Chicago comedians in the news: Five books by Chicago comedy alums are nominated for the GoodReads’ Best Humor 2021 Award: You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar, Big Time by Jen Spyra, She Memes Well by Quinta Brunson, Where the Deer and Antelope Play by Nick Offerman and The Wreckage of My Presence by Casey Wilson (who played a Chicagoan on Happy Endings). Voting here.

The Comedy Shrine posted about an interesting visitor! Lisa Whelchel dropped in to film an episode of MeTV’s Collector’s Call. The Comedy Shrine has an unparalleled collection of comedy memorabilia.

Ticket Alerts:

December 29-January 2: The Practical Theatre’s Post-Pandemic Revue with Victoria Zielinski, Paul Barrosse and Dana Olsen at Evanston’s Studio5.

April 30, 2022: Anjelah Johnson-Reyes at The Vic

May 20, 2022: David Spade at The Vic

July 13, 2022: Hannah Gadsby at The Chicago Theatre

List of Ticket Alerts for the rest of 2021 here.

List of Ticket Alerts in 2022 here.

Following is just a small sample of all the great original comedy happening in Chicago this week – even on Thanksgiving! Please confirm all details. Two shows were cancelled just this afternoon. But in the meantime, there’s still a lot of comedy to enjoy! This is just some of it …

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Best Night Ever at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m. Mike O’Keefe and Elsie How host Prateek Srivstava, Kristen Toomey, Hobert Thompson, Clara Puton, Emily Schaefer, Alexa Jaeger, Dan Pyatetsky.

Fem Com Grad Show at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m. Chicago’s only all-female stand up class.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24

When Harry Met Rehab at Greenhouse Theater Center, 8:00 p.m. World premiere starring Melissa Gilbert and Dan Butler! Follow link for all show times through January 30.

Funny FriendsGiving at Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery, 7:00 p.m. Meechie Hall hosts this wine tasting and comedy show.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25

Keep Your Distance Comedy Show ONLINE, 9:00 p.m. A virtual comedy show featuring Correy Bell, BT, Tyler Chronicle, Ronnie Jordan, Kelly K Dubb, Kamal The Secret Genius, and Kelly Kellz.

Deck the Hallmark at Second City, 8:00 p.m. “A greeting card channel original.”

Fishbowl at The Annoyance, 9:30 p.m. Hosted by Sight Unseen. Improv students perform with veteran improvisors.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26

High Fiber Comedy Show at The Skokie Theatre, 3:00 p.m. Jan Slavin hosts Bill Gorgo, Michelle Krajecki, John Petlicki and special guest Bob Jay.

Funnier By the Lake at Madame Zuzu’s Teahouse, Highland Park, 8:00 p.m. Brian Roe hosts Jarrell Scott Barnes and headliner Reena Calm.

Comedy Sportz at The Den Theatre, 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27

JT Newton’s Comedy Show at Offsides Bar & Grill, Woodstock, 8:00 p.m. Denise Medina hosts Katie Meiners and headiner Zako Ryan. With special guest Jeff Warren.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28

John Caponera at Zanies Chicago, 7:00 p.m.

Andy Haynes at Lincoln Lodge, 8:00 p.m.

MzSharelle Pierce Bday Comedy Bash at Laugh Factory, 9:00 p.m. Featuring Ron G, MzSharelle Pierce, Just Nesh, Blair Christian, Em Brown, Kristen Toomey and more TBA.