Susan Messing

CHICAGO – She is one of the best and most established improv artists in Chicago, the City of Yes-And. Susan Messing makes history wherever she goes, including her residency at the Annoyance Theatre with her famous “Messing with a Friend” revue, an ongoing and completely improvised hour of hilarity. Messing will be a part of the inaugural World Comedy Expo (natch), performing two shows (click link for tickets and info), MESSING WITH MASON, THE 1-Zs and plus facilitating a workshop, IMPROV FOR STAND UP.

CHICAGO – It’s time to laugh, and just in time the World Comedy Expo is coming to Chicago this weekend – March 25th-27th, 2022 – and is offering an international showcase of stand-up comics, improvisation, sketch, panels and workshops all on the topic of generating laughs. Kelly Sheenan of Chicago is a co-founder.

CHICAGO – When we last talked to author/actor/producer and Chicago native Cindy Caponera in 2017, she was working on the excellent Showtime Network series “I’m Dying Up Here,’ about stand up comics in the 1970s. She’s currently in Chicago and will appear in the ongoing “Messing with a Friend” at the Annoyance Theatre. Click MESSING for ticket info.

CHICAGO – You know you’re on a Jack C. Newell film set when his producer, Steve Tobiasz, offers you the best empanada you’ve ever eaten, from the Gourmet Food Truck that is crucial to the upcoming scene. “Open Tables” is director Jack C. Newell’s second feature film, coming in right after 2012’s “Close Quarters.”

CHICAGO – The great city of Chicago can’t stop the funny this week. The TBS “Just for Laughs Chicago” comedy festival returns for another hilarious six days. Highlights include performances by Russell Brand, John Hodgman, Seth Meyers, Bill Maher and the legendary Chicagoan Bob Newhart.

CHICAGO – When putting on an awards show in Chicago, getting local talent to hand out awards was as easy as calling the production of “Chicago Fire,” currently filming here. The 2012 Best of the Midwest Awards in December had “CF” cast members David Eigenberg and Christian Stolte to present accolades, and comedy improvisor Susan Messing won Best Actress at the event.

CHICAGO – The cliché “up and coming” applies to Eric Andre, Natasha Leggero and Chicago’s own Susan Messing. While not quite household names, they are all on the cusp of comic greatness, and had notable shows at the recent “Just for Laughs Chicago” comedy festival, sponsored by the TBS Network.