Bring your girlfriend to the Just For Laughs Comedy Showcase at The Revival Theatre March 28 and stay at the nearby and affordable Chicago Lake Shore Hotel in historic Hyde Park!
Join us at The Revival as 12 of the hottest young comics in Chicago try to earn a featured spot at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal…the largest comedy event in the world! Hosted by Mary Lindsey from the legendary comedy clubs ‘Jokes ’n Notes’ and “All Jokes Aside.” Tickets are just $15.
The improvisational theater was born on the corner of 55th Street and University Avenue, just up the street from the Chicago Lake Shore Hotel. In 1955, the Compass Players performed at this location and initially presented short, scripted “plays” at the back of a bar. One night, the theater was performing for a capacity crowd. The bartender, Fred Wranovics, pulled director Paul Sills aside and asked him to extend the show so he could sell another round of drinks. Without any additional scripted material prepared, Sills decided to present a third act comprised entirely of improvisational games that the company had been using in rehearsal.
Needless to say, it was a huge success. Soon, the Compass Players ditched scripted material all together in favor of improvised performances that became known for pointed social satire and political commentary. By 1958, the group splintered. Company members Mike Nichols, Elaine May, and Shelly Berman went to New York where they quickly gained national acclaim. Director Paul Sills moved north and co-founded The Second City.
The Just for Laughs Comedy Showcase is located at the Revival Theater, 1160 E. 55th Street.
Make your Just for Laughs Comedy experience more enjoyable by staying at the Chicago Lake Shore Hotel in Hyde Park. Chicago Lake Shore offers free shuttle bus service to and from the Loop area and is close to bus and train services. The Lake Shore Café offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. AND Jazz and seafood buffet (non-seafood items available) Friday nights.