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.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 5
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‘Camp Psychopathways’
1501 N. Kingsbury St. 312-929-2401
In the dark and catty spirit of “Mean Girls” and “Heathers,” this new original musical satire follows a squad of psychotic teenage campers who have discovered a secret. 8:30 p.m. $12. Tickets: ioimprov.com
THURSDAY, OCT. 6
‘Ode to Barb: A Tribute to Underdogs Variety Show’
3209 N. Halsted St. 773-871-3793
The beloved “Stranger Things” hero certainly garnered a loyal fan base after her *spoiler alert* untimely demise on the summer’s nostalgic Netflix hit. This variety show dedicated to the character helps that love affair live on through sketches, songs and dance numbers. 8 p.m. $5-$10. Tickets: theplaygroundtheater.com
Buzzed Broadway
3851 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-857-6000
“Hamilton” may be the show-stopping production that everyone’s buzzing about, but this improvised show—part musical, part drinking game—promises to deliver Broadway-style kicklines and duets, too, only slightly tipsier ones. 8 p.m. $10. Tickets: laughoutloudtheater.com
FRIDAY, OCT. 7
The Amazing Acro-Cats
1012 N. Noble St. 773-342-4141
If a team of rescue cats walking tightropes and riding skateboards isn’t enough to convince you, the grand finale of this show features an all-cat band called Tuna and the Rock Cats. The troupe has appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and Animal Planet, and a portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control. 7 p.m. $21-$33. Tickets: vittumtheater.org
Puddles Pity Party
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322 W. Armitage Ave. 773-929-5959
Yeah, we know an alarmingly large swath of the country has reported scary clown sightings in the past few months, but not all clowns are bad. This one is just sad. Puddles the crooning clown has made a name for himself on YouTube, at international comedy festivals and as a guest performer on the Aqua Teen Hunger Force Live tour. 7:30 p.m. $30. Tickets: jamusa.com
SATURDAY, OCT. 8
The Big Sexy Show
500 N. LaSalle St. 312-836-0499
This new weekly variety show features comedy, burlesque and rotating cast of performers. 11 p.m. $20. Tickets: comedybarchicago.com
TUESDAY, OCT. 11
A Comedy Show
1910 W. Irving Park Road
Mike Super, winner of NBC’s magic competition show “Phenomenon” and “America’s Got Talent” runner-up, brings his mind-bending tricks to this monthly stand-up showcase. 8 p.m. $15. Tickets: acomedyshow.com
Want to see your show in Set the Scene? Us too! Send details to Morgan Olsen at [email protected] for consideration.