Chemically Imbalanced Comedy

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Jim's Chair
2008-02-29 11:29:00
by Angie McMahon I am the type of person that likes to feel important by dropping a lot of names and making me feel like I have had many brushes with celebs. So excuse the following it shall be filled with lots of dropped like a rock names and will seem maybe a bit heady. But I shall proceed anyway. So our Comedy Showcase has had a lot of popularity as of late and we have been selling every seat. We have 50 black chairs. We have a few green chairs and a few gold chairs (that I foolishly bought in fear we would have no chairs when opening up the space). They aren't very pretty to look at and we have been keeping them out of eye view. So for the stage we have been pulling 3 or so chairs out of the audience to use on stage during the showcase. This has been proving a problem when the door person sells 50 seats and three are on stage. So I made it a mission this week to get us 4 bentwood chairs. The kind I have always admired at Second City. After shopping about and coming ...
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Coming Soon!
2008-02-28 14:47:00
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Coming Soon!
2008-02-27 19:05:00
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Roboctopus
2008-02-25 19:30:00
Today's blog features a little slide show from one of our new sponsored Improv Troupes; Roboctopus. if (typeof window.Delicious == "undefined") window.Delicious = {}; Delicious.BLOGBADGE_DEFAULT_CLASS = 'delicious-blogbadge-line';

Coming Soon!
2008-02-22 19:32:00
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I Guess, Call Me Mayor McCheesed
2008-02-21 18:45:00
by Jay GishAt a recent improv rehearsal, I asked another character in a scene to "cheese off" someone. Our coach noted afterward that he had never heard the term before. Is it really so obscure? I think the answer is no, and so here is a collection of links using the term: * 1. Cheesedpissed, pissed offdamn she she waz cheesed * cheesed off - greatly annoyed; out of patience; "had an exasperated look on his face"; "felt exasperated beyond endurance" * Angry, fed up, annoyed, as in I'm cheesed off about watering their plants twice a week. This term was originally military slang and sometimes put simply as cheesed. [Slang; mid-1900s] * Quote from the movie Juno: I mean, you know, you broke MY heart. I should be royally ticked off at you. I should be really cheesed off, I shouldn't want to talk to you anymore. * Quote from the movie The Thin Blue Line: I've booted up, I've patched in, I'm online, offline, downloaded [shouts] and extremely cheesed off! ...
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Happy Birthday Beni!
2008-02-20 15:33:00
by Lina BunteI fell in love with him in the year 2000. I was in Amsterdam visiting my aunt. She took me to a movie. It was an American movie, with Dutch subtitles. His scenes were all in Spanish?with Dutch subtitles. I had no idea what he was saying, but I was memorized. I made a mental note of his name during the credits, and from then on, I?ve been in love. He first captured me with his disheveled good looks, squinting deep set, remarkably sexy eyes, and deep attractive voice. Following his Oscar winning performance for this movie, he went on to do a plethora of interviews. I watched as he would fidget, mumble, and stutter through the questions. He always seemed nervous and shy. In return, I would get nervous and shy watching him. I would also catch myself trying to hold back a sly half smile. I couldn?t help it. He made me smile. As the years went by, I attended his movies on opening night, even if that meant that I had to go alone. In college, I remember ditching a Religious Stu...
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Blogger Chims In on Book of Liz
2008-02-19 21:01:00
Found this gem on By the Numbers Blog8 Shows Down, 92 to Go ("The Book of Liz") This show was last weekend's dessert, consumed before Sunday afternoon's chewy Strindberg entree.  The Book of Liz is David and Amy Sedaris' only play to date.  No surprise to the hordes of NPR listeners who flock to their work, it's hilarious fluff aimed straight at Blue Staters who feel comfortable making gentle digs at the Amish (sorry, Squeamish, there's a difference I'm told...) and alcoholics.Chemically Imbalanced Comedy's remount is selling out left and right because a) the Sedaris name continues to draw and b) these folks have the chops to make the silliest scenes work. This is that rare production where you welcomed the shtick, the double takes and the pratfalls. The set pieces are quaint to amateurish (though kudos on the Mr. Peanut costume) but the bit parts are milked for all they're worth.Oh yes, the plot (as if that's important): Feeling neglected after a new arrival ta...
