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, OCTOBER 27
Rat Pack Comedy Stand Up Show
4000 N. Sheridan Road 773-348-9600
The standard stand-up showcase gets a dapper upgrade with this event featuring headliner Pat McGann, plus Toler Wolfe, Jacob Lowrey, Kristen Lundberg and Terence Hartnett decked out in formal wear. The night will also celebrate Hartnett’s one-year anniversary with the group, so expect a few surprises. 8 p.m. Free. For more information: ratpackcomedychicago.com
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28
Totem Pole of Privilege
230 W. North Ave. 312-337-3992
Urban Twist, the comedy team featuring performers from Second City’s Bob Curry Fellowship, tackles pop culture, cultural misunderstandings, the presidential election and more through sketch, improv and music. 7:30 p.m. $16. Tickets: secondcity.com
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29
The Hutchins Plan
1160 E. 55th St.
This long-form improv performance gets its name from former University of Chicago President Robert Maynard Hutchins and is hosted by current University of Chicago professor Randal Picker. The evening kicks off with an improvised monologue that sets the vibe for the rest of the show. 9:30 p.m. $5-$10. Tickets: the-revival.com
Rolling in the Creep
956 W. Newport Ave. 773-270-3440
Get in the Halloween spirit with a themed sketch show that covers blood, guts, ghouls and more. 10:30 p.m. $12. Tickets: underthegun.theater
MONDAY, OCTOBER 31
Death Toll: A Halloween Drinking Game Performance
4210 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-650-1331
BYOB for this Halloween-themed sketch show where the crowd is encouraged to drink anytime someone on stage dies, which is, of course, often. 11 p.m. $10. Tickets: cornservatory.org, $15 at the door (cash only).
Want to see your show in Set the Scene? Us too! Send details to Morgan Olsen at mcolsen@redeyechicago.com for consideration.
![Four years into cannabis legalization in Illinois, celebrations of the April 20 informal weed holiday known as 420 are getting bigger and more widespread. Named for the time of day a group of friends met to get high, 420 has become a chance for marijuana users to publicly share a previously illegal drug and the counter-cultural atmosphere surrounding it. The main event in downtown Chicago likely will be the second annual 420 Sesh Fest, at Green Rose Dispensary. The party will include live music, a magic show, carnival games, food trucks, pop ups, and product discounts. It also will feature Grammy-nominated […]](https://www.chicagotribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ctc-l-Illinois-marijuana_175925141.jpg?w=546 "Four years into cannabis legalization in Illinois, celebrations of the April 20 informal weed holiday known as 420 are getting bigger and more widespread. Named for the time of day a group of friends met to get high, 420 has become a chance for marijuana users to publicly share a previously illegal drug and the counter-cultural atmosphere surrounding it. The main event in downtown Chicago likely will be the second annual 420 Sesh Fest, at Green Rose Dispensary. The party will include live music, a magic show, carnival games, food trucks, pop ups, and product discounts. It also will feature Grammy-nominated […]")
