TBS Just for Laughs Chicago runs from Tuesday, June 11, through Sunday, June 16, and offers a daily embarrassment of comics—round about 185 altogether, both local and national. Most events take place at Stage 773 (1225 W. Belmont), with a few big names at venues like the Chicago Theatre and Park West. Our critics’ picks are below; a full schedule is at justforlaughschicago.com, where you can also buy tickets. Everything here is $15 unless otherwise noted.
Megan Gailey is a top-notch, lovable bitch. It’s as if Regina George were Lucille Bluth’s granddaughter, but raised with actual love in her home in Indianapolis. Her confident superficiality is withering, and I’ve seen the female staff at the Laugh Factory whisper her best moments of self-absorption (“I don’t give a fuck about your life”) along with her as they work. Gailey makes the title of her podcast a reality tonight when she records Naked Sports Live with cohost Joe Kilgallon. —MA
Todd Barry Podcast taping Wed 6/12, 8:30 PM; also Fri-Sat 6/14-6/15, 10 PM, Stage 773
He’s probably best known for portraying Tobias Funke in Arrested Development, but David Cross was a treasure long before he donned cutoff denim. His stand-up albums Shut Up, You Fucking Baby! (2002) and It’s Not Funny (2004) are invaluable time capsules of Bush-era absurdity, while his seminal sketch series Mr. Show influenced everything from Portlandia to Tim and Eric. For his JFL appearance, Cross performs alongside fellow alt-comedy denizens and former Mr. Show cohorts Brian Posehn and Paul F. Tompkins, as well as Doug Benson and Todd Glass. —DH
Maria Bamford Sat 6/15, 7 PM, Park West, 322 W. Armitage, $27.50