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Journalism and the Infinite Sadness
2008-02-16 02:26:00
by Jay GishWe’ve experienced a shocking excess of tragedy by gun violence, recently. The awful news out of NIU is the latest, and my heart goes out to the school, the community, and anyone directly touched by that violence. Maybe some of the rest of us can still pretend the violence is remote, even though multiple nearby places have been victimized. But even so, there has to be a general sadness underlying things for everyone: we all know this won’t be the last time this happens. It may be sooner or it may be later, but this seems like a clearly established pattern of modern American life. As I was discussing with some friends, it baffles me that there hasn’t been much (if any) outcry for “answers” to this ongoing problem from the presidential candidates. It’s not that I think there are easy answers – guns and violence intertwine through our culture and laws as much as freedom and capitalism do. But the options on issues like immigration and healthcare aren’t simple, either, ...
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Theater In Love?
2008-02-14 22:47:00
A couple of Company Members, Book of Liz Cast Members, and Bad Review Cast Members did some interviews for a short film called Theater in Love as part of a podcast show The Callback. Take a look:Online Videos by Veoh.com If you watch the whole thing you will see two female company members kiss. if (typeof window.Delicious == "undefined") window.Delicious = {}; Delicious.BLOGBADGE_DEFAULT_CLASS = 'delicious-blogbadge-line';
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Mastering the cheeseball!
2008-02-14 16:56:00
2/13/2008 10:00:00 PM Email this article • Print this article If you go ...The Book of Lizn Chemically ImbalancedTheater, 1420 West Irving Park Roadn Runs through March 29n Tickets: $12-$18Mastering the cheeseballNorth side theater runs David and Amy Sedaris playBy PHIL MOREHART, Contributing WriterTheater reviewWundersiblings Amy and David Sedaris are behind some of today's most challenging, innovative comedy. From the absurd, near surreal antics of Amy's late television spoof, Strangers with Candy, to David's bitingly funny essays, radio work and short story collections, they consistently spear notions of what comedy is and what it can be. Their collaborative stage play, The Book of Liz-currently in production at Chemically Imbalanced Comedy-is no different.The play centers on Sister Elizabeth Donderstock of Clusterhaven, a cloistered, conservative, God-fearing religious community populated by the Squeamish (think the Amish-but kooky). Sister Elizabeth has a bit ...
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Ready to Rent!
2008-02-13 15:43:00
Chemically Imbalanced Theater, a 50 seat Black Box located in the Heartof Wrigleyville is open for Spring and Summer Rent als.Wed Prime time (6pm-10pm) $125 per nightThurs late night (10:00pm-Midnight)$100 per nightThurs-Sat @8pm, Sun @ 5pm $600 per weekSun @ late night (10:00pm-Midnight) $100 per nightFAQ:Q: Where are you located?A: 1420 W Irving Park Road (Between Ashland and Southport, two blocksfrom Live Bait and Music Box)Q: Do you have your PAV?A: Yes we do! Proudly hanging in our lobby.Q: Do you have Air Conditioning?A: We are currently planning installing Central Air by June 1 (we aregetting prices from HVAC as we speak)Q: Don't you only have Comedy?A: Chemically Imbalanced Comedy, the resident company, only exploresComedy but we hope to make connections with itinerate Companies of allgenres to produce in our space.Want to see some video check out our myspace.com/cicomedyWant to set up an appointment to see the space email angie@cicomedy.com if (typeof window.Delicious ...
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Cna oyu tcach no?
2008-02-12 20:07:00
Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. if (typeof window.Delicious == "undefined") window.Delicious = {}; Delicious.BLOGBADGE_DEFAULT_CLASS = 'delicious-blogbadge-line';
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96D Theme Song
2008-02-11 16:39:00
by Jay Gish96D Theme Song Add to My Profile | More Videos96 D, let 'em 96 be... Give ya all you wanted, all your 96 dreams.Bumpin' the excitement up to 96 screams,Takin' you to school about what 96 means.If you gotta nine put it before the six, see?Otherwise it's sixty-nine, on someone's thick beav.If the thought of that is gonna make you sick, leave. If your ass is comin' then take out the stick, please.If ya don't like laughin' then you just a prick, skeez.No more fuckin' question who your favorite is, see?Everybody give it up for 96 D! if (typeof window.Delicious == "undefined") window.Delicious = {}; Delicious.BLOGBADGE_DEFAULT_CLASS = 'delicious-blogbadge-line';

Congrats to ComedySportz!
