The seventh edition of this annual celebration of the art of improvisational comedy brings together performers from around the U.S. and abroad; Chicago, of course, is heavily represented. This year’s festival, the largest yet, is divided into several series–Mainstage, Showcase, Sketch, Solo, Duo, and Fringe–as well as an all-night improv session, a series of daytime “Lunchbreak” performances (presented in conjunction with the city’s cultural affairs department), forums, workshops, and numerous special events. ¥ The Chicago Improv Festival continues through May 9, with events at five principal venues: the Athenaeum Theatre (main stage), 2936 N. Southport; Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont; the Loop Theater, 8 E. Randolph; Bailiwick Arts Center (loft stage and studio theater), 1229 W. Belmont; and the Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted. Auxiliary events take place at the Chicago Cultural Center (Randolph Street Cafe and Claudia Cassidy Theater), 78 E. Washington; ComedySportz, 2851 N. Halsted; and ImprovOlympic, 3541 N. Clark. Tickets to shows at the Athenaeum and Theatre Building Chicago can be purchased through Ticketmaster (312-902-1500 or www.ticketmaster.com) or at the box office; tickets to events at other venues must be purchased at the box office on the day of the show. For general festival information, call 773-935-9810 or visit www.cif.com.
MADtv Improv Jam, MADtv’s Barinholtz and Meyers, and MADtv’s Writers on Hiatus
Comedy team Hans Holsen and Robyn Norris are both attractive young people, the former exhibiting a Wodehouse-ian aplomb and the latter an elfin allure. Most of their material is pretty clever too, and what isn’t is redeemed by its quirky charm. (MSB) Noah Gregoropoulos and Linda Orr constitute One Person’s Trash. Ferrari McSpeedy, from Minneapolis, promise “painful moments of honesty.” Playground Theater, 8 PM. $15.
Best of Chicago voting is live now. Vote for your favorites »
Hothouse Spontaneous Theatre Conservatory brings “organic improvisation” from LA. Theatre Building Chicago, 10:30 PM. $10.
FRIDAY, MAY 7
Whirled News Tonight, ImprovBoston, and Inside Vladimir
Mike Ferbrache and Duane Freeman perform musical parodies. Vancouver’s Dave Morris and Ryan Bell are Storytellers Improv Co., and Jokyr and Jesster are Joseph Kyle Rogan and Jesse Parent of the Utah troupe Knock Your Socks Off. Playground Theater, 8 PM. $15.
