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All stories by Jason Heidemann on BroadwayStars

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Monday, February 17, 2014

Stand-up Scene: From sex to work, the 'Big Five' topics of comedy by Jason Heidemann

In Africa, the term "Big Five" refers to a quintet of animals heavily sought after for viewing by tourists on a safari circuit. In the local stand-up scene, I notice a "big five" of topics t…

SOURCE: Chicago Tribune Subscription at 03:36PM

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Stand-up Scene: Bad romance to blood diamonds by Jason Heidemann

At “Your Monday’s Best,” an open mic that happens weekly at Schubas, host Chris Condren is cracking himself up. His laughter is infectious and it helps him sell each joke. …

SOURCE: Chicago Tribune Subscription at 06:00PM

Monday, February 3, 2014

Stand-up Scene: Long, funny trip in 'Parlour Car' by Jason Heidemann

By the time "Parlour Car" reaches the end of its epic, three-hour anniversary show at Bar Deville in the Ukrainian Village last Thursday, nearly 20 of Chicago's best comics have taken turns …

SOURCE: Chicago Tribune Subscription at 03:26PM

Monday, January 20, 2014

Stand-up Scene: Spin the wheel and take a risk by Jason Heidemann

The wheel was not kind to comedian Arslon . Forced to spend four minutes performing only crowd work, the Turkish standup said simply in his broken English, "This is the biggest punishment to…

SOURCE: Chicago Tribune Subscription at 12:15PM

Monday, January 6, 2014

Stand-up Scene: Resolve to see more comedy by Jason Heidemann

The first thing anyone should do in any new year is resolve to see more standup comedy. Not only does laughing burn calories, decrease stress and improve blood pressure, it also boosts the i…

SOURCE: Chicago Tribune Subscription at 05:28PM

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Stand-up Scene: The last nights of The Lincoln Lodge by Jason Heidemann

“This is where my comedy belongs,” says Ricky Gonzalez at the top of his hosting set at the final show at the Lincoln Lodge on Saturday, “in the back of a pancake house.&rd…

SOURCE: Chicago Tribune Subscription at 06:12PM

Monday, December 16, 2013

Stand-up Scene: Say you saw these comedians when by Jason Heidemann

You never forget your first time. I'm talking, of course, about the first comedian whose work etches an indelible impression in your brain. For me, that comedian was Eddie Murphy. Like a lot…

SOURCE: Chicago Tribune Subscription at 04:20PM

Monday, December 9, 2013

Stand-up Scene: First you gotta own the room by Jason Heidemann

The other day, a friend and I (who is a former stand-up comedian) were discussing a performance by the excellent Ted Alexandro that we'd seen a couple years ago in Logan Square. Alexandro di…

SOURCE: Chicago Tribune Subscription at 03:24PM

Monday, October 28, 2013

Standup scene: Weekend at Zanies, Laugh Factory and Crocodile Lounge by Jason Heidemann

In a new feature on The Theater Loop’s Funny page, freelance writer Jason Heidemann trolls Chicago’s stand-up clubs, wandering all over the city and suburbs. In this space, he&rs…

SOURCE: Chicago Tribune Subscription at 04:05PM

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