As the winter continues, some funny people are offering a chance to warm things up with hearty laughs.
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The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster trots out another “Comedy Night,” as professional stand-up comedians brighten spirits on Feb. 10.
Headlining the 8:15 p.m. show will be Jimmy McHugh, who has spread cheer at major clubs and notched exposure on national television.
“I’m an observational comic who looks at things rather cynically,” McHugh said with a little laugh. “Your sense of comedy is kind of ingrained in you at an early age.”
McHugh has sharpened and dispensed his skills at notable Chicago nightspots such as Zanies and the Laugh Factory.
He’s also plied his craft at Carolines in New York City and The Comedy Store in La Jolla, Calif.
McHugh’s website offers up a personal nickname that he’s been known by: The Running Joke.
The moniker is tied to exercise her undertook that involved logging kilometers.
“Back in 2000, I started running,” McHugh said. “I was running in 5K races and 10K races — 10k races for the most part. I was sponsored by Zanies, as I was doing a lot of work for them. I would go run in races, and I would give out free tickets to come to shows during the week. So as it turns out, I became The Running Joke.”
Having grown up on the Northwest side of Chicago, McHugh now lives in Hoffman Estates, Ill.
His Midwest-bred style has been disseminated through prominent TV avenues, including Comedy Central, “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and HBO.
“I do a lot of sports comedy,” said McHugh, who has appeared on athletics-focused ESPN2.
He garnered even more TV time on A&E’s “An Evening at the Improv.”
The veteran funnyman draws praise from Schererville’s Nick Gaza, host and producer of “Comedy Night at CVPA.”
Gaza, a professional club comic, lauds McHugh’s relatable, everyman persona.
“He’s your funny neighbor; he’s your funny uncle — just a very comfortable act to watch,” said Gaza, who has notched guest spots on several prime-time TV shows, including “Becker” (CBS) and “The Drew Carey Show” (ABC).
Gaza will serve up a little sampling of his talents at the dinner-show, which will have a cash bar available. Tables can be reserved for group seating.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The feature act will be Jeanie Doogan.
Her wit has been shaped by her experiences growing up on Chicago’s South Side.
Also leaning on her years of work as a public school teacher, Doogan swings her material from motherhood to teaching, and from nostalgic to bristling fare.
Counting Richard Pryor, George Carlin and Bill Cosby among his influences, McHugh backs away from political humor and raw “blue” material.
His style is more practical and more personally relatable.
“I talk about life experiences,” he said.
McHugh’s own career journey includes corporate gigs and an MTV bit with popular comedian Chris Elliott (“Scary Movie 2”).
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Showing a self-effacing side, McHugh has taken the stage to an introduction that touts him as “the most expensive comedian in his price range.”
A long, seasoned background is no detriment to brisk comedy, McHugh said.
“Once you’re funny, it doesn’t make any difference how old you are,” the venerable comic reasoned.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
‘Comedy Night at the CVPA’
Where: The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster
When: 8:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10; buffet dinner at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $38 for show and dinner
Information: 219-836-1930; www.cvpa.org