Preview: Just for Laughs Chicago 2012 From TBS Kicks Off June 12, 2012

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CHICAGO – If a collective chorus of guffaws is heard throughout the Windy City this week, blame it on the ‘Just for Laughs Chicago’ 2012 Festival. From June 12th-17th, stages large and small throughout Chicagoland will feature some of the hottest comedy acts, stars and the taping of the ‘Conan’ TBS chat show, featuring Conan O’Brien and Andy Richter.

Every day through Sunday, June 17th, over one dozen venues will be open for a variety of acts, in both types and sizes. HollywoodChicago.com has compiled the highlights of each day, with both the name acts and something more Chicago-centric to celebrate one of comedy’s great American cities. For a complete schedule, including ticket buying information, click here.

The ‘Conan’ Show is in Chicago through June 14th
The ‘Conan’ Show is in Chicago through June 14th
Photo credit: TBS

TUESDAY, JUNE 12

Star”Conan”

The “Conan” TBS show will be taped at the Chicago Theatre with load-in beginning at 4pm from today through June 14th. All lottery ticket holders have been notified and the shows are sold out, but you can still try for stand-by tickets, find instructions by clicking here. June 12-14, 4p, Chicago Theater, 175 N. State St.

Star”The Conan Writer’s Live”

Can’t get a ticket to the Chicago Theater tapings of the “Conan” TBS show? The Conan O’Brien writing staff will be making various appearances throughout the week, including a stand-up showcase tonight. Check listings for other nights and other venues. June 12, 8p, Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway

Star”Secret Big-Time Comedy Showcase”

Chicago Underground Comedy presents elongated sets from Chicago’s best stand-up comedians, plus short films between sets at this north side club. June 12, 8p, The Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave.

Janeane Garofalo and Kyle Kinane
Janeane Garofalo and Kyle Kinane at ‘Just for Laughs Chicago’
Photo credit: TBS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13

Star”Scott Adsit and Kevin Dorff”

Scott Adsit of “30 Rock” and sketch actor Kevin Dorff performed together at Second City and iO as young performers in Chicago. They reunite in a long form improvisation show. Check listings for other nights. June 13, 8p & 10:30p, iO Theater, 3541 N. Clark St.

Star”Janeane Garofalo and Kyle Kinane”

TV and film comedian Janeane Garofalo and Kyle Kinane do a late night set at the new UP Comedy Club in the famed Second City building. June 13, 11p, Up Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave.

Star”Best of Just for Laughs Shorts”

Film is the spotlight at this venue, as the best comedy shorts from around the world are shown on the Siskel Center’s premium screens. June 13, 8:15p, Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.

Patton Oswalt
Patton Oswalt at ‘Just for Laughs Chicago’
Photo credit: TBS

THURSDAY JUNE 14

Star”Patton Oswalt”

The hot comedian and newly minted film star will perform his stand-up twice on Thursday night. June 14, 7:30p & 10p, The Vic Theater, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave.

Star”Stephen Merchant: Hello Ladies…”

The sidekick star of HBO’s “The Ricky Gervais Show” and co-creator (with Gervais) of “The Office” embarks on his first ever stand-up tour. June 14, 15 &16 7:30p, Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave.

Star”An Evening with Kevin Smith”

The independent comic filmmaker who brought us “Clerks,” “Chasing Amy” and “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” will chat about his career and take questions from the audience in a no-holds barred evening. June 14, 8p, The Chicago Theater, 175 N. State St.

Star”New Faces of Chicago”

Hosted by Lil Rel, this showcase features the best of Chicago stand-up and comic acts, attended by industry reps but packaged to entertain! June 14, 9p, The Comedy Bar, 157 W. Ontario St.

John Oliver
John Oliver at ‘Just for Laughs Chicago’
Photo credit: TBS

FRIDAY, JUNE 15

Star”John Oliver”

The resident Brit on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and semi-regular on the sitcom “Community” brings his unique brand of wit to the ‘Just for Laughs Chicago’ stage. June 15, 7:30p, The Vic Theater, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave.

Star”Aziz Ansari: Buried Alive”

The “Parks & Recreation” sitcom star brings his own particular comic brand to a larger venue at this year’s festival. People Magazine just named Ansari the ‘Funniest Dude in Prime Time. June 15, 7:30p & 10:30p, The Chicago Theater, 175 N. State St.

Star”Set List”

The local Lincoln Lodge, which re-launched a venue for new stand-up and sketch comedy in Chicago several years ago, showcases an improv stand-up night. June 15 & 16, 9:30p & 11:30p, Lincoln Lodge, 4008 N. Lincoln Ave.

Sarah Silverman
Sarah Silverman at ‘Just for Laughs Chicago’
Photo credit: TBS

SATURDAY, JUNE 16

Star”Nick Offerman, American Ham”

The very droll comedian from “Parks & Recreation” takes on cautionary tales, tunes and tips for prosperity. June 17, 7:30p & 10:30p, The Vic Theater, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave.

Star”Sarah’s Pro-Choice”

Sarah Silverman hosts four other comedians in what is sure to be an outrageous and controversial night of stand up. June 16, 7:30p & 10:30p, The Chicago Theater, 175 N. State St.

Star”The Dan Band”

The Dan Band is a cult phenomenon, which started when frontman Dan Finnerty caught America’s attention as the foul-mouthed wedding singer in the film “Old School.” This act has become one of the hottest tickets in Hollywood. June 16, 9p, House of Blues, 175 N. State St.

Vince Vaughn
Vince Vaughn at ‘Just for Laughs Chicago’
Photo credit: TBS

SUNDAY, JUNE 17

Star”Vince Vaughn’s Comedy Showcase”

Just for Laughs closing night features Chicago’s favorite son Vince Vaughn, as he hosts a night of comedy featuring Angelo Tsarouchas, Bill Burr, Steve Byrne and Colin Jost. June 17, 8p, Chicago Theater, 175 N. State St.

TBS Network Presents Just For Laughs Chicago 2012, Tuesday, June 12th through Sunday, June 17th. Click here for FULL schedule and ticket information.

HollywoodChicago.com senior staff writer Patrick McDonald

By PATRICK McDONALD
Senior Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2012 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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