Second City, SNL-like comedy & other funny shows slated for April
If laughter is the best medicine (and it is), Chicagoland must have the healthiest residents since the area has plenty of must-see (and must-laugh) shows performing this month.
Start by spending time with Mr. Peepers. You remember him, right? If not, how about Mango? Both characters were made famous on "Saturday Night Live" by Chris Kattan, who brings his 21-and-over show "Chris Kattan and Friends" to Zanies in Rosemont on Sunday, April 22. For dinner and show packages on Rosemont's Parkway Bank Park, call 847-813-0484. Otherwise, order tickets at rosemont.zanies.com
For a series of side-splitting sketches, amazing improv and new songs per show, check out The Second City's 42nd Revue "Gaslight District" written and performed by Emily Fightmaster, Sayjal Joshi, Katie Kershaw, Andrew Knox, Alan Linic and Jasbir Singh Vazquez. Audiences will appreciate the backstage talents of director Annelise Toft and music director Jacob Shuda, as well as the vast and varied drinks and treats (from apps like crab Rangoon to a S'mores inspired chocolate mousse dessert) prepared by the venue's 1959 Kitchen & Bar (yeah, that's the year Second City first opened its doors in Chicago). All in all, the evening will tickle your funny bone and please your tastebuds. "Gaslight District" performs Thursdays through Sundays in the e.t.c. Theater on the second floor of Piper's Alley on 230 W North Ave. For tickets, visit www.secondcity.com.
Navy Pier is hosting "I Heart Halal" (the country's first Halal lifestyle festival) from Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 15. In addition to Muslim comedians such as Mo Amer and Zainab Johnson, the event includes tips and talks on fashion and beauty, travel, exercise and nutrition, and more. "There is truly something for everyone [from] age 3 to 93," promises the festival's Co-Managing Director Asma Ahad. For details, visit www.ihearthalal.com.
Last but not least, the Saint Sebastian Players will bring the classic newspaper comedy "The Front Page" by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur to life from April 27 through May 20 at St. Bonaventure. Free parking and group rates are available. For more information, visit saintsebastianplayers.org.