August starts with a Bang. J. Cole, Phish and Blondie are in concert. Plus, Dave Chappell takes over Radio City Music Hall.
Tag Archives: snl
YOU BETTE’CHA – JUNE 29
A pair of big 40th anniversaries and yet another legend. A strong start to the week in New York.
IO Theater: SNL Loves Them So You Should Too
Yes Chi-town is a funny freaking city. Ever stop to think how many native Chicagoans star on SNL and are the comedic stars of the big screen? And when SNL is ready for new cast members, guess where they recruit? Yep, Chicago. Not just Second City either, in the Lakeview neighborhood, just a hop skip and a jump away from Wrigely Field is the IO Theater – the best of the city’s improv.
Spectators are oohed and ahhed over the skills of these actor slash comedians as they whip up entire musicals based on words provided by the audience. From cabaret to the just plain bizarre one thing is sure here – you won’t leave without a side ache.
Where SNL Stars are Born: Upright Citizens Brigade
Before Amy Poehler was Baby Mama and a SNL star, she was one of the four founders of Upright Citizens Brigade, one of the premiere improvisation theaters in the country. UCB is known for its long form improvisation and the 152-seat, intimate basement theater. It is so intimate that you can literally see the sweat on the performers’ faces during the scenes. The talent ranges from familiar faces you may have seen on Madtv and 30 Rock to advanced students showing off their comedic timing on stage.
Make sure to book tickets in advance and if you plan on going to the famously free Sunday show, be prepared for a long wait. This is a casual affair with fold up chairs and an intermission filled with cheaply priced beer and wine, but that’s the way comedy should be: gritty and real.