Many talented people are working out of this city, running rooms and shows that provide top-shelf comedy for bottom-shelf prices. One such room in Chicago is a comedy showcase called Chicago Underground Comedy, which is located at Gunther Murphy’s (1638 W. Belmont) every Tuesday night at 8:30 P.M.
Chicago comics Tony Sam and Brooke Van Poppellin started Chicago Under Ground Comedy in May 2005. It prides itself on being “the city’s best alternative stand-up comedy.” Tony Sam is now the sole producer of the showcase. The Under Ground showcases comedians whose styles, according to Tony, are “not straight stand-up.” One can see a variety of acts that are atypical of what one would see at mainstream comedy clubs. The night I was there the line-up included Chicago comics Brendan McGowan, Robert Buscemi, Sean Flannery, and Wisconsin comic, Andy Ross. The comedy duo Team Submarine consisting of Steve Obrien and Nate Fernald offered up a lively set with good timing and compatibility. The acts were unique and entertaining, and it was refreshing to see comics taking risks by marching to a different beat. If Chicago comedy is to stay fresh and cutting edge, then we need to applaud those who dare to be different. Headliner Robert Buscemi’s comedic use of diction and wordplay is astounding, and he is definitely someone to watch.
The room itself offers a cozy performance space with a nice stage and seats for approximately 80 people. Gunther Murphy’s, located at 1638 W. Belmont, is a full-service bar up front with a performance lounge in back. Tuesday’s specials include $2 domestic bottles and $3 Amestel Light pints. The show regularly pulls in sizable crowds, and tickets are only $5 at the door. Doors open at 8 P.M., and the show starts at roughly 8:30 P.M., running until about 10:30 P.M. Immediately following the show, you can make it a late night of comedy by staying and watching The Cool Table Improv Troupe who start performing at 11 P.M.
Chicago Underground pulls in some very talented young comics whom you may not be able to see elsewhere because of their out-of-the-box performances. The sets are definitely worth checking out. To find out more about the show visit www.chicagoundergroundcomedy.com.
Chicago Underground Comedy is just one of many places you can catch live comedy in Chicago. If you are in the mood to get off the beaten path of the big-name clubs in the Chicago area, I suggest you check out this room at Gunther Murphy’s. It is just one of the many rooms providing high quality yet affordable comedy in this city.
• "The Struggling Comic" appears exclusively in Lumino Magazine. Dustin White is a comedian/writer/actor living in Chicago. You can reach him through his Web site at www.dustinwhitecomedian.com.
