Radiolab Gets Apocalyptical

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 9, 2013 4:15PM

Robert Krulwich and Jad Abumrad at a rehearsal for Radiolab's Apocalyptical

We are big fans of Radiolab, and if we have any complaints about the popular science and life radio show it's that they don't create new episodes nearly fast enough for our tastes. We suppose that's probably because hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich have done such an excellent job of raising the bar on multilevel audio storytelling it takes them forever to make sure each episode is just right. To the uninitiated we describe it as analogous to a brainier and more deeply questioning though less hip This American Life.

So while we patiently wait for new episodes we get some respite in the form of a traveling live show Radiolab is producing titled Apocalyptical, and it arrives at the Chicago Theatre this Saturday. This isn't their first time on the road and their shows blend the storytelling and science of their radio incarnation and expand it with stunning visuals, original music and all kinds of other stuff. Each of their radio shows revolves around a theme and this tour is no different, as Abumrad, Krulwich and their support performers will tackle, in their own words, "the topic of endings, both blazingly fast and agonizingly slow." We have no idea what that means exactly, but we do know that in the hands of Radiolab it's sure to be a pleasurable mind-bender. Music for the show will be created live by On Fillmore and Noveller, and visuals will be courtesy Erth Visual & Physical Inc., so expect a multi-sensory journey to ensue.

Each stop has the show being joined by a different comedian and in Chicago we get to see Kurt Braunohler, who recently released his debut album How Do I Land?. He also seems to be all over the place, both online and off; co-hosting Hot Tub, a weekly variety show in L.A. with Kristen Schaal; hosting his own podcast The K Ohle; and appearing regularly on Chelsea lately and Bob's Burgers.

Radiolab's Apocalyptical is Saturday, October 12, at Chicago Theatre, 8 p.m., $28-$78, all ages