If last night’s sold out Chicago Underground Comedy show that kicked off the festival is any indication, you need to buy your tickets in advance and show up early. A full, appreciative crowd was treated to some some of the best local and not-so-local-anymore stand-up comedy.
Also, expect the unexpected—last night Nick Vatterott performed a surprise set to close out the night (or at least until a band started).
Here are my picks for Wednesday night.
Best of Just for Laughs Shorts – Program 1
6pm at the Gene Siskel Film Center
Start your night off right with some comedy shorts at the Gene Siskel Film Center, including Frosty Heart by Joe Avella and Susie Gutowski. Some filmmakers are tentatively scheduled to be available for discussion in following the screening.
I interviewed Joe Avella in January: Let’s Get Serious with Teenager of the Year
The Anti-Social Network
7:30pm at The Chicago Theatre
Each night of the festival there’s a big show at The Chicago Theatre and tonight’s offering is The Anti-Social Network featuring Dave Attell, Jim Breuer, Bill Burr and Jim Norton. They’ve all been on TV a million times but—given their anti-social nature—a live, uncensored venue is much better suited for them.
Adsit & Lutz
10:30pm at iO Theater
You might not recognize them by name but If you watch 30 Rock you know who Scott Adsit (pictured above) and John Lutz are. Both are Second City alumni who regularly perform long-form improv at UCB in NY .
TWIX® Presents: TBS Just for Laughs Chicago runs June 14–19, 2011. A full schedule and list of performers can be found at www.justforlaughschicago.com.
Tags: Bill Burr, Chicago, Chicago Underground Comedy, comedy, Dave Attell, Gene Siskel Film Center, improv, iO, Jim Breuer, Jim Norton, Joe Avella, John Lutz, Nick Vatterott, Scott Adsit, TBS Just for Laughs, The Anti-Social Network
