Real missed connections, a benefit for Planned Parenthood and a spin on performance art make up this week’s Chicago comedy scene.
Thursday, May 18
Satisfy Yourself
Second City
230 W. North Ave. 312-337-3992
Guilty and not-so-guilty pleasures in all forms are celebrated in this sketch revue featuring Tony Orlando, Casey Hall, Miles Kopcke, Erin Martin, Scott Becker, and Louie Cordon. 8:30 p.m. $13. $11 for students. Tickets: secondcity.com
Listen & Ask Questions: A Protest Show
The iO Theater
1501 N. Kingsbury St. 312-929-2401
Chicago comedian Dave Maher made headlines three years ago when he awoke from a month-long coma and used the experience as stand-up material. Now it’s his audience that fuels his comedy as he spends the entirety of this performance art-ish show only asking questions and listening. 10 p.m. $5. Tickets: ioimprov.com
Friday, May 19
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Laugh Near Minimalist Furniture: A Comedy Variety Show
Joffrey Tower
8 E. Randolph St. 9th Floor
Calvin Evans headlines this monthly variety showcase which also features stand-up courtesy of Meghana Indurti and Asia Martin, improv by I’m a Turtle?, and sketch from 3 Day Weekend. Vik Pandya hosts. 7:30 p.m. $8 online in advance. $10 at the door. Tickets: eventbrite.com
Saturday, May 20
Prairie Academy’s Night of Comedy
American Islamic College Auditorium
640 W. Irving Park Road 773-281-4700
Azhar Usman, a stand-up comic CNN once called “America’s Funniest Muslim,” and former Dave Chappelle opening act Mo Amer headline this fundraiser for Buena Park’s Prairie Academy. 8 p.m. $35. Tickets: eventbrite.com
Monday, May 22
Period Piece
MCL Chicago
3110 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-610-5930
Former “SNL” writer Katie Rich teams up with fellow Chicago funny ladies for a bloody good time: a staged reading of a musical comedy about periods throughout history. The one-night-only show will benefit Planned Parenthood of Illinois. 8:30 p.m. $15. Tickets: mclchicago.com
Wednesday, May 24
I Saw You
Town Hall Pub
3340 N. Halsted St. 773-472-4405
Real Chicago personal ads from Missed Connections and other salacious sources get a cabaret-style spin in this weekly comedy show from Bruised Orange Theater Company. 8 p.m. $5 (cash only) at the door. More information: facebook.com/thebotc
Gwendolyn Purdom is a RedEye freelancer.