Ring in the new year with a few laughs

Looking for a few laughs on New Year's Eve? Here's what some suburban comedy clubs and theaters have planned:

• The Comedy Shrine hosts an improv bash Dec. 31 at 22 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Tickets are $50 and include hors d'oeuvres and dinner buffet, the show and champagne toast at midnight. The evening begins at 9 p.m. Call (630) 355-2844 for reservations.

Also at the Comedy Shrine, "Whose Line," an improv set inspired by the TV show at 8 and 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $20, $15 for students. See www.comedyshrine.com for more information.

• Rocky LaPorte of Comedy Central hosts the New Year's Eve celebration at the Improv Comedy Club and Restaurant, 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg. Doors open at 8 p.m. for the dinner/show package which includes prime rib buffet, open bar, champagne toast and party favors. The price is $110 per person. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. for the show only, which includes champagne toast and party favors. The price is $65 per person. Two forms of ID required. Call (847) 240-2001 for reservations or purchase tickets online at www.symfonee.com/improv/chicago/home.

Also at the Improv, Mark Curry from "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper" headlines today and Saturday. Showtimes are 8:01 and 10:16 p.m. today and 7:01 and 9:16 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $19. They're available by phone at (847) 240-2001 or online at www.symfonee.com/improv/chicago/home.

• Noble Fool presents a special New Year's Eve performance of Rob Becker's dissection of the gender gap, "Defending the Caveman." Showtime is 9 p.m. at the Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Tickets are $50 and include a complimentary glass of champagne and party favors. Overnight packages are also available. Tickets are available at the box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (630) 584-6342.

• Comedian John Caponera, familiar to TV viewers from his stints on Comedy Central and ESPN, headlines Zanies St. Charles at the Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show and at 10 p.m. for the 10:30 p.m. show. Tickets for the early show are $30, plus a two-item food/beverage minimum. Tickets for the late show are $40 plus a two-item food/beverage minimum and include a champagne toast and party favors. Call (630) 584-6342.

• Actor/comedian Tom Wilson, best known as the heavy, Biff, from the "Back to the Future" movies, headlines the New Year's Eve show at Zanies Vernon Hills, 230 Hawthorn Village Commons, Vernon Hills. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show and at 10 p.m. for the 10:30 p.m. show. Tickets for the early show are $30, plus a two-item food/beverage minimum. Tickets for the late show are $40 plus a two-item food/beverage minimum and include a champagne toast and party favors. Call (847) 549-6030.

• Comedian Brad Garrett of "'Till Death" and "Everybody Loves Raymond" and the voice of Auguste Gusteau in "Ratatouille" headlines Aurora's Paramount Theatre at 23 E. Galena Blvd. on Dec. 28. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets range from $48.50 to $58.50 They're available at the box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (630) 896-6666.