Visitors in town: Nate Bargatze, Piff the Magic Dragon, Ross Mathews, Anthony Rodia. Jeremy Piven returns to his hometown.

At Zanies: Dobie Maxwell (Chicago), Tom Clark (Chicago), Jessica Kirson (Chicago), Anthony Bonazzo (Chicago), Tuesday Ten Showcase (Rosemont), Sensational Six Showcase (Rosemont), Tom Clark (Rosemont), Tom Clark (Rosemont), Nick DiPaolo (Rosemont).

At the Improv: Kevin Bozeman, Bret Ernst.

At Riddles: Darren Fleet.

Chicago comedians in the news: Did I imagine it or was Nick Vatterott in the audience on The Price is Right last Friday? Suspicion bolstered when his podcast partner Nick Turner got called, went on down and won a car. Then a shout-out to Nick Vatterott as he spun the Big Wheel. Then … Confirmed!

Following is this week’s Spotlight. Please confirm all details before leaving home!

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Temple of Geekdom at Second City, 8:00 p.m. “An improvised adventure.”

This One Woman at Hopleaf, 7:30 p.m. Stories and stand-up inspired by one woman. Tonight’s performances are in honor of Lizzo.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25

The Second City Black History Month Show, 8:00 p.m. Classic sketches updated for 2020.

The Book of Moron at Broadway Playhouse, 8:00 p.m. Robert Dubac is here through March 1.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Cole’s Open Mic at Cole’s Bar, 9:30 p.m. Experience one of Chicago’s most famous open mics (created by Cameron Esposito). Hosted by Carly Kane and Alex Kumin. Over forty comedians each week and a mix of veterans, new comics and surprise drop-ins.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27

The Comedy Nosh at Max and Benny’s Restaurant & Deli, Northbrook, 7:00 p.m. Dinner and a show with headliner Peter-john Byrnes. Featuring Mona Aburmishan and Colleen Brennan.

Nick Bargatze at The Genesee Theatre, Waukegan, 7:00 p.m. The “Good Problem to Have” Tour.

Comedy for Cancer at Tivoli Theater, Downers Grove, 7:30 p.m. The H Foundation presents its Third Annual Comedy for Cancer benefitting Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Andrea Darlas hosts Jeanie Doogan, Mike Toomey, and headliner Pat Tomasulo.

Everything’s All White at Second City, 8:30 p.m. “Celebrate Black History Month with Diversity Hire! Get your resumes ready as we take a dive into the untold stories of African Americans, past and present.”

Molly at iO, 10:30 p.m. Susan Messing and Norm Holly! One night only!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Jeremy Piven at Community House of Winnetka, 7:00 p.m. A fundraiser for the Piven Theatre Workshop. With Chris Bader.

Dreamboat at iO, 8:00 p.m. “Highlighting some of iO Chicago’s best LGBTQIA+ performers.”

Piff the Magic Dragon at North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 8:00 p.m. “After earning national acclaim as the standout star of NBC’s America’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Piff The Magic Dragon continues to win over audiences across the globe with his mythical mixture of wizardry, wit and sarcasm …”

The Big Snail Show at The Playground Theater, 10:00 p.m. “A monthly comedy showcase that features the most original, often eccentric, and always hilarious comedy acts from Chicago and beyond … hosted by very large snail enthusiast Jack Allen and features fresh acts every month.” Featuring Prateek Srivastava, Evelyn Troutman, Mitch Kamaiopili, Claire Sundbye, Joe Chazaray, Ella Gale.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29

The Kates’ Leap Year Edition at The Book Cellar, 7:00 p.m. Chicago’s all-women stand-up comedy group. Hilarious, unforgettable voices. Created and produced by Kelsie Huff (Windy City Live, The Jam). Tonight: Joyce Hagen-McIntosh, Annie Russell, Mary DeMan, Lauren Hooberman, Claire Zulkey, Tocarra Mallard, Kyna Lenhof, Kristal Adams. Hosted by Soli Santos.

Big Laughs at The Buffalo Grove Community Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Fabulous, memorable night guaranteed with headliner Kristen Toomey and featuring Peter-john Byrnes.

State of Unfairs at The Revival, 8:00 p.m. A sketch comedy revue about our state (of IL).

Ross Mathews at the Athenaeum Theatre, 8:00 p.m. Ross Mathews is here to celebrate his new tour and book of the same title Name Drop. Ross Mathews’ stories and vibrant storytelling are unparalleled. He interned at The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, judged RuPaul’s Drag Race, spent Christmas with the Kardashians and had to explain himself to Barbara Walters. That’s just the beginning. Expect lots of energy, stand-up, and the opportunity to play games directly with Ross. You can also get a VIP Meet & Greet.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1

Anthony Rodia at The Arcada, St. Charles, 5:00 p.m. “Known for his hilarious skits, song parodies, And his weekly “Road Rage Wednesday” using his popular character “Uncle Vinny.”

Plus-Prov at iO, 7:30 p.m. Appreciating and celebrating plus-size comedy.

Stay up to date with Comedians Defying Gravity by typing your email address in the box and clicking the “create subscription” button. My list is completely spam, spam, spam, spam free, and you can opt out at any time.