Chicago Like a Local Blog

When people hear "dinner theater," they may beg to do anything else. But Chicago is home to some hilarious interactive shows that, yes, feature meals—but more importantly, highlight the fun factor. Eye rolls are replaced with gut-busting laughs, and you won’t want the fun to end. Grab a date or a group of friends for a memorable night at these Chicago shows.

The Second City's 41^st e.t.c. revue — Fantastic Super Great Nation Numero Uno — has a mouthful of a title, paired with a belly full of laughs. The e.t.c. stage, known for its edgier, more Chicago-themed sketch revues, keeps to its reputation, housing two hours of non-stop, goofball, slap-your-thighs laughter with its newest comedy show.

Comedy powerhouse The Second City has a brand new Mainstage revue, its 105^th to be exact, and this one truly slays. Not only does The Winner...of Our Discontent make you laugh, but it makes you think, and it makes you feel, and it opens your eyes.

The comedy scene in Chicago is huge. In fact, you can see shows live seven nights a week all over the city. Many of them come and go, but these four Chicago comedy staples always entertain, no matter when—and how often—you drop in for a show.

90s nostalgia comes full force in FRIENDS: The One Where They Sing! (The Unauthorized Musical Parody). There were ten seasons of the hit TV show — if you've burned through all 236 episodes on Netflix already, bravo — but this show focuses on the season that stole our hearts: season one. See this 90-minute musical comedy (featuring an all-Chicago cast) now at the MCL Chicago stage.

The legendary Chicago comedy destination, The Second City, gets an entertaining dose of social and political commentary with the satirical revue, Afro-Futurism. Combining stand-up, sketch, music and performance, the production offers a multi-faceted view of the African-American perspective.

Chicago's top sketch comedy theater has a brand new show, is bringing back a mega hit this summer, and went through quite the makeover in 2016. Here's what's new with The Second City...

You may have heard of those experiences in Chicago where you get locked in a room with people and you have to find your way out in an hour. You may be thinking "Umm... locked in a room with people I DON'T KNOW for an hour and I can't get out? No thanks. Biyeeee!" I get it, especially if they're scary ones with zombies, or you're with someone who is just the worst. However, The House Theatre of Chicago has come up with such a cool and unique escape-type room experience that I think even the biggest doubters will have a blast.