Photos: SCHADENFREUDE RENT PARTY

 Schadenfreude, Chicago's long-running, critically acclaimed comedy ensemble, returns to celebrate the current Depression with their vaudeville-style “Schadenfreude Rent Party,” a five-Friday run from April 10 – May 8, 2009; doors open at 8 p.m., and the show begins at 9 p.m.  Performed at the Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley in Chicago’s Bucktown, this “Schadenfreude Rent Party” series includes ensemble members Kate James, Justin Kaufmann, Sandy Marshall, and Stephen Schmidt with guest artists, and will showcase new www.schadenfreude.net content.  Tickets for each night are $10 at the door (includes free bar food, plus $2.50 tap Lienies), and information is available at 773-576-6070 (events for ages 21 and over). 

Slated performers include:

Ken Barnard (Impress These Apes, stand-up)

Mark Bazer (RedEye columnist, Interview Show host)

Robert Buscemi (stand-up)

Joe Canale (Second City mainstage)

Lakewood Manor Players (Party on Clark St. short film)

Yuri Lane (beatbox musician)

Pat McKenna (Second City)

Susan Messing (Annoyance Theater)

Mike and Duane (musical comedy)

                        

These “Schadenfreude Rent Party” shows will be recorded for video and audio podcasts on www.schadenfreude.net, a daily provider offering video, audio, radio and a blog network of comedic Internet content from a Chicago perspective (plus on the Schadenfreude Facebook and Twitter pages).  Subscriptions to the Chicago Public Radio podcast as well as the Schadenfreude video podcast “The Weekly Bit” are at www.schadenfreude.net and distributed through the iTunes Music Store.   

Formed in 1998, Chicago’s sketch comedy ensemble Schadenfreude has performed on local and national stages, and is the creator and producer of the radio program “Schadenfreude,” (which aired on Chicago Public Radio 2003-05).  Schadenfreude has performed at countless venues including Chicago’s Goodman Theatre, The Second City, The Neo-Futurarium, and in New York City and Los Angeles.  Schadenfreude performed sold-out shows at the Chicago Improv Festival (1998-2007) and was the inaugural recipient of the Festival Highlight Award.  The ensemble has been featured in several national comedy festivals, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and at various colleges.

Photos by Benjamin Gonzalez

andy Marshall, Adam Witt, Stephen Schmidt, Kate James, and Justin Kaufmann

Sandy Marshall, Kate James, Adam Witt, Justin Kaufmann, and Stephen Schmidt

Sandy Marshall, Stephen Schmidt, Kate James, Adam Witt, and Justin Kaufmann

Adam Witt, Stephen Schmidt, Justin Kaufmann, Sandy Marshall, and Kate James