The third annual edition of this showcase of sketch comedy, presented by Lukaba Productions, features more than 70 local and out-of-town ensembles. Some well established, some new to the scene, they represent a remarkable range of styles and viewpoints. The festival runs January 8-18 at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont, in the venue’s west, south, and north theaters. Performances are Thursdays at 8 and 9:30 PM; Fridays at 8, 9, 10, and 11 PM; Saturdays at 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 PM and midnight; and Sundays at 4, 5:30, and 7 PM. Admission is $10 per show except where otherwise noted; a festival pass costs $60. For reservations, call 773-327-5252.
“Comedy team Hans Holsen and Robyn Norris are both attractive young people, the former exhibiting a Wodehouse-ian aplomb and the latter an elfish allure. Most of their material is pretty clever too, and what isn’t is redeemed by its quirky charm,” said Reader critic Mary Shen Barnidge of Hans & Robyn’s show at ComedySportz last summer. Giants in the Sky present Darnit You’re Special, Charlie Brown. West theater, 8 PM.
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Big Kids Comedy Hour features Marz Timms as the dummy in an adult-oriented tale of a ventriloquist trying for a comeback. “The show is silly and unfocused … but overall this is an audacious, bizarrely inventive, and amusing production,” said Reader critic Jenn Goddu when the show played last year. Dolphins of Damnation is a local group also. North theater, 8 PM.
The Backrow and Real Good Turbo
The all-Latino comedy group !Salsation! “aims to be political and timely. However, their sometimes sharp insights are buried within sketches too keen on easy laughs,” said Reader critic Jenn Goddu when she reviewed the troupe’s revue at Teatro Luna last fall. Patriautism’s stated goal is to “turn our nation’s sacred cows into hamburger patties.” North theater, 9:30 PM.
Negin Farsad and Alexander Zalben present a set of two-person sketches. South theater, 8 PM.
Lester McFwap
