Results tagged “delclose”

COMEDY: This weekend marks the 9th Annual Del Close Marathon. Del Close, if you don't know by now, "was the driving force behind improvisational comedy in Chicago for over 30 years influencing Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Mike Myers, John Belushi, Chris Farley and the Upright Citizens Brigade to name a few." The annual weekend began after Del's passing in 1999.

Jen Kirkman does it all. Hilarious stand up, talented improviser, and a terrific writer. She's in town to do some stand up and to perform at UCB's 9th Annual Del Close Marathon and Gothamist sat down with this triple threat from LA to discuss growing up on a golf course, the pursuit of fame, and sassing customers.

THEATER: This week is your last chance to see Roundabout’s acclaimed revival of George Bernard Shaw’s comedy Heartbreak House, which dips into the unlikely romantic combos that blossom on an estate on the English countryside. But amidst all the clever conversation and flirtation, Shaw hones in on the stunning complacency that pervaded the privileged classes at the dawn of World War I. Heartbreak House stars the brilliant Swoozie Kurtz, who the Times says “may just be the most seductive woman on a New York stage right now.” - John Del Signore

COMEDY: The Del Close Marathon is happening this weekend, the full schedule is here.

Ali Farahnakian, Comedian

This week is rife with comedy possibilities, thanks in part to the 7th Annual Del Close Marathon at the UCB Theatre. The festival is named for the guru-junkie-genius who helped found Chicago’s ImprovOlympic. If you want to put a face with the name, Close was also the teacher in Ferris Bueller who wasn't Ben Stein. The fest has grown in size and stature over the last 7 years and to accommodate there will be a second stage at the Abingdon Theatre, which has been putting up additional shows all week with some big names from New York and Chicago. The Chicago based groups listed below tend to attract huge, loyal audiences that pack the house as they generally don’t perform in New York more than once a year. Gothamist recommends you check them out during the week to avoid having to stand in a packed, overheated theater with an obstructed view.