2008-02-08 17:58:00
by Angie McMahonSo last night my Husband Tom and I went to go see the brand new ComedySportz Chicago space. It was really beautiful. I have only seen three ComedySportz shows ever. And strangely enough two of them were opening nights of new spaces for them.So I have seen the last three spaces ComedySportz has been in. This by far is the most beautiful. They have shiny fancy flat screen TV's that serve as the score board as well as show video bits (insiders tip I heard these we purchased from the Improv Kitchen :)They also have a nice bar with friendly staff and a liquor license (am I jealous, a little). But I have to say as far as reception goes I was under whelmed. Now it can't be easy working from scratch and building up a space for two years. AND having almost a whole week of openings (a press open, a industry open, a company open, a public open) I get it.But this was your opening night (at least one of them) and at the end of the night the reception (sponsored by Chip...

Happy Thursday
2008-02-07 18:10:00
Don't send a lame eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!
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A Place for Friends!!!
2008-02-06 20:43:00
A Bunch of our CIC sponsored Improv Groups have new Myspace Pages. Become a friend:CORNWALLISBLACK IRISH if (typeof window.Delicious == "undefined") window.Delicious = {}; Delicious.BLOGBADGE_DEFAULT_CLASS = 'delicious-blogbadge-line';
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All the World is a Stage?
2008-02-05 20:39:00
by Angie McMahonThis is something I scribbled down in my notebook back in Nov while I was waiting on the 9th floor of City Hall to get our floor plans stamped and approved.-------------------------Life is a long rehearsal process waiting for a 10 min performance. Will anyone attend the show? Have I marketed the show enough? Is there enough production value to win an award? Will they write nice things about the performance in the paper?And why does any of that matter? Just do your set. It will go how it goes. Enjoy the performance. Who knows when the next time you will get to perform.But when we think of "The Big Show" being over we do care if it went well. We do care if people liked it. We do want to have touched many peoples lives with our show. It does matter. All the world is a stage?If that is true I got in for half price.
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Cloverfield Star at Snubfest '07
2008-02-05 02:15:00
Here is a video from Last Year's Snubfest '07 with the film Cloverfield 's star TJ Miller doing some stand alone Stand Up.TJ Miller at SnubfestAdd to My Profile | More Videos
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Black Irish
2008-02-01 15:11:00
Tonight in our Comedy Showcase Two Man Improv Group Black Irish , in a surprising last min line up change, headline. if (typeof window.Delicious == "undefined") window.Delicious = {}; Delicious.BLOGBADGE_DEFAULT_CLASS = 'delicious-blogbadge-line';
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Goldstar Reviews for The Book of Liz
2008-01-30 16:26:00
GOLDSTAREVENTS.COM Member Review "Really had a wonderful experience. The acting was fantastic and SOOO funny. Couldn't help myself from laughing. Great! Loved every character, and their diverse personalities gave it depth." Four Stars"We enjoyed it. Funny and cute - nice small theater, very authentic experience." Three stars"The cast & crew did a wonderful job bringing this wacky Amy Sedaris play to life!" Four Stars"Superbly acted performance. Nice intimate venue. Well worth it!" Four Stars"Great script, acting and set design. This ironic play had excellent twist, turns and character development that makes it worth seeing. The theater is intimate and makes you feel like you have personally met the cast." Four StarsAll Reviews can be found at goldstarevents.com if (typeof window.Delicious == "undefined") window.Delicious = {}; Delicious.BLOGBADGE_DEFAULT_CLASS = 'delicious-blogbadge-line';
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Blent
2008-01-29 14:56:00
by Laurel SchroederMy blender is broken. I blent too vigorously. Which is a bummer since replacement parts are clearly a thing of the past. If I wanted to just replace the whole blender, no problem. I could just pop down to the local Walmart and get a nice shiny new one for about 30 bucks. But see, the thing is, my whole blender isn?t broken ? I mean the whole thing didn?t just spontaneously shatter into a hundred pieces. The base broke and the blade won?t turn. If I had a new base, the whole thing would work just as well as it did the first day I got it. So what happens when I try to track down a replacement for this part? People?s reactions range from sympathy to disbelief to open hostility. ?You just don?t do something like that! Not when you can buy a shiny new one at Walmart for 30 bucks!? And what do I do when that one breaks too? ?Buy another one! They come in different colors!? We buy badly made things because they?re cheap, and then they break because they?re badly made. Th...
