Cheap laughs coming to Clearwater Theater

Some of the Midwest's funniest comedians are all in one place this weekend but be warned, the show may be hazardous to your health.

The Midwest Comedy Showcase - which has been inducing sidesplitting, stomach-aching, pants-wetting laughter on Thursday nights - will hit West Dundee's Clearwater Theater stage at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 16, for a one-night stand with some of the area's top comedians.

Admission is $10 and patrons must be 21 or older.

Radio host Jim Shea, from Y103.9, will emcee the event that includes eight acts from Huntley to Chicago.

"We will have the best comedians, audience favorites and a special guest host," said Matt Drufke, a co-founder of the showcase. "These are names that you don't know but should know."

The Thursday night showcase began last winter to bring quality stand-up comedy to the Dundee area, said Drufke, 29, of Huntley. The showcase has performed more than 25 shows in just over four months and looks to keep growing. Drufke said local residents have had very few options for improv and standup comedy.

"You could go to Schaumburg and pay to see a name act or you could go to Chicago and take you chances," Drufke said. "I think there was a need for this and people have really locked on."

The showcase now also performs in Buffalo Grove.

"People can expect a very funny, very raucous, very high-energy time," Drufke said.

But please, visit the restroom before taking your seat.

Other performers include:

• Trenton Davis, Elgin resident and winner of Norwegian Cruise Line's 2003 Talent Competition

• Jeff Hansen, Crystal Lake resident and Chicago Underground Comedy performer

• Amelia Kleymann, Comedy Comedy performer

• Eric Rezendes, Comedy Comedy performer

• Mike Lebovitz, Early Weekend Show producer

• Drew Michael, who opened for Paul F. Tompkins at The Lakeshore Theater

• Mike Sheehan, Comedians You Should Know producer

• Marty DeRosa, who opened for Jamie Kilstein at The Lakeshore Theater

The Clearwater Theater is at 96 W. Main St. (Route 72) in West Dundee. Call (847) 836-8820 or visit clearwatertheater.com.