The eighth annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival has impeccable timing, given all the sketchy business surrounding politics these days. With 131 shows on three stages featuring local heavyweights alongside national and international acts, the outlook is funny — for the next two weeks at least. Read on for our lineup of not-to-be-missed acts.
THURSDAY
Slow Children Crossing: The all-African-American group from L.A. performs a fast-paced romp through inappropriately humorous situations (think funerals and sex-ed classes).
Hey You Millionaires: The local trio showcases cerebral dark comedy for the smart set.
See ’em: 9:30 p.m. West stage*
FRIDAY
Ten West: The L.A. team presents a two-man clown show about a pair of hapless pallbearers who get caught up in the mysteries of life, death and … hay fever.
See ’em: 10 p.m. South stage
SATURDAY
FUCT: The New York ensemble, originally known as the Fordham Underground Comedy Troupe, mixes comedy with games, stunts, music and audience participation.
See ’em: 8 p.m. West stage
SUNDAY
Best Church of God: A cult fave during its run at Donny’s Skybox, this campy, mock church service satirizing religious conservatism includes prayers, hymns, communion and a sermon.
See ’em: 3 p.m. North stage
JAN. 15
Broadminded: The Milwaukee-based femmes fatales explore “Star Wars” geek love, awkward office antics and hippie nursery rhymes.
PennyBear: A troupe of iO grads performs slice-of-life sketches that are just disturbing enough to be funny.
See ’em: 8 p.m. West stage
JAN. 16
The Imponderables: This four-man Toronto ensemble won the 2005 Canadian Comedy Award for Best Sketch Troupe and claims both “Monty Python” and “Kids in the Hall” as influences. They’re also reportedly under consideration for a slot on HBO.
See ’em: 9 p.m. South stage
JAN. 17
Siblings of Doctors: Rasika Mathur (MTV’s “Wild ‘N’ Out”), Danny Pudi (TV shows “Gilmore Girls” and “Greek”) and Ranjit Souri (whose work appeared in “The Best American Essays of 2007”) perform sketches and songs about Indian-American life.
See ’em: 6 p.m. North stage
JAN. 18
Improvised Wrestling Federation: The local troupe combines comedy with WWF-style antics.
Jumbotron: The Chicago team uses motivational speakers and middle school dances for inspiration.
See ’em: 7 p.m. West stage
