News
Inspiring a generation of comedians is part of Catherine O’Hara’s legacy, local performers say
4+ hour, 40+ min ago (542+ words) Catherine O'Hara "was an influence on so many comedians from my era," according to one actor, writer and producer who grew up watching the Canadian actress on "SCTV," a satiric show set in the broadcast day of a fictional station…...
How we photographed a 'bleak Friday"
1+ mon, 3+ week ago (500+ words) A shopper walks on Magnificent Mile in Streeterville on Black Friday, Nov. 28. This image is a sign of the times. The light shining on a single shopper and the shadows in the barely decorated storefront allude to a "bleak Friday,…...
Review: In sitcom-esque ‘Superior Donuts,’ the comedic goods have gotten stale
2+ mon, 3+ week ago (301+ words) Actors John N. Williams and Scott Westerman star as doughnut shop exmployee and doughnut shop owner in "Superior Donuts" at The Artistic Home. The comedy "Superior Donuts" premiered at Steppenwolf in 2008 and moved to Broadway the next year for a three-month…...
Latina Comedy Festival expands with largest event yet
4+ mon, 5+ hour ago (1018+ words) From left, comedians Casey Larwood, Christina Gutierrez, Eliana La Casa, Kat Diaz, Jess Martinez, Joz Sida, Janice Rodriguez and Jessi Realz are performing in this weekend's Latina Comedy Festival at The Lincoln Lodge in Logan Square. The Latina Comedy Festival…...
C. diff, death and parenthood roll up into a new show from comedian Cameron Esposito
4+ mon, 2+ day ago (846+ words) In her new show "FEAT," at Steppenwolf, Cameron Esposito displays her penchant for finding levity in deeply personal material. Between 2006 and 2012, comedian Cameron Esposito performed stand-up in almost every conceivable Chicago venue: bars, clubs, roller derbies, burlesque shows, the circus,…...
John Mulaney to headline first-ever comedy show at Wrigley Field
4+ mon, 1+ week ago (146+ words) The Chicago native announced the July 11, 2026 show during a Chicago Cubs game Tuesday, where he sang the 7th Inning stretch. Why are we asking for donations? John Mulaney to headline first-ever comedy show at Wrigley Field The Chicago native announced the…...
Democracy suffers when presidents can't take a joke
4+ mon, 1+ week ago (470+ words) A Midwestern schoolteacher once told her class that a sense of humor is a sign of intelligence. "Look around the classroom," she said. "The smartest kids always get the joke right away. The others might struggle." I've never confirmed that…...
Then they came for the comedians...
4+ mon, 1+ week ago (586+ words) Jimmy Kimmel appears at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards in in Los Angeles in 2022. This week, ABC suspended Kimmel indefinitely over remarks he made about Charlie Kirk's killing. Nobody cries like a bully. The big goon in the schoolyard, on the…...
'Portlandia' stars Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein to appear two nights on Steppenwolf stage
4+ mon, 2+ week ago (172+ words) Fred Armisen (left) and Carrie Brownstein are bringing "A Visit from Portlandia" to Chicago on Sept. 25 and 26, 2025. The stars of the hit comedy "Portlandia" are coming to Chicago. Steppenwolf will host "A Visit from Portlandia," the touring show featuring Fred…...
Review: ‘The First Lady of Television’ weaves drama and comedy with powerhouse cast
4+ mon, 2+ week ago (584+ words) Set in 1950 during a single rehearsal for "The Goldbergs," playwright James Sherman dives into the wanton destruction of Sen. Joseph McCarthy's attempt to purge the U.S. of communists. Courtesy of Michael Brosilow Before there was "I Love Lucy" there was "The…...