Elephant Larry @ Sketchfest

The fourth annual Chicago Sketchfest is happening now – and by that we mean tonight through Sunday – at the Theatre Building Chicago on West Belmont. The “largest sketch comedy festival in the country” promises “83 groups, over 100 shows and 600 funny people,” most of which & whom you’ve probably already missed, since the festival kicked off over a week ago.

But never mind about that. Tonight’s headliner in the South Theatre is Elephant Larry, billed as “New York City's hottest sketch comedy group.” This fresh-out-of-college five-man group “focuses on fast-paced, high-concept writing, with refreshingly energetic performances,” which sounds okay to us, since we’re not such huge fans of lethargic, dumbed down sketch comedy. Chicago magazine gave them a thumbs-up this month, lauding their “brainy, breakneck humor,” and Time Out New York has named them a “Don’t Miss” critic’s pick. If that’s not enough for you, they’ve also got that “enthusiastic everymen with a touch of boy band” look going on.

Chicago Sketchfest 2005: through Jan. 16, Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Avenue. Times vary. Tickets are $12.00 per performance or $30.00 for an all-night pass; call (773)327-5252.

Elephant Larry: January 14 & 15 at 11:00 p.m.

Photo: elephantlarry.com