Avec une histoire de la comédie aussi profonde que sa pizza, Chicago est depuis longtemps un terrain fertile pour les spectacles de stand-up. "La ville des vents abrite une scène comique florissante depuis des décennies" , écrit l' acteur et metteur en scène Brian Posen. "C'est là que certains des plus grands humoristes de l'histoire ont fait leur chemin vers la célébrité.
Nombre d'entre eux se sont fait les dents à La deuxième ville, où Bill Murray, Tina Fey et Steve Carell ont commencé leur illustre carrière. (Formé au milieu des années 1950, The Second City est l'endroit où l'improvisation moderne a pris racine). Laugh Factory, une autre institution, entre les années 1970 et 1990.
Aujourd'hui, la concurrence est très rude en ce qui concerne "le nombre de comédiens en herbe qui affluent dans la ville, mais aussi le nombre de théâtres et de spectacles de comédie qui voient le jour", déclare Posen. Voici donc, sans plus attendre, les endroits de Chicago qui vous feront rire.
Ces grands clubs de comédie vous font rire
While The Second City and Laugh Factory are at the top of the list for comedy clubs in Chicago, there are other hot spots to see some of the best comedy in town, if not in the country.
Check out iO Theater, which is known for its longform improvisation. The theater, founded in 1981, is “one of the country’s premier comedy theaters and a launching pad for some of America’s most promising comedic talents,” according to ioimprov.com. iO has a Training Center offering workshops and private classes for anyone seeking a career in standup comedy as well as writing and acting.
Le théâtre de l'ennui est présent sur la scène comique de Chicago depuis plus de 30 ans. C'est la maison de Prisons mixtes, la comédie musicale la plus ancienne. Vous y trouverez de l'improvisation, des pièces nouvelles et originales, des comédies musicales et des sketches.
Zanies is the perfect spot blending traditional and contemporary comedy. It’s known for a long list of comics who have graced its stage; you’ll find their autographed photos on the wall. But be sure to check out the local up-and-comers, after all, some of them may end up being comedy’s biggest acts in the future.
For something a little different, check out Malarkey Comedy (previously known as CSz Theater Chicago) for ComedySportz,a long-running flagship show that’s an improvisation competition. In fact according to their website, “Co-founders Jesse Gomez, Nicole Devin, Cherise Johnson and Jason Geis had all worked together at ComedySportz Chicago – one of the longest running improv theaters in Chicago and we knew we wanted to continue working together and growing ComedySportz. What started as a discussion about acquiring the rights to do ComedySportz turned into ‘what if we just stepped on the gas and started a whole new comedy theater?’. Which is what happened – we both purchased the rights to ComedySportz AND started a new theater – double the baggage, double the fun!”
The Comedy Bar is in a historic building and has two performance spaces. There’s the main stage that features a comedy brunch, open mic, and stand-up showcases. The club’s brewery stage is an intimate venue. Local headliners are big here.
Les festivals d'humour de Chicago font rire tout le monde
Le Chicago Women's Funny Festival est l'un des festivals de comédie de Chicago à ne pas manquer. Il a été lancé en 2012 et se tient au Stage 773, avec plusieurs scènes. Le Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival se tient également au même endroit.
Visiter Chicago de jour avant de sortir pour rire
Before you head out for a night of comedy in Chicago, check out some of the great sights that the city has to offer. The Best of Chicago: First Elevator Access at Willis Skydeck, Architecture Cruise & Inside the Loop Tour is the perfect way to experience the best of The Windy City’s stunning architecture.
La visite comprend un guide anglophone qui vous fera découvrir les structures les plus célèbres de Chicago et d'autres sites, notamment le Monadnock Building, le Chicago Board of Trade avec la statue Ceres, le Skydeck de la Willis Tower, la Réserve fédérale, Inland Steel, le Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue, et bien d'autres encore. Vous terminerez la journée par une croisière architecturale de 90 minutes qui serpente le long de la rivière Chicago et du lac Michigan.
Make it a Date!
What better way to enjoy a special night with your special someone, than by relaxing and enjoying an incredible meal and experience, paired with some laughs and goodtimes? Book a City Cruises dining cruise such as the Chicago Premier Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan or the Chicago Premier Plus Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River to make for the ultimate date night! You’ll enjoy a chef-prepared meal on the water, incredible views of Chicago’s famous landmarks, as well as full-bar options and live Dj entertainment.
After you’re done touring Chicago by day, or if you’re planning an all-around date night with a unique dining cruise, you can hit up some comedy clubs to enjoy a night of improv and laughs in the city where it all began and continues to keep audiences in stitches.
Original publish date: January 26, 2023