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, SEPT. 29
Myq Kaplan Live: A Benefit for Gilead Chicago
3159 N. Southport Ave. 773-525-2508
The stand-up comedian of Comedy Central and Netflix fame joins local acts Alex Kumin, Julia Weiss and Marty DeRosa at this showcase hosted by Bill Bullock to benefit Gilead Chicago, a newly established progressive church in Rogers Park. 8:30 p.m. $20. Tickets: lh-st.com
FRIDAY, SEPT. 30
‘Skooby Don’t’
5400 N. Clark St. 800-838-3006
Preview this world-premiere parody from Hell in a Handbag Productions featuring a mystery-solving dog and his possibly stoned human sidekick. The names are a little different (think Scaggy and Velva), and Cher, Chaz Bono and Kris and Caitlyn Jenner are somehow involved this time around. 7:30 p.m. $16. Tickets: handbagproductions.org
SATURDAY, OCT. 1
‘Trigger’
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1160 E. 55th St. 866-811-4111
The Hyde Park theater explores the idea of chain reactions—from the presidential election to issues on the South Side—in this sketch revue. 8 p.m. $5-$10. Tickets: the-revival.com
The Defiant Thomas Brothers
1225 W. Belmont Ave. 773-327-5252
Not-really-brothers Seth Thomas and Paul Thomas are all about the uncomfortable. The two have made a name for themselves pushing comedic boundaries on stages such as HBO’s U.S. Comedy Arts Festival and Out of Bounds Comedy Festival, and now they’ll bring their off-limits style to Lakeview for a eight-week run. 10:30 p.m. $17.50. Tickets: stage773.com
SUNDAY, OCT. 2
Fuse Festival: An Improv Invitational
3209 N. Halsted St. 773-871-3793
Some of the city’s most promising college and indie improv teams—including Feline Fighter Pilot, Oh My Lanta and Matt Damon Improv—take the stage for this one-day fest. Two-act shows start every hour from 3-10 p.m. $5 per show or $15 for a full-fest pass. Tickets: theplaygroundtheater.com
MONDAY, OCT. 3
‘One Night in Ikea: A Do-It-Yourself Love Story’
Judy’s Beat Lounge at the Second City Training Center
230 W. North Ave. 312-337-3992
With its cavernous halls, delightful Swedish meatballs and endless supply of wood dowels, there are few places more romantic than Ikea. Sketch comedians and real-life exes Megan Stalter and Olin Kidd are taking that well-known fact and running with it in this new revue revolving around the beloved home superstore. 8:30 p.m. $10. Tickets: secondcity.com
Want to see your show in Set the Scene? Us too! Send details to Morgan Olsen at [email protected] for consideration.
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