Where to see Sebastian Maniscalco, other comics this fall in the city and suburbs
Chicago and the suburbs have long been home to great venues for comedy - and great comic talents. And this fall gives you the chance to sample both.
Here's a look at five high-profile comics heading our way this fall - including three who grew up in the suburbs:
1. Sebastian Maniscalco
The actor/comedian is hot right now: His four Madison Square Garden shows set sales records at the New York arena and he earned the highest ever Billboard Boxscore gross for a comedian in North America. Not bad for a kid from Arlington Heights.
He heads home to play Chicago's United Center at 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. See ticketmaster.com.
2. Jim Gaffigan
Comedy specials, tours, sitcoms, movies and best-selling books have bolstered the career of this comic, who grew up the youngest of six kids in Barrington and Elgin. Local audiences can see Gaffigan riff on his favorite topics in his "Secrets and Pies" tour, playing five shows Oct. 18-20 at the Chicago Theatre in Chicago. See thechicagotheatre.com.
3. Billy Gardell
The "Mike & Molly" star gets a new sitcom this fall: "Bob Hearts Abishola" debuting Sept. 23 on CBS.
You can see him a few weeks later in the suburbs when he performs at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake. See rauecenter.org.
4. Jim Belushi and the Board of Comedy
The sitcom star and Wheaton product returns to the area pretty regularly. Belushi and his comic touring partners head to the Chicago Improv in Schaumburg for four shows: 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, and 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. See chicago.improv.com.
5. John Cleese
The Emmy Award-winning actor, author and Monty Python star brings his unique brand of British humor to Waukegan for his Genesee Theatre debut. Catch "An Evening With John Cleese" at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15. See geneseetheatre.com.