As one of the most renowned cities for theater in the United States, Chicago is known for its commitment to the art form like no other. Home to various famous theatres, including the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the Second City, Chicago also boasts an array of smaller theaters that provide a more intimate experience of live theatrical storytelling.
One such theatre that is proving to be a hit amongst audiences is The Annoyance Theatre. Established in 1987, this idiosyncratic venue has since then been driven by a mission to present innovative, experimental, and irreverent works on stage, which draws from all genres of performance including sketch comedy, scripted work, improv, and burlesque.
One form of theatre that is particularly celebrated at The Annoyance Theatre is improv. Every Saturday night, the theatre’s resident troupe- The Annoyance Improv team – takes the stage to deliver fresh and witty humor that tickles the funny bone of audiences. With no script conceived beforehand, the ensemble embarks upon what they call a ‘foray into the unknown’. And yet, through their improvisational talent and tuning of each others’ comedic wavelengths, they not only manage to make the audience laugh but delight them with their razor-sharp wit and insights into the human experience.
While the Annoyance Improv team performs every Saturday night, some nights continue to stand out from the rest, considered as some of the best nights of improv in Chicago. It is no surprise that these occasions also happen to see a packed house!
One such memorable evening took place last year, in the month of June, when the Annoyance Improv team took to the stage with some exciting new cast members. Chicagoans came in droves to witness the show which featured Lauren Vandervelde and Daniel Boyle (previously from The Second City), Frank Caeti (a regular at Los Angeles' iO West Theatre), and Jared Chapman (another iO alum, from Chicago).
The Annoyance Improv team wowed the audience with their quick-witted humor and impeccable timing. They kicked off the show with an invented scenario that quickly morphed into a complex labyrinth of sitcom-style narratives. It was entertaining and unpredictable throughout, with none of the performers missing even a slight beat.
And as a testament to how engrossing and captivating the performance was, it left the audience wanting more even after the show ended- something every theatre-goer dreams of in a night out watching theater.
In conclusion, The Annoyance Theatre continues to be at the forefront of comedic innovation in Chicago’s theatre scene, especially when it comes to the genre of improv, which can leave you rolling in the aisles. With their commitment to presenting unconventional, unscripted, and uncensored material, audiences are in for a unique experience every time they step into the theatre. So, next time if you're in Chicago on a Saturday night, don't miss out on the opportunity to attend what may very well be some of the best nights of improv in Chicago.
