Step away from the Netflix marathon and find your way into one of these local theaters for a belly laugh this week. Your guide to Chicago’s affordable and under-the-radar comedy scene awaits.
THURSDAY, DEC. 8
Body of Work
3914 N. Clark St. 773-230-4770
Sketches in this 45-minute show—featuring Mel Bee, Mary DeMan, Eddie Gray, Helen Lee, Donald McNair and Cody Wilson—center on stuff like following desires, connections and other universal impulses. 9:30 p.m. $10. Tickets: thepubtheatre.com
FRIDAY, DEC. 9
Holidazed & Confused Revue
230 W. North Ave. 312-662-4562
If spiked eggnog isn’t cutting it, this annual seasonal satire aims to skewer the holidays in all their overwhelming glory. 8 p.m. $36-$46. Tickets: secondcity.com
SATURDAY, DEC. 10
Faded
1160 E. 55th St.
Local funny guy T. Murph, who’s appeared on “Key & Peele” and “Chicago Fire,” mixes in commentary on current events while hosting this monthly showcase featuring up-and-coming comedians. 9:30 p.m. $10-$15. Tickets: the-revival.com
SUNDAY, DEC. 11
Marlena Rodriguez Goes Lonnng!
701 N. Damen Ave. 312-929-2349
Recently named one of Comedy Central’s 2016 Comics to Watch, Marlena Rodriguez, who’s written for “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” headlines two free shows alongside Chicago comedians Rebecca O’Neal, Alex Kumin, Steven King and host Andy Fleming. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Free.
MONDAY, DEC. 12
Puppy Kisses
500 N. LaSalle St. 312-836-0499
The Comedy Bar’s interns put on this one-night-only sketch and stand-up showcase with headliner Geoffrey Asmus. 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. $5. Tickets: comedybarchicago.com
TUESDAY, DEC. 13
Big Ski Trip: A Cautionary Tale for Teen Youth
851 W. Belmont Ave. 773-697-9693
Catch a preview of this new show that puts the awkward teenage ski trip on full display. 8 p.m. $10. Tickets: theannoyance.com
Want to see your show in Set the Scene? Us too! Send details to Morgan Olsen at mcolsen@redeyechicago.com for consideration.
![“Let the music do the talking,” sang Phish vocalist-guitarist Trey Anastasio at the outset of the band’s concert Saturday at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Normally, hearing that advice from a well-disciplined virtuoso who seemingly never tires of the stage and worships the groove would pass without a hint of potential irony. However, given the group was not even one minute into the third of its sold-out four-night stand at the $2.3 billion dome — expressly devised to push sensory boundaries to previously uncharted limits — one couldn’t help wonder how seriously Phish would take its own instruction. Turns out […]](https://www.chicagotribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CTC-L-ENT-PHISH-04-e1713888536637.jpg?w=620 "“Let the music do the talking,” sang Phish vocalist-guitarist Trey Anastasio at the outset of the band’s concert Saturday at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Normally, hearing that advice from a well-disciplined virtuoso who seemingly never tires of the stage and worships the groove would pass without a hint of potential irony. However, given the group was not even one minute into the third of its sold-out four-night stand at the $2.3 billion dome — expressly devised to push sensory boundaries to previously uncharted limits — one couldn’t help wonder how seriously Phish would take its own instruction. Turns out […]")
