Third annual 'Just for Laughs' brings glittering array of comic talent to area
All of us could use a good laugh.
Look around. Local governments are out of money. Road construction is everywhere. The Sox and the Cubs are lame, at best.
How fortunate, then, that the third annual TBS Just For Laughs Chicago festival rolls into town next week.
Dozens of comedians, from huge stars to up-and-coming talent, will do their best to tickle funny bones Tuesday, June 14, through Sunday, June 19. Stand-up routines, sketches, improv — all of it will be represented, which will hit a number of venues in the city and suburbs.
This year's lineup is massive, with something for just about every taste. With that in mind, here's a look at some of the highlights. So sit back, pick out some shows and get ready to bust a gut next week!
Martin times 2
The single biggest draw of the festival will likely be a meeting of two comedy Martins — Steve Martin and Martin Short.
The famous funnymen will come together for “Steve Martin and Martin Short in a Very Stupid Conversation,” which will take place Sunday, June 19, at the Chicago Theatre.
The pair will take the stage as decorated comedy veterans. Martin, a recipient of the Mark Twain Award, rose to fame in the 1970s with his groundbreaking stand-up routines and appearances on such cutting-edge comedy shows as “Saturday Night Live.” He has since become a major movie star, author and respected musician. Short, a Tony Award winner, enjoyed acclaimed stints in the casts of “SCTV” and “Saturday Night Live” before making a successful jump to movies and Broadway.
A live conversation between comedy heavyweights like Martin and Short doesn't happen often, so this promises to be a prized ticket.
Local laughs
Once again, suburban residents can get a taste of the festival without having to drive all the way into the city.
The Rosemont Theatre will host two shows next week. On Wednesday, June 15, Ron White and Rodney Carrington will get the laughs started.
White, a Grammy nominee, is best known as a charter member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. Carrington is a country-music recording artist and an established comedian in his own right. He starred in the film “Beer For My Horses.”
Later in the week, George Lopez and Russell Peters return to Rosemont (where they performed last year) for another blast of multicultural comedy. Lopez is currently host of TBS' late-night show “Lopez Tonight,” and Peters is a stand-up sensation. Their show will take place on Saturday, June 18.
Roast master
Few people can dish out insults like comedian Jeffrey Ross, who has developed a national following for his acerbic comments on the Comedy Central roasts. On Friday, June 17, Ross will turn his attention away from celebrities and focus it squarely on ... us.
That's right. “Jeffrey Ross Roasts Chicago” will take place at the Vic Theatre in the city. Be there, if you think you can take it.
‘SNL' rules!
More than 35 years after it premiered, “Saturday Night Live” continues to showcase top-notch American comedy talent. A couple of current cast members will make appearances at Just for Laughs Chicago.
Northwestern alum Seth Meyers, anchor of the “Weekend Update” segment on “SNL” and the show's head writer, will make a stop at the Vic Theatre on Saturday, June 18, to discuss politics, pop culture and other topics in a stand-up routine. Anyone who saw his recent performance at the White House Correspondents Dinner knows he can deliver the goods.
Meanwhile, on the same night, Naperville native and “SNL” featured player Paul Brittain will be part of a huge sketch comedy program at the Annoyance Theatre in Chicago. Here's a chance to see a local boy who's made good.
Girl power
Just For Laughs Chicago isn't just about the dudes. Women get some stage time, too. Whitney Cummings has had a huge 2011 so far, earning accolades for her bitingly funny performances during recent roasts of David Hasselhoff and Donald Trump. She will appear at the Vic Theatre on Thursday, June 16.
The next night, a quintet of funny ladies from Chicago will join forces for the “5-Star Leading Ladies of Laughter” show at the Jokes and Notes club in the city. The evening will be hosted by Kellye Howard and will feature the talents of Ali Clayton, Chastity Washington, Karen Addison, Rashida Lucas and Shanie D.
Comedy ‘Anti-' Heroes
Sleepy-eyed comedian Jim Breuer, an “SNL” alum, always delivers stellar stand-up. At the Just for Laughs festival he'll join Dave Attel, Bill Burr and Jim Norton in “The Anti-Social Network.” Fans of stand-up should not miss this show on Wednesday, June 15, at the Chicago Theatre.
TBS Just For Laughs Chicago
TBS Just For Laughs Chicago
<b>When: </b>Tuesday, June 14, through Sunday, June 19
<b>Where: </b>Various Chicago venues as well as the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont
<b>Tickets: </b>Prices and outlets vary by performance. Visit justforlaughschicago.com or call (800) 745-3000.