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, DEC. 15
Skull Mountain
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3935 N. Broadway
Comedy trio The Fun Fun Boys—Andy Hart, Arthur Stone and Schuyler Weinberg—lead this weekly storytelling and comedy showcase. 8 p.m. Free. For more information: thefunfunboys.com
The Comedy Roast of Mr. Scrooge
113 W. Belmont Ave. 312-391-0404
Like that roast of Justin Bieber, but with Charles Dickens’ classic grumpy old man as the target. (We’re sure Tiny Tim’s got plenty to get off his tiny chest.) 8 p.m. $27.50. Tickets: chicagotheaterworks.com
FRIDAY, DEC. 16
The Curio Show Presents ‘The Cult of the Body’
1501 N. Kingsbury St. 312-929-2401
Comedian, host and curator Irene Marquette’s provocative show comes with a side of social justice as each performance examines a different corporeal theme through performance art, comedy sets, music, visual art and more. $6 from every ticket will be divided and donated to Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union. 10:30 p.m. $10. Tickets: ioimprov.com
Holiday Hijinks
1515 W. Berwyn Ave. 773-961-8214
As the title suggests, this short-form improv show takes a turn for the inappropriate with games, ornamental shock collars, egg nog chugs and so much more, all courtesy of Dangerprov. 9:30 p.m. $10-$15. Tickets: whatisph.com
The Annoyance Christmas Pageant
851 W. Belmont Ave. 773-697-9693
Seasonal stars Charlie Brown and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and their respective Christmastime crews land themselves comedic retellings in this annual holiday show. 8 p.m. $20. Tickets: theannoyance.com More Top Picks Best Kids Storage Bins For Toys
SATURDAY, DEC. 17
Americans Against Apathy
1637 W. North Ave. 773-697-3563
Dave Rader hosts this special socially conscious show featuring Kaitlyn Grissom, Odinaka Ezeokoli, Erin Grothier and Rachel McCartney, with all proceeds benefitting the American Civil Liberties Union. 8 p.m. $10. Tickets: eventbrite.com
Al Jackson
500 N. Lasalle St. 312-836-0499
The Cleveland-bred, Los Angeles-based standup comedian, who you might recognize from his Comedy Central special or “Last Comic Standing,” drops by for a weekend run. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. $20-$30. Tickets: comedybarchicago.com
Want to see your show in Set the Scene? Us too! Send details to Morgan Olsen at [email protected] for consideration.