Need a chuckle? ‘Broadway Laughs’ to bring funny songs to Schaumburg’s Prairie Center

A revue of the funniest musical comedy numbers to hit the stage will be performed in “Broadway Laughs” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 7-8, at Schaumburg’s Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg.

Directed by the Prairie Center’s Rob Pileckis, assistant director for Schaumburg’s Cultural Services by day, “Broadway Laughs” follows up on the successful revue “Broadway Rocks,” which was performed in 2022.

“That’s the great thing about Broadway; there’s an amazing library of songs for every theme and style,” Pileckis said. “This time we’re reaching into musical comedy, including hilarious songs that span over 130 years of theater.”

The 19 songs, performed by the company of singers and backed by a seven-piece band, come from Broadway hits such as “Guys and Dolls,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Sweeney Todd” and “Young Frankenstein.”

For area actor and singer Angela Carrington, performing comedy brings deep rewards.

“It’s both humbling and euphoric when you get a laugh,” Carrington said. “It’s when you know that you have a connection with the audience.”

Carrington, no stranger to the Schaumburg stage, finds comfort in being rejoined with other Prairie Center veterans, some of whom were recently seen together only last fall at “Mystery at the Theatre.”

“Rehearsing with an ensemble you know is just fun and creativity to the max,” Carrington said, “and you get to try new things and experiment with goofy ideas on the fly with friends you trust.”

“Broadway Laughs” stars Michelle Bolliger, Angela Carrington, Jon Cunningham, Sarah Inendino, Carlos Olmedo and Chris Zeglin, with pit direction by Marc Beth.

Tickets for performances of “Broadway Laughs,” which start at $35, can be purchased at prairiecenter.org or by calling (847) 895-3600.

“Broadway Laughs” is a program of the Prairie Center’s 2024-25 season of arts and entertainment.