Yep, I used the word, “fortnight” in a sentence.  It’s making a comeback, y’all (if I have anything to do with it).

No matter how you say it, it’s pretty exciting that 185 Buddhas Walk into a Bar is coming up in just two weeks!  Another exciting thing is how many awesome opening acts I’m going to have!  Each of the eight performances in February and 185buddhas_palmcard_front-01March has a different opening act!  Read on for all of the details!

185 Buddhas Walk into a Bar
Written and performed by Amanda Rountree, directed by Jen Ellison
Studio Be
3110 N. Sheffield Ave.
$12 in advance, $15 at the door Buy Tickets!
Thursdays in February and March at 8pm

185 Buddhas Walk into a Bar
The art of improvisation creates stories from thin air, making the unseen seen. For Amanda Rountree, this is not just an art form, but a way of life — one that includes unexpected twists and turns — leading, if not to mastery, to enlightenment.  Written and performed by Amanda Rountree, and directed by Jen Ellison, this show follows the artist on her path with all of the funny and touching moments along the way.

Ever Mainard (opening February 7) was chosen by Chicago Magazine as one of the top 100 comics in Chicago.  And she’s one of my top 10!  She cracks me up every time and it’s a real treat to have her on opening night.  She’s been featured on Jezebel.com, The Onion, and the Second City Network.  Ever is a cast member of Chicago Underground Comedy and the co producer and co-host of the Shit show.

Ian Foley (opening February 14) is a stand-up comic who performs comedy all across the country from Caroline’s on Broadway in NYC to The World Famous Comedy Store in Hollywood.  I first met Ian when he was student of mine at Second City; he became a friend shortly after. He produces the A.D.D. Comedy Podcast with Dave Razowsky and Ian Foley. If you haven’t checked out this podcast yet, do yourself a favor and get to it!

Ed Smaron (opening February 21) has been acting and making music in Chicago and Los Angeles since the early 1990’s.  I first met Ed when he was a member of the cast I directed in The 365 Project back in 2010.  He’s a super talented singer/songwriter and I’m so glad he’s opening for me!

Dave Stinton (opening February 28) has been writing and performing in Chicago for 15 years.  As a comedian, he’s opened for Dan Telfer, Adam Burke, and Kelsie Huff, and he was thrilled to participate in the Chicago Just For Laughs festival in 2012. He’s a friend of mine, and one of the funniest people I know.  Seriously, ya’ll.  And I know a lot of funny people.

Janna Sobel (opening March 7) is an actress, writer, improvisor and director, and teacher.  Before I met this splendid soul, folks who knew both of us would always say, “You don’t know each other?!  You should know each other!”  Boy, were they right!  Janna co-founded & co-hosts the monthly storytelling show Here’s the Story.  You should check it out!

Kelsie Huff (opening March14) is the founder, producer and host of the kates, the all female comedy showcase at The Book Cellar in Lincoln Square and has written two one woman shows HUFFS and Bruiser: Tales from a Traumatized Tomboy.  Kelsie has done more for women in comedy here in Chicago (and therefore, more for all comedy in Chicago) than anyone else I’ve met.  She’s really frickin’ cool.

The Twitty Birds (opening March21) is the musical pairing of Jeff Gandy and Andrew Thorp; they perform Conway Twitty covers on ukuleles!  I’ve known both of them for years from Second City.  I can’t be in a room with Jeff for more than five minutes without the two of us making each other laugh and Andrew is one of those delightful folks who has you smiling moments after talking with him.  I’m looking forward to these guys doing their stuff!

Amy Sumpter (opening March 28) is a comedic actress who has focused mainly on stand-up for 5 years.  She is a regular performer of The Kates and can be seen in Beast Women—which is where I first met her (and fell in love with her work) back in 2007!  She is also in an all female Beastie Boy tribute band called She’s Crafty.  I love Amy and you will too!

Pretty exciting, right?  Get your tickets now!

 

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