News
In the Chicago suburbs, young adults with special needs say ‘Yes, and…’ to improv
5+ hour, 5+ min ago (537+ words) Activities like improv shows are an opportunity for Awesome Life participants to get out of the house, be social and make friends. The organization, based in Naperville, is a nonprofit serving young people with Down syndrome, autism or other special…...
Inspiring a generation of comedians is part of Catherine O’Hara’s legacy, local performers say
2+ week, 2+ day ago (523+ 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. Catherine O'Hara created unique characters on stage and screen, inspiring contemporaries. But the Canadian-born…...
Discounted Chicago Theater Week tickets go on sale for 75 productions, including Goodman, Steppenwolf
1+ mon, 1+ week ago (462+ words) Tom Varey (William) and Madeleine Mantock (Agnes) perform in the Royal Shakespeare Company's original United Kingdom production of "Hamnet," based on book by Maggie O'Farrell. The production begins a North American tour at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in February and is…...
A Chicago theater parodies the ‘Real Housewives’ with North Pole brides
2+ mon, 3+ day ago (126+ words) The "Real Housewives" franchise has been in the ethos of pop culture for nearly two decades. The lives of wealthy divas from Atlanta to Dubai have been on display in this reality TV juggernaut. This winter, a Chicago theater company…...
Review: In sitcom-esque ‘Superior Donuts,’ the comedic goods have gotten stale
3+ mon, 1+ 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…...
How comedy can help us handle life’s challenges
4+ mon, 3+ day ago (151+ words) Columbia College professor and Second City director Anne Libera talks about bulking up your funny bone and how comedy can be a catharsis. How comedy can help us handle life's challenges Columbia College professor and Second City director Anne Libera…...
Latina Comedy Festival expands as it continues to create space for comedians of color
4+ mon, 2+ week 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…...
Review: ‘Things With Friends’ has the bones to be something special but falls short of its promise
5+ mon, 1+ week ago (265+ words) Audrey Billings, Casey Campbell, Nate Santana, Jon Hudson Odom and Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel star in "Things With Friends," playing at the American Blues Theater through Oct. 5. The world premiere "Things with Friends" attempts to paint a picture of the perfect dystopian…...
An Evening with Shonda Rhimes - Celebrating 10 Years of Yes!
6+ mon, 5+ day ago (387+ words) What happens when one of the most powerful voices in television decides to say YES to everything for a year? For Shonda Rhimes " the creative force behind "Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal," "Bridgerton" and more " it sparked a transformation that changed her…...
Colbert cancellation could mean more Trump jokes, not fewer, Chicago comedians say
6+ mon, 3+ week ago (779+ words) Controversy has always driven comedy. At this year's iO Fest in Chicago, the torrent of political news is relentless, and it's hitting close to home, with CBS' decision to cancel "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." Controversy has always driven…...