Laugh it Up at Chicago Sketch Fest

There are a lot of things that the Windy City is noted for, from deep dish pizza, to skyscrapers and sports mania. Sometimes, Chicago’s status as the birthplace of improv comedy gets overshadowed by these other highlights but the Chicago Sketch Festival brings the focus back to this important fact. From Jan. 5-15, the 16th annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Fest unfolds with a record of 180 shows at Stage 773 multi-stage complex.  As the country’s largest comedy event, Chicago Sketch Fest features critically acclaimed comedy groups from around the U.S. and Canada. Over the course of eight days, the fest presents a show every hour on the hour, for an average of 20 shows a night. Check out these headliners:

The Cool Table

This Chicago formed, LA-based troupe is a Chicago Sketch Fest fave, they have appeared regularly since 2005. The group has also performed at Lollapalooza, LA Comedy Fest, San Francisco Sketch Fest and have been featured on the front page of Funny Or Die.  The group is currently producing a web series so catch them live with two different shows on Jan. 6 and 7.

Pop Roulette

A New York-based group that specializes in musical sketch comedy, Pop Roulette creates catchy, biting songs, often with a live band. Their music videos have been featured on College Humor, Mashable and Funny Or Die. Members include SNL writer Sudi Green and sketch duo Girls With Brown Hair. They perform Jan. 6 and 7.

The Defiant Thomas Brothers

A Chicago duo famous for mining American history with non-political correctness, The Defiant Thomas Brothers won best sketch group at HBO’s prestigious U.S. Comedy Arts Festival. With skits that include neo-vaudeville , this pair’s humor is rated R. They perform Jan. 7 and 12.

The Cupid Players

A seasoned Chicago ensemble that have been performing around the city for 17 years, The Cupid Players include members who are triple threats for side-splitting musical sketch comedy. Their show, “Cupid Has A Heart On” is a Chicago must see show.  The group performs on Jan. 7 and 14.

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