Eight Can't-Miss Shows At The Chicago Improv Festival
By Staff in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 3, 2013 7:20PM
By: Matt Byrne
As with any festival, comedy or otherwise, much of the hype leading up to the Chicago Improv Festival has been based around the most recognizable faces and names (like Scott Adsit, Kay Cannon, and John Lutz from 30 Rock and Lucas Neff from Raising Hope), leaving many of the smaller, more eclectic shows unrecognized. We've cobbled together a list of some of the hidden (often more affordable) gems going up, as well as some of the bigger names and shows at this year's CIF.
Wednesday, April 3:
One World, One Stage: This international roundup showcases six teams from overseas, including Switzerland's Improv KAndy and Finnish troupe Jada Jada, capped off by an improv jam featuring members of all six teams. (7 p.m., $10, The Playground Theater)
Cook County Social Club and Adsit & Eveleth: This is undoubtedly one of the strongest lineups all week. Cook County, a local institution on par with TJ and Dave, beloved for their energetic shows and strong team dynamic, is counterbalanced by the slow-burning intensity of the nationally regarded pairing of Scott Adsit and Jet Eveleth. (8 p.m., $20, Second City e.t.c.)
Thursday, April 4:
The Atheneum's Emerging Artists showcases: The Atheneum's two intimate Studio spaces feature Chicago-based up-and-comers in a series of three team lineups. (Times vary, $12, The Atheneum Theatre)
Friday, April 5:
Open Stage at the Upstairs Gallery: A series of free showcases at the Upstairs Gallery, the epicenter of Chicago's underground experimental improv scene. Catch improvisers both local and national getting weird and playing with form in an exciting, open-minded venue. (Times vary, Free/donations accepted, Upstairs Gallery)
1 Deep, Just Ben and Andy Eninger: Three solo performances from a trio of exceptional performers from New York and Chicago demonstrate the spectrum of possibilities unique to one-person improvisation. (8:30 p.m., $17, The Atheneum Theatre)
Saturday, April 6:
Kate and Mike: The Musical & Vox Pop: Musical improv fans will be in musically improvised heaven; Kate and Mike lovingly skewer Broadway conventions, while Washington DC's Vox Pop's "all singing, no talking" rule takes the form to its logical apex. (7 p.m., $15, pH Productions)
Lethal Action Force and The Katydids: This midnight show pairs an up-and-coming team with a Chicago favorite: Lethal Action Force's improvised action movie, a charmingly gimmicky adventure from an ensemble of fresh-faced performers, is followed by a set from The Katydids, a well-loved team whose video work has been exalted all over the web. (11:59 p.m., $10, Second City deMaat Theater)
Sunday, April 7:
Improvised Shakespeare Company and Adsit, Lutz, and Cannon: Improvised Shakespeare, the esteemed bardprov troupe, shares a double bill with the aforementioned trio of 30 Rock writers for an evening of polished, crowd-pleasing improv to close out the festival. (8 p.m., $25, UP Comedy Club)