I've lived in the area for a bit and FINALLY made my way to the Laugh Factory. My friends and I…read morecame for a late night stand-up show. Tickets were free!! Honestly a great show, I've been to some really bad stand up before and I was impressed by each of the comedians. There is a two drink minimum per person - alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Not a big deal to us since we were in the mood for a drink and didn't pay for tickets, but something to note if you're coming to a paid show. There's a lot of open seating as well, and all were in great view of the stage. The venue is fairly large while still feeling pretty intimate. If you're a fan of comedy I'd definitely recommend a stand-up show, and I'll probably be back to check out one of the paid ones!

First time visiting the Laugh Factory so I decided to purchase tickets to the show while visiting…read moreChicago. Tickets were easy to purchase online. There is a 2 drink minimum. The waiter was friendly. The comedians listed on the website were not the comedians that were at the show nevertheless, the show had some funny moments and some comedians were funnier than others. We got some guest comedians that happened to be in town and was somewhat familiar with from social media skits. We check out the Laugh Factory again preferably in another location.

We attended Trickery on Saturday 04/18/26. Aaron was adept at working with a diverse audience to…read moreinclude them and maintain control of his performance in a very intimate setting. Because it's BYOB you'll get the 20-somethings that feel they have to get loaded beforehand and then act the fool while attending (do you hear that "Neil"? No one wants the focus on you acting like it was your first experience with alcohol) but Aaron was skilled at bypassing them without causing tension or escalating bad behavior. Aaron's attitude is one of someone who has worked hard to make this little venture work, and he deserves respect and recognition for his obvious commitment and work ethic. His act included variations of tricks performed by other magicians, with his own twists. He is an expert at sleight of hand and distraction, which is considerably more difficult in a room about the size of an average residential living-room. He had an appropriate sense of humor aligned with an audience coming to Boystown, an overtly gay neighborhood in Chicago (if you're not familiar). However he wasn't garish, flaming, flamboyant, or offensive; he managed a perfect balance of innuendo humor and audience engagement without being cheap or ingenuine. The snarky one-liners will likely go over your young kids' heads (although bring them to an early show, your 9 year old doesn't belong in Boystown at 10 pm on a weekend), and he carries himself with class avoiding the use of profanity or graphic terms. Again, I can't overstate that his tricks were amazing, impressive, and captivating - as magic should be. You leave the show shaking your head and wondering how it's done - which truly makes it "magic". You would be hard-pressed to spend $36.36/person for an hour of live entertainment that can match Aaron's performance. Pro-tip: If you're driving there you will need to use an app to reserve parking, as there aren't garages like downtown Chicago and every street is filled with so many signs there's no way you will return and find your car not-towed or not-ticketed. Chicago does this on purpose to generate revenue; you'll see "street cleaning" on Tuesday from xx hour to xx hour, no parking when snow is over 2 inches OR any time from Dec 1 through April 1, loading zone, 15 minute stopping/standing with flashers, no parking, residential permit zone only, bike lanes, bus stop restrictions, etc. If you find street parking and think you've beaten the system, think again. Nobel Prize Laureates, Rhodes Scholars, Ivy League PhDs, Mensa members - you can meet them all at Chicago Central Auto Pound retrieving their vehicles. Stephen Hawking couldn't drive, but if he could and he parked in that neighborhood all the quantum mechanics in the world wouldn't make his towed car reappear from the Chicago Parking space-time continuum. The nice thing is if you do reserve parking and give yourself enough time you can walk to many, many restaurants and bars in the area that are open even after the 10 pm show ends. Thank you Aaron for a wonderful experience, you made my wife's birthday memorable for both of us.

I've attended this show twice now and really enjoyed it both times. It's always a great experience…read more He takes time to thank everyone for coming and even asks how you heard about the show, which makes it feel very personal and welcoming. He's genuinely nice and engaging. I plan to come at least once a year. I also love having a local, neighborhood option instead of having to go downtown to see similar acts.

