Comedy

Stephen Colbert announces his Chicago plans on Wednesday's episode of "The Late Show."

Stephen Colbert to move 'Late Show' to Chicago for Democratic convention

The CBS fixture will be based at the Auditorium Theatre from August 19 to 22.

By Darel Jevens

Things to do in Chicago April 4-10: The Mix

A Matthew Sweet concert, a one-man show about Chopin and exhibitions by Chicago artists Robert Earl Paige and Christina Ramberg are among the city’s entertainment highlights in the week ahead.

By Mary Houlihan - For the Sun-Times

Joe Flaherty performed at Second City theaters in Chicago and Toronto as well as on the company's TV series "SCTV."

Entertainment and Culture

Joe Flaherty, funnyman from 'SCTV' and Chicago's Second City, dies at 82

On ‘SCTV’ he was known as station owner Guy Caballero and monster movie host Count Floyd.

By Darel Jevens

Movies and TV

Steve Martin tells his story in double feature of great, very different documentaries

One Apple TV+ film from acclaimed director Morgan Neville covers the comedian’s rise to fame, and the other shows the reflective stage of life he’s in now.

By Richard Roeper

Celebrities

Comedian Kevin Hart to receive Mark Twain Prize for American humor

Now in its 25th year, the Mark Twain Prize annually honors performers who have made a lasting impact on humor and culture.

By Ashraf Khalil | Associated Press

Ramy Youssef performs in February during the taping of his comedy special "More Feelings."

Movies and TV

HBO special spotlights Ramy Youssef's edgy jokes, gently told

With his sharp observations, Muslim comedian clearly aspires to find common ground.

By Richard Roeper

Dan Smyers (left) and Shay Mooney, set to perform Friday at the United Center, are new judges on "The Voice."

Things To Do

Things to do in Chicago March 21-27: The Mix

A Dan + Shay concert, a new take on ‘Peter Pan’ and a stand-up show by Ali Wong are among the entertainment highlights of the week ahead.

By Mary Houlihan - For the Sun-Times

Jimmy Kimmel, wearing a tuxexo, points as he delivers the opening monologue of the 96th Annual Academy Awards.

Movies and TV

Jimmy Kimmel at Oscars: Host starts late but finishes big

After a hit-and-miss monologue, the crowd cheers a tribute to behind-the-scenes crew members as well as a rousing Ryan Gosling performance and a naked John Cena.

By Richard Roeper

A Streetcar Named Desire-photo by Amy Nelson.jpeg

Things To Do

Things to do in Chicago March 7-13: The Mix

Lyric Opera’s ‘Aida,’ a dance version of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and a Juanes concert are among the highlights of the week ahead.

By Mary Houlihan - For the Sun-Times

81st Annual Golden Globe Awards - Ballroom Entry

Entertainment and Culture

Montreal's 'Just for Laughs' comedy festival cancels 2024 event, seeking to avoid bankruptcy

The festival, known as the largest international comedy event of its kind, began in 1983. For a time, there was a local version held annually in Chicago.

By Associated Press

Actor Richard Lewis attends the STARZ’ “Blunt Talk” series premiere on August 10, 2015 in Los Angeles,

Obituaries

Richard Lewis, comedian and 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' actor, dies at 76

Lewis retired from stand-up last year after a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

By Mark Kennedy | Associated Press

The Shindellas photo by Ezelle Franklin.jpeg

Things To Do

Things to Do in Chicago — The Mix: Feb. 22-28

The Shindellas in concert, ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ the stage musical, and three world premieres at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago are among the highlights in the week ahead.

By Mary Houlihan - For the Sun-Times

Johnny Carson appears on “The Tonight Show” in 1991.

Books

Johnny Carson bio by late Chicago writer Bill Zehme set for November release

Author died in 2023 but former research assistant completed the 384-page ‘Carson the Magnificent.’

By Darel Jevens

Comedian Ali Siddiq performs Jan. 26 at the Chicago Theatre.

Comedy

Stand-up comedy star Ali Siddiq learned his skills by cracking up fellow inmates

A prison sentence turned the former drug dealer into a master storyteller who now releases specials and packs theaters.

By Carl Kozlowski — For the Sun-Times

Golden Globe Awards host Jo Koy takes a selfie during a Thursday press preview of the show.

Movies and TV

Jo Koy ‘in the mood to celebrate’ as Golden Globes host

As the awards show emerges from scandal, comedian aims to keep things low-key during Sunday broadcast.

By USA TODAY

Comedian Shecky Greene performs at the Mill Run Playhouse in Niles in 1976.

Obituaries

Shecky Greene, Las Vegas comedy star from Chicago, dies at 97

A gifted onstage improviser, Greene was revered by his peers and live audiences as one of the greatest stand-up acts of his generation.

By Andrew Dalton | Associated Press

Movies and TV

‘Abbott Elementary’ star Lisa Ann Walter to close out 2023 joking, feasting in Rosemont

The comedian, who is currently filming season three of the hit ABC sitcom, will take a break to perform Dec. 29-31 at Zanies Comedy Club.

By Erica Thompson

Ken Hudson Campbell attends the premiere of his film “Wonder Park” in 2019.

Movies and TV

‘Home Alone’ actor Ken Hudson Campbell, from Elmhurst, recovering after cancer surgery

Former Second City actor played a Santa Claus impersonator in the 1990 holiday classic.

By Stefano Esposito

Nora En Pure (pictured at Coachella) will provide the beats for a farewell to 2023 at the Aragon Ballroom.

Things To Do

New Year’s Eve: 10 great ways for Chicagoans to close out 2023

End the year in style with dance beats, comedy or a night of musical nostalgia.

By Selena Fragassi - For the Sun-Times

Theater

Second City teachers vote to authorize strike

Contract bargaining with the Chicago comedy theater has dragged on for more than two years.

By Darel Jevens