Performance Revue

Outtakes: Amy Sumpter

In these outtakes from Amy Sumpter's episode, we discuss the duplicitous toilets of Manhattan, working a day job, dating as a comedian, and a lot more.   Timestamps: 01:00 – Dissecting Comedy at Open Mics 01:28 – “I love a good poop joke, but…” 01:58 – The Legend of Kyle Parris Mentions of Doc Martins, Dad Jeans, Elbow Patches, ‘The Room’, Vaudeville 03:45 – Selling the Hell Out of a Dad Joke 04:38 – New York and L.A. 05:00 – The Toilets of New York 05:52 – Moving to Chicago to ...

Amy Sumpter

Co-founder of The Kates on Broadway and acclaimed Chicago comedy vet Amy Sumpter goes over her amazing 2019 set at Strip Joker in this season 3 finale! We discuss making space for women in stand-up (and in the world), the time her breast ended up in an old lady's mouth on the subway, and what not to do when your gynecologist shows up to a pelvic exam dressed as a pirate. Timestamps: 01:00 – Set from Strip Joker 14:00 – “I come from a pretty funny family” Mentions of 7th Grade, Mean Gi...

Outtakes: Brittani Ferguson

In these outtakes from Brittani Ferguson's episode, we discuss the queer coding within 80's and 90's action films, 'Little House on the Prairie', and, of course, the 'X-Files'. Timestamps: 00:00 – “The Burbs” 00:48 – Del Close and Sharna Mentions of Second City, Improv, Todd Barry, Steven Wright, Mu 02:18 – All 80’s and 90’s Action Films Were Softcore Gay Porn Mentions of Tom Cruise, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chuck Norris, Dolph Lundgren 03:16 – “I published an essa...

Brittani Ferguson

In the Before Times of Yore, comedian and cast member of The Lincoln Lodge, Brittani Ferguson stopped by to discuss her interesting set at Strip Joker. We have a fascinating conversation about her military upbringing, reciting Mel Brooks films as a child, the context of the words "gay" and "queer," her childhood (and current) obsession with Gillian Anderson, and a lot more. Timestamps: 01:00 – Opening Set @ Strip Joker 13:45 – ‘History of the World: Part I’ Mentions of Madeline Khan,...

Spencer Blair: Outtakes

In these outtakes from Spencer Blair's episode, we discuss the unceremonious closing of Uptown Underground, how he used to cheat audience members into the Chill As Fuck show at Second City, the time I learned about secondary sex mattresses, gay dating app etiquette, and more.    

Spencer Blair

In the Before Times of Yore, podcaster/producer/comic Spencer Blair chats about his mostly-improvised hosting set at Strip Joker. We discuss his improv background, how he got into hosting/producing shows all over Chicago, the internal dynamics of Strip Joker, and being terrifyingly confident onstage, all before we dive into the set. Spencer can be found on the podcasts 'Desks & Dayjobs' as well as 'Please Make This', and is currently a co-producer of Strip Joker.   Timestamps:   01...

Outtakes: Jamie Shriner Biddle

Trigger Warning: Personal Story of Sexual Assault In these outtakes from Jamie Shriner Biddle's episode, we discuss the tragedy that is Louie CK at length, which prompts Jamie to reveal that she is a survivor. We also discuss the wounds of conservatism, the life of Valerie Solanas, Ellen Degeneres and her relationship with George W. Bush, and a whole lot more. This is the longest and heaviest outtakes episode to date.   Time Stamps:   01:30 – Punching Down Mentions of Louie CK [I u...

Jamie Shriner Biddle

In the Before Times of Yore (2019), actor/singer/composer/comedian Jamie Shriner Biddle breaks down her hosting set at 'Naughty Thoughts', her monthly Laugh Factory show. This set includes her original song 'In My Butt', the story of her sexy cat costume, some crowd work, and a parable about unprotected sex. We discuss how she went from writing musicals to performing stand-up, her international marriage, how to make music funny, and a lot more before digging into the set. Jamie has writte...

Outtakes: Devin Middleton

In these outtakes from Devin Middleton's episode, we talk about the various reactions of Star wars fans to his set, accountability in the stand-up comedy scene, how the Walt Disney Corporation is destroying public domain, the X-Men comics, and a discussion of queer coding in the Dragonball Z series leads to the foundation of his next project.   Timestamps:   01:45 – “How many times have you done this bit?” 01:45 – “How many times have you done this bit?” 03:05 –Recording ‘The Hagga...