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Pictures from the Weekend Shows
2008-01-28 13:17:00
Photos by Alexandra Klimczakwww.alexandrakgallery.com if (typeof window.Delicious == "undefined") window.Delicious = {}; Delicious.BLOGBADGE_DEFAULT_CLASS = 'delicious-blogbadge-line';
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Improv City Vol 5
2008-01-25 15:51:00
by Jay Gish if (typeof window.Delicious == "undefined") window.Delicious = {}; Delicious.BLOGBADGE_DEFAULT_CLASS = 'delicious-blogbadge-line';
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Oh F**K!
2008-01-23 12:53:00
Yesterday My daughter and I watched this on PBS Kids. NSFW!This is the only Youtube I could find of this. if (typeof window.Delicious == "undefined") window.Delicious = {}; Delicious.BLOGBADGE_DEFAULT_CLASS = 'delicious-blogbadge-line';
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My dog saved my life. Really, he did.
2008-01-22 22:30:00
by Lina BunteA few weeks back, Duncan, my handsome Carin Terrier, woke me up by crying loudly. Now this isn?t unusual. He cries a lot. Mostly he cries in order for me to pick him up and place him on the couch or bed. He?s 14 and really only has one working leg. (Multiple surgeries and bad arthritis will do this.) I ignored him for a few minutes. His cries never subsided. I threw my covers off and set my feet on the ground. Duncan started walking backwards, away from me. Weird. I stood up and leaned forward to pick him up, but he walked away! This happened twice. I shit you not. By the third time, I was ready for him. I got up quickly and tired to grab him. No luck. He walks away, and this time I follow him. He walks toward the kitchen. I follow him. Maybe he needs water. We get to the kitchen, his water bowl is full. I look at him, and he?s sitting right in front of the stove. We start a staring contest. After a minute, I give up and walk toward him in order to pick him up. As I ste...
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This Week's Bad Review:
2008-01-18 14:02:00
We take the worst Review from the Chicago Reader and we Improvise the show we feel the critic would have rather seen. Every Sunday at 8pmThis weeks Review:FLOWERS OUT OF SEASON Edward Crosby Wells's play hails from the Nick Cave school of magic realism: set in the same sort of vaguely southwestern, vaguely antediluvian, lightning-riven flood plain of the mind, it has a Murder Ballads-style hero who may literally be the devil in disguise. The expressionism and outright fantasy of Wells's audacious, borderline supernatural scenario are well matched by director Madrid St. Angelo's stylized, sensual staging for People 's Theater of Chicago. But only so much can be done about the story's incomprehensibility, the frequent banality of the existential dialogue, and the bursts of troublingly unmotivated bullying. Gerardo Cardenas pushes a little hard in places but otherwise makes handy work of the "dangerous" archetype, and as his wife, Kristina Klemetti is pretty much flawless. --Brian ...

Coffee'd Up: Alien Vs. Predator 2
2008-01-15 20:26:00
by Jay GishA conversation...why can't they get along? if (typeof window.Delicious == "undefined") window.Delicious = {}; Delicious.BLOGBADGE_DEFAULT_CLASS = 'delicious-blogbadge-line';
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“The Real World” Meets the Real World
2008-01-15 20:21:00
by Jay GishMaybe you’re a little sick of “reality” T.V.? Well, there was a small vanguard of satirists who took on the genre before it was cool to do it. (Read: the following archive clip may not be cool.) Take this, Mark Burnett. Zing! if (typeof window.Delicious == "undefined") window.Delicious = {}; Delicious.BLOGBADGE_DEFAULT_CLASS = 'delicious-blogbadge-line';
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Yelp!
2008-01-14 18:13:00
Here is what some Yelp 'ers had to say about our Friday Showcase this weekend:Dana, Chicago, IL:Positives: BYOB; the third improv group (especially the woman with the short dark hair!)I thought that the third group was really funny! The ice-fishing, the smoking ban, and the closeted lesbian bits were hilarious. I would have enjoyed to see them perform for the entire show.I liked the set-up of the theater, which is small and intimate -- without making you feel that you are on top of the performers.-----(just so the world knows this women is talking about Cornwallis and Lina)----Carrie M, Chicago, ILChemically Imbalanced Comedy is definitely comedy off kilter. The Friday Night comedy showcase was a fun barrel of laughs where I'll never think of Johnsonville bratwursts and my fingers the same way again. The showcase displays the talents of three comedy improv talents for $10 (our tickets were comp'ed thanks to Angela M. a Yelper and Director of Chemically Imbalanced Comedy). It's a ...
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