ImprovStandsUp! Extended Through February 29

Based on the long-standing myth that there's a comedy war between improvisers and stand-up comedians in the city of Chicago, patrons are invited to come see the best of both sides merge together into a night of roaring laughter at ImprovStandsUp! Playing every Wednesday at 8 p.m. at The Playground Theatre, this hour-long roller coaster is a fully improvised show performed by some of the city's best, up and coming improvisers, with sets by different, local stand-up comedians peppered throughout the show. "I came up with the idea pretty simply because I LOVE and DO improv, and I LOVE and RESPECT--see how I did not say DO--stand up. Seeing enough of both forms, I was sick and tired of them being mutual exclusive," says Anthony Venturini, ImprovStandsUp creator and director.

With a different stand-up being featured each week and a rotating cast of improvisers who are hearing the set for the first time, the show has no bounds. "To see the things that the performers pull from these stand up bits is always impressive and hilarious. And to hear the routines that these stand ups come with is outstanding," Venturini says. "These two things combined have so far made for absolute brilliance."

ImprovStandsUp, originally slotted for a six-week run, has now been extended through February 29. Tickets are $10, but we're featuring a special 2 for 1 deal with a valid student ID. The theatre is also BYOB, so patrons can "Come drink for cheap and laugh for long." The Playground Theatre is located at 3209 N. Halsted Street.