your vote? How would you handle waking up from a 10-year coma? Laugh it out at this song-filled original revue. 9 p.m. $12. Tickets: underthegun.theater
‘Wait, Wait, For Realsies?’
3914 N. Clark St. 773-230-4770
This comedic storytelling event hosts five performers each week who present a true story that goes along with the week’s theme. 10 p.m. $10. Tickets: thepubtheatre.com
SATURDAY, SEPT. 3
‘Improvised Aaron’s Party’
The de Maat Studio Theatre at Second City
1608 N. Wells St. 312-337-3992
Indulge in a little childhood nostalgia as the six members of French Toast meld together audience suggestions, hits from Aaron Carter and all the stuff you do (and don’t) remember from ’90s house parties. 8:30 p.m. $13. Tickets: secondcity.com
‘Shark Showcase’
Cafe Latino
1454 W. 18th St. 773-957-8040
This free stand-up showcase in Pilsen features a lineup of local comedians on the first and third Saturday of the month. 8 p.m. Free. More information: eventbrite.com
SUNDAY, SEPT. 4
‘Character Assassination Presents the Roast of Pokémon’
3175 N. Broadway 773-327-3175
More Top Picks Best Sleeping Pads
Chicago comedians roast a fictional character or historical figure, calling Pokémon to the hot seat this week. Dressed up as Mario, Godzilla, Hello Kitty and more, performers take aim at the Nintendo franchise. 9 p.m. $17-$20. Tickets: laughfactory.com
TUESDAY, SEPT. 6
‘The One-Woman No-Show’
1501 N. Kingsbury St. 312-929-2401
Making its debut at the Near North Side theater, this show from writer and director Liz Anderson offers actors the ultimate test: They’ll read excerpts from a script written especially for them. The catch? They won’t get to peep the script until that night. This week’s performers include Nnamdi Ngwe, Padraic Connelly and Kat Kuhl. 8 p.m. $12. Tickets: ioimprov.com
[email protected] | @morgancolsen
Want to see your show in Set the Scene? Us too! Send details to Morgan Olsen at [email protected] for consideration.