Amazing. Had an absolute blast and laughed my ass off with my girlfriend last night at their final…read moreshow at ComedySportz. Look forward to keeping tabs on this group and catching another show.

From the owner: Each live show has a different theme. Tickets are normally $10, but if you join in on the theme,…read moreyou'll get in for $7. Sinc each week is different, you'll have to check Octavarius.com for details.

I've been a subscriber for a while before the pandemic hits. Just went back for "Trouble In Mind"…read moreand I was reminded why I love this theater so much. While the space is small compared to other major theaters, the level of artistic and ingenuity is unparalleled. I personally enjoy a more intimate setting; each play felt like an immersive experience. I also like the level of polish in each play vs the more experimental/ grunge productions in similar-sized theaters. For example, the hang out area by the bathroom was brilliantly decorated as "the green room," which had layers of meaning that reinforced the themes in the play, "Trouble in Mind." I'm always entertained while learning something new when visiting this local gem of a theater.

I visited Timeline Theatre for the first time in several years tonight (the last time I was here…read morewas at least a few years before the pandemic began, so it's probably been a minimum of five years since my prior visit). Tonight's show was Campaigns, Inc., a world premiere that was supposed to debut in the 2020-21 season about a couple of folks who started what is considered the first political consulting firm in the 1930s, and helped the incumbent governor of California win the gubernatorial election over the author Upton Sinclair. I had no idea this was ever a thing, but it's all true. The show wasn't bad. As I remember from prior visits, they have an anteroom display relevant to and evoking the show. The set was part of the audience in a way I hadn't seen before; I sat right next to the couch one of the characters lays upon when sleeping, and there was a desk across the room next to other patrons. My biggest problem with the production was how the set was laid out; it was down the center of the room with seating on opposite sides, and some of the scenes took place in the middle right in front--but others were at either end, so you had to crane your neck to see each end. That was pretty uncomfortable, so I hope other companies that out it on will stage it differently. Regardless, I appreciate the work they do here, and can't wait to dig into my Backstory magazine (their playbill) to learn more, even though I know it'll make me angry because this firm was pretty rage-inducing in the work they did. I found parking surprisingly easy this time. It was about $6 or so for two and a half hours. And I am immensely grateful that as of September 23, 2022, they are requiring all audience members wear a mask throughout the production and they require vaccination cards and check it against your identification at the door. It made me more comfortable attending at all.

One of the more underrated theatrical experiences in Chicago, the Annoyance Theatre bodes a fun…read moreatmosphere with a full bar and great comedy shows. My friends and I came here on a Friday evening for a show and had such a fun time. Our tickets were super affordable, and the bar tending staff was very nice. We ordered a few beers, but we didn't get a chance to try any of their food. I definitely would suggest if you're looking for a fun activity in the Lakeview Area venturing here for a great time. I will definitely be back!

I have been going to shows at The Annoyance for over ten years, and I have yet to see a bad one…read more The bar staff is always awesome, and hanging out before or after a show in the bar area is always a great time. I regularly bring visitors to The Annoyance, as it's a great way to spend a small amount of money to showcase great Chicago comedy. Their ticket prices are not a hit on the wallet at all, even if one is hosting many people. I love it for a random date night as well.

