Schadenfreude's Triumphant Return (With A Little Help From Shrek)

By Marcus Gilmer in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 9, 2010 10:00PM

The funny kids in Schadenfreude are back with their first live performance in almost a year as they hit up the Gallery Cabaret this weekend with their new show, The City That Works. But they'll have some help in an interesting collaboration with local soul/funk band The Jordan Years on some fun musical numbers. But among all the great skits, characters, and music, the kids have an ace up their sleeve for this go-round: Broadway star Brian d’Arcy James. Brian's had several gigs but is probably best known for playing the big, green lug Shrek in the musical of the same name and he also happens to be Schad member Kate James' brother. It's nepotism to make Chicago proud! Booze? Laughs? Free food? Shrek? Yep, it's an embarrassment of riches from one of our favorite troupes and we're glad to have the group back in our lives. If you're interested in hearing more about the group, their history, and a few more tidbits about their upcoming show, check out the podcast that the group's least likable member, Justin Kaufmann, did with Karl earlier this week and get the lowdown.

Schadenfreude: The City That Works, Saturday, April 10, 9 p.m., Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley, $10