Devin Middleton

Devin Middleton engages in a socially-distanced interview about his opening set during KJ Whitehead's 'The Haggard Unicorn' album recording in January 2020. Devin summarizes the first nine films in the Star Wars franchise in about nine minutes through a socially-conscious lens. He uses this framework as a way to critique the franchise's white-washing of the pop-culture science fiction landscape, as well as it's clumsy handling of the topic of slavery. Devin is a musician who releases album...

Outtakes: Rodescu Hopkins

In these outtakes from the Rodescu Hopkins episode, we divulge many personal tales from the Trigger Warning Open Mic (these stories include Rodescu's first time hosting and a man who tried to sell him a fiefdom in Africa), and we cap it off with the full report of his would-be business dealings with Cards Against Humanity.   Timestamps: 01:20 – My Kyle Parris Impression at Trigger Warning Mention of Marc Levalle 3:00 – Rodescu’s First Time Hosting Trigger Warning Mentions of Jeff St...

Rodescu Hopkins

Rodescu Hopkins engages in a socially-distanced interview about his set at We Still Like You in the before times of July 2019. his stories include peeing in a crowded car during Wrestlemania, getting caught stealing from Whole Foods, and discovering his dead father's porn collection. Rodescu runs The Trigger Warning Open Mic with his co-host Ed Towns, which has been described as "Stand-Up Boot Camp," and is currently studying film full-time.   Time Stamps:   01:00 – Set from ‘We Stil...

Outtakes: Sohrab Forouzesh

Timestamps 02:00 – What have you been doing since the pandemic started? Origami, Yoga, Star Trek, Reading, Weed 02:58 – Sending Packets to Late Night Shows Mentions of SNL 03:41 – Pitching Ideas in the Writer’s Room vs. Performing a Stand-Up Set 04:00 – “If you can pitch, but can’t write, you’re still useful” 06:01 – “A good producer will cut a good joke just because it doesn’t fit in the show” 07:05 – “Conan’s people are smart as shit” Mention of Masturbating Bear, Triumph the Ins...

Sohrab Forouzesh

Sohrab Forouzesh engages in a socially-distanced performance review on a set from Strip Joker in 2019. He performed this set wearing a speedo, sunglasses, pasties, a fez, and nothing else. Sohrab is a comedian, producer, and writer. You may recognize him from The Love Below comedy show, or his work on Group Therapy and 'Hello, It's Hobert!' Find out more about Sohrab on his website sohrabisbrown.com View the set at the Performance Revue YouTube channel:   Time Stamps:   01:00 –...

Winslow Dumaine - Where Does Comedy Go From Here?

Winslow Dumaine reveals the myriad of projects he has undertaken during the pandemic, from organizing, donating, and protesting, to taking another deep dive back into his ever-growing Tarot Restless universe. Winslow is a writer, artist, comedian, and merch wizard. You may recognize him from opening for Kyle Kinane, his Tarot Restless project, or art featured on his website. His new Kickstarter launches soon. Check it out here, when it's available. Time Stamps: 01:07 – Useless advice on...

Sabeen Sadiq - Where Does Comedy Go From Here?

Sabeen Sadiq updates us on her life during the lockdown and takes a stab at the question 'Where Does Comedy Go From Here?' Sabeen is an actress, producer, and stand-up comic. You may recognize her from the series 'Code Switched', her commercial work, or her time on the 'Wallah, She's Funny' comedy tour.   Time Stamps: 01:30 – “I’m a skincare addict” 01:45 – “I didn’t have the funding until the pandemic relief” 02:06 – Dermatologists on Tik Tok 02:23 – “You’re THIRTY?!” 02:36 – ‘Se...

Jillian Ebanks - Where Does Comedy Go From Here?

The first installment of Performance Revue's 'Where Does Comedy Go From Here?' is a conversation/interview/check-in with Jillian Ebanks. Jillian is a comedian, actor, a Bob Curry fellow, a co-producer of B.A.P.S., and a brilliant black woman just trying to survive during a global pandemic in a regressive country. Jillian's waxing video is now on YouTube! Give it a look: https://youtu.be/-_0sikMMaZQ. Time Stamps: 01:20 - Recap of Previous Episode Begins Mention of Drake 01:55 – “I’v...

