The iO Theater wrapped up its second annual iO Fest on Sunday, showcasing over 100 comedy acts across four days, featuring both local Chicago talent and prominent national headliners.
Our team from Third Coast Review attended various shows throughout the weekend to share their experiences and insights from the final two days of the event.
One standout performance was by 3PEAT, an all-Black improv team that has made a significant impact on the Chicago comedy scene.
The team kicked off their set with a monologue from Shantira Jackson, a seasoned performer at Second City. Jackson’s reflections on gardening as a meritocracy resonated powerfully, especially amidst an audience filled with aspiring comedians.
As scenes unfolded, the irreverent humor took center stage, showcasing a father’s struggle to choose his favorite child, a whimsical shooting star, and a side-splitting gambling ad skit featuring performers Nnamdi Ngwe and Dewayne Perkins.
3PEAT’s unique brand of improv combines boldness, wit, and a necessity for representation in comedy, making their performance a must-see event, and leaving fans hoping for their return to Chicago stages soon.
Another notable act at the festival was Neil Hamburger, who began his set with a wild, liquor-fueled rendition of Heart’s “Crazy on You.”
Hamburger, the alter ego of performer Gregg Turkington, brought an unusual blend of absurdity and biting commentary to the stage.
Throughout his hour-long performance, he dished out scathing observations on fame, aging rock stars, and the elaborate spectacle of charity concerts, while his physical antics, including gagging and fidget spinning, added to the chaos.
The audience was entranced by Hamburger’s anti-comedy style that masterfully balanced discomfort with charisma, reminding everyone that the “iO” in iO Theater, according to him, stood for “interesting observation.”
Improvised Shakespeare Chicago also took the stage, impressing audiences with their quick wit and mastery of Shakespearean language.
The ensemble featured talented performers like Adam Schreck, Beth Melewski, Blaine Swen, Matt Young, and Joe Burton who created an entirely improvised play based on audience suggestions.
Their latest creation, “Canoodling for Yvette,” evolved into a dynamic narrative filled with clever couplets and hilarious interpretations of love and tragedy reminiscent of classic Shakespearean comedies.
The humor flourished within the complex love triangles and comedic misunderstandings, culminating in a memorable evening that resonated with the classic essence of live theater.
The festival concluded with a lively performance from Tellin’ Tales Theatre, which featured an engaging Armondo format.
Their focus on accessibility through American Sign Language (ASL) added enriching dimensions to the performance, weaving physical comedy throughout their storytelling.
Next up was the team Sorry, known for their edgy humor and sharp comedic timing that kept the audience laughing uncontrollably.
The final act of the evening was Panama, who brought a distinctly playful spirit to their portrayal of everyday relationships, humorously exploring the absurdity of life’s mundane rules, such as those encountered in a Costco.
Each performance from the day illustrated a range of comedic styles that underscored the vibrant culture of Chicago’s improv scene.
Notably, Susan Messing, a revered figure in the improvisation community, delivered a powerhouse performance in Messing With Lehr alongside fellow improviser John Lehr.
Messing’s approach to improv, which involves breaking comedic rules while maintaining a strong narrative voice, was on full display.
The dynamic interplay between Messing and Lehr created a captivating atmosphere, showcasing the unpredictability of live comedy infused with emotional depth.
With powerful character work and hilarious improvisational scenarios, Messing’s stylish antics, including an audience interaction piece where she got attendees to cluck like chickens, were a highlight of the festival.
Though iO Fest has concluded, comedic performances continue at the iO Theater, with audiences able to enjoy a variety of shows and classes on their website at ioimprov.com.
In summary, the success of iO Fest highlights the importance of diversity and creativity in comedy and reaffirms the Chicago improvisation scene as a foundational pillar of the art form.
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