OK, I was somewhat intrigued at the prospect of full on, frontal male nudity. Heck, we women don't…read moreget to see much of that on the stage or in movies. Somehow, though, I expected more creativity, more clever humor, more ahem---substance, more everything. I saw the Dec. 5, 2009 show. To write this review I had to choose categories. Hmmm, Arts & Entertainment....I would definitely NOT call this art. Too much spare time on (in) someone's hands, perhaps. Entertainment (?) a loosely used term, "Performing ARTS" (?)...oh please. I'll readily admit to morbid curiosity on my part. The free tickets and an intense desire to be in the city for a change were motivating factors for braving this spectacle. As open minded as I'm known to be, I seriously walked out after 15 minutes. I MEAN...15 minutes was definitely giving them the benefit of the doubt. Seriously though, how long can you stare at a train wreck? How ridiculous it was, the whole affair! It failed to live up to the hype. After seeing Puppetry of the Penis, I won't EVER, EVER harshly judge my creativity again. To think grown men are touring the world and getting paid alot of cash for stretching and molding their genitalia on stage in front hundreds of people, that fact is amazing. Oh and don't let me neglect to mention that "close up" views are provided of the 'dick tricks' via rear screen projection. Attending this scene taught me once and for all, if you have PASSION for your ideas, you can find a way to market and sell them! Hey, I saw it with my own eyes, the PROOF is in the penis. P.S., the BEST part of the evening was a Chicago-based comedienne by the name of Beth Stelling. FUNNY, funny, funny woman! Relaxed and comfortable in her own skin. Self deprecating humor from the Rodney Dangerfield school of comedy. I see big things ahead for her. She's got a FaceBook fan club.

These ladies get nothing buy love from me! JDA runs a great room! If you are a lady,of the funny…read morepersuasion,come check out this show! You will not be sorry! The room is super supportive and perfect for tweaking new material! The showcase is top notch,too! This is the best of both worlds,open mic and showcase. If you want to see a fun show,drop in,check it out! Just go!

I have never been so proud of something I have been a part of. This show, this team, this group of…read moreperformers, the venues, everything is stellar! Don't just take my word for it. Come see for yourself. This show has such a positive energy and a high level of enthusiasm. It makes you feel good just to be in the room. Plus it is entertaining as hell! 1st and 3rd Thurs of every month at Hydrate, the all ladies open mics have been highly praised and loved by all of the women who do them. If you are a woman wanting to try an open mic, but are scared of the open mic scene, this is the perfect place to spread your wings. It is a supportive room with graceful and tactful honesty. All of the girls have walked away feeling so confident and supported. The featured showcase directly after that is always top-notch hilarity. Our 2nd Thurs of every month is a mixed-sex showcase at Parlour. These are fantastic because it is an intimate space, with amazing comics, and insane drink specials. Laughter is the best medicine. Three times a month come out and laugh your faces off!

Came to see Daniel Seavey and Sombr in April and it was AMAZING. After the concert I went outside…read moreof the venue and hugged Sombr and met some of his band members. Nice view from any seat. Also I can now confirm that sombr is 6'7

Saw the DAMNED here a few weeks ago…read more A lot is good about the Vic. First, it's a venerable ole music venue that has been open for a LONG time. Bathrooms are great, several bars for your imbibing pleasure. Lots of room, several levels so there are many vantage points to see the stage. What was not good was the SOUND. WHY?! I walked around and checked out Dave & company, and the sound was just not good - muddy and incomprehensible. I even stood behind the sound board at one point, since this is the vantage point where the sound is best. It wasn't best. Come on, Vic Theater, DO BETTER!!

Nice theater, small and well managed. Went to watch young Frankenstein with our 15 year old which…read morewas a mistake. The musical should be 18-+ because of some content. If our daughter didn't tag along my husband and I would have enjoyed watching it to the end . We left in the interval because we didn't want our daughter feeling uncomfortable. So many wasted $$$

One of my favorite mid sized theaters in the city. I've seen a number of shows here and they all…read morehave been excellent.

Remember the briar Street theater is in a residential area and parking is very difficult. Get there…read moreearly or reserve parking ahead of time. Also, there's a line to get in so get there early to get in on time. It's a small theater.

I liked the show. Bought tickets for my dad's September birthday and attended the Nov 9th…read moreproduction of Blue Man Group. I've intended to go for the longest time but only was finally able to make it work. Went with our group of four and greatly enjoyed the mime drumming 90's stylized show! Crazy it's going to be closing down soon; I would recommend seeing it before it leaves Chicago!