Chicago’s most storied arts institutions have elevated Black leaders to the helm in the last year. We talk with some of them about how the Chicago arts scene is planning its 2021 comeback.
Comedy
Oct 7, 2020 |
Chicago’s Second City comedy theater — where performers including Bill Murray, Steve Carell and Jordan Peele honed their skills — has been put up for sale.
May 19, 2020 |
It’s said laughter is the best medicine, and while that might not be part of the CDC’s official guidelines, comedians everywhere are reaching out to audiences online, hoping for some connection and a lot of laughter.
Oct 28, 2019 |
Directed with just the right balance of the sacred and the profane by Joe Mantegna, Ronnie Marmo’s show, “I’m Not a Comedian ... I’m Lenny Bruce,” is a seamless weave of excerpts from Bruce’s acts along with original material that deftly takes us inside the man’s psyche.
Oct 22, 2019 |
Lenny Bruce has been called one of the most influential comedians of all time. Joe Montegna and Ronnie Marmo give us a sneak peek into their one-man play about the controversial comedian, which opens this week in Chicago.
Oct 3, 2019 |
Damon Williams has worked at City Hall, Subway and – for the last 27 years – has been a very busy stand-up comic. We catch up with Williams ahead of his benefit for Teamwork Englewood on Friday.
Sep 12, 2019 |
A new scripted comedy series set in and around Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood is lighting up the small screen. We speak with one of the stars of the show, Harvey native LaRoyce Hawkins.
Oct 3, 2018 |
A decade after the comedian’s death, Bernie Mac’s widow, Rhonda McCullough, looks back on his Chicago roots and successful acting career.
Jan 11, 2018 |
The author, actor and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member tells us about her new stand-up residency at The Second City.
Nov 6, 2017 |
At the Museum of Broadcast Communications, a new exhibition looks at a television phenomenon with strong ties to Chicago.
Oct 17, 2017 |
The former “Daily Show” correspondent discusses politics, comedy and culture within the entertainment industry.
Sep 11, 2017 |
A great joke can make you laugh, but can it also help you face life’s mysteries? A new book makes the case that jokes not only delight us, but help us approach difficult subject matter.
Aug 21, 2017 |
The comedian and civil rights activist died on Saturday. He was 84.
Jun 13, 2017 |
When two local comedians launched the Chicago Women’s Funny Festival in 2012, they were regularly asked: “What’s it like to be a woman in comedy?” Find out what’s in store for this year’s fest—and how the business of comedy is evolving.
Nov 2, 2016 |
Comedian Peter Kim talks about the state of stand-up comedy, and why he recently left a hit show at The Second City.
Oct 18, 2016 |
Second City cast members report racist audience outbursts, and some cast and management have left the venerable theater. We take a closer look at recent changes with theater critic Chris Jones.
