Step away from the Netflix marathon and find your way into one of these local theaters for a belly laugh this week. Your guide to Chicago’s affordable and under-the-radar comedy scene awaits.
THURSDAY, FEB. 9
Valentine, Shmalentine
5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West 312-801-2100
What would Valentine’s Day be without a little cringe-worthy embarrassment? Host Shay DeGrandis welcomes storytellers including Jameika Sampson, Hannah Thompson and Stephanie Brown to spill their blush-worthy childhood love letters, locker notes and diary entries in this Mortified Chicago show. 7 p.m. $20-$23. Tickets: promontorychicago.com
FRIDAY, FEB. 10
Cntrl + Alt-Right + Delete
230 W. North Ave. 312-337-3992
LGBT-focused troupe GayCo takes on the alt-right movement through sketch, song and scenes including “a lesbian seagull dream ballet,” among others. 9 p.m. $13-$16. Tickets: secondcity.com
SATURDAY, FEB. 11
Sex Positive
3935 N. Broadway
In case the name didn’t tip you off, the aim of this variety show is to embrace all things sexual through storytelling, stand-up, poetry, music and other acts, plus a frank discussion with the performers on topics covered at the end of the night. Moth Grandslam winner Lily Be stops by this week’s performance. 8 p.m. $5. More info: thecrowdtheater.com
Dear Diarrhea
1501 N. Kingsbury St. 312-929-2401
Childhood confessions from the pages of teenage diaries, fan fiction and LiveJournals come back to life in this comedic storytelling event. 10:30 p.m. $10. Tickets: ioimprov.com
Wait Wait, For Realsies?
3914 N. Clark St. 773-230-4770
Comedians take turns telling seven- to 10-minute true stories on one designated topic. 10 p.m. $10. More info: thepubtheatre.com
SUNDAY, FEB. 12
Ahmed Ahmed
500 N. LaSalle St. 312-836-0499
Egyptian-American actor and comedian Ahmed Ahmed closes out a weekend of performances headlining with feature act Jonah Jurkens. 7:30 p.m. $20. Tickets: comedybarchicago.com
TUESDAY, FEB. 14
One Billion Rising Valentine’s Day Fundraiser
1515 W. Berwyn Ave. 773-961-8214
Proceeds from this Valentine’s Day variety show will benefit a local women’s shelter by way of One Billion Rising, an organization that raises awareness of physical and sexual assault. Hosted by pH company member Samantha Woodman, this second annual fundraiser will include improv show Women On Top and a raffle featuring prizes crafted by women around Chicago. 7 p.m. $15. Tickets: whatisph.com
Want to see your show in Set the Scene? Us too! Send details to Morgan Olsen at mcolsen@redeyechicago.com for consideration.