Season 3 Primer

A short primer for Performance Revue's 3rd season. The first 3 episodes will revolve around the question "Where does comedy go from here?" Featuring Jillian Ebanks, Sabeen Sadiq, and Winslow Dumaine. Episodes 4-6 are socially distanced interviews featuring Sohrab Forouzesh, Rodescu Hopkins, and Devin Middleton. The last 4 episodes were recorded in the Before Times with Jamie Shriner-Biddle, Spencer Blair, Brittani Ferguson, and Amy Sumpter.

Outtakes: Marilee

The ever-hilarious Marilee discusses Tiffany Haddish, auditioning for 'Empire', creating a fantasy draft for potential husbands, plans for her future wedding, and more!

Marilee!

Season 2 is going out in style with the amazing Marilee! Marilee Pheniece Dale-Williams, colloquially known as Marilee, can take any premise and push it well beyond anyone’s comfort zone. All with an irreverent, biting, anti-patriarchal edge.   View the performance: https://youtu.be/Xu4qeYNew8s   View the performance with commentary:   https://youtu.be/uBqLC44s2a4

Outtakes: Carly Ballerini

Carly talks at length about Kyle Kinane’s comedy, we discuss exploring open mics, talk smack about comedian Tyler Snodgrass, get personal about hair loss, and finish up on bad bosses.

Carly Ballerini

Today, we're featuring the brilliant Carly Ballerini! Carly is a touring comedian who stays extremely active in the Chicago comedy scene. She is a producer of ‘The Gimmie Show’, Space, and the local gem ‘Ladylike’ at café Mustache. Her style of comedy is a deeply-vulnerable storytelling, often reflecting on moments from her childhood. Carly is an excels at guiding an audience, getting them onboard for each premise, and establishing punchlines you didn’t even know were getting set up. ...

Outtakes: Whitney Chitwood

Whitney Chitwood talks about about the existential crisis that is ‘The Room’, puzzles over a yard glass, and tells a story about Strip Joker that leads into a discussion about proper dildo etiquette.

Whitney Chitwood

Today, we’re cracking up with Whitney Chitwood! Her delivery onstage seems quite effortless and off-the-cuff, but much in the vein of influential performers like Robin Williams, many of the punchlines you’ll hear are meticulously crafted. The trick is that each bit is modular, and their placement within any given set can be improvised, while the punchlines remain largely the same. This style of comedy is quite difficult to master, and requires extreme skill in joke crafting. We discuss ...

Outtakes: Megan Brennan

In these outtakes from Megan Brennan's episode, we both discuss our issues with weight and obsession with appearance, Megan reveals some dark moments from her childhood and why escapism became necessary, talks about the most assertive Ohio lesbian she has ever met, and I share an anecdote about the closest I ever came to being poly.

Megan Brennan

Today, we're diving in with Megan Brennan! It’s often been said that the best comedians, such as Robin Willams, Richard Pryor, or Maria Bamford, maintain a child-like perspective which allows them to tap into lines of logic that are less obvious to normal adults. This playful persona easily lends itself to comedy. Megan takes this concept of play literally, as she applies elements of improv into her personal stories. We discuss growing up with her family, her small army of imaginary fri...

Outtakes: Skyler Higley

Outtakes for Skyler Higley’s episode of Performance Revue. The outtakes are where we feature conversational cul de sacs that didn’t quite fit into the main episode, and snippets that were cut for time, all with a decidedly less polished, and more podcast-y tone. In this pile of outtakes, Skyler discuss growing up with social media, evolving, evaluating your sense of humor (i.e. how to retract terrible things posted on Twitter), we weigh in on both sides of Kevin Hart’s recent controversy...

Skyler Higley

  Today we’re diving deep with Skyler Higley! A former Mormon turned comedian, Skyler is now one of the producers for The Young Hustle Show at Laugh Factory Chicago. His humor mixes social awareness with subjective personal introspection, specifically focusing on the odd racism experienced in his own upbringing. In a dawning era of “woke” comedy, Skyler’s approach fits like a glove.   Watch the performance here: https://youtu.be/eqTZPGMqsiU Watch the performance with commentary:...

Season 2: Part 2!

  We're back from Barcelona and back at the workstation. Apologies for the impromptu production break, and thanks for sticking with the show. Tune in tomorrow for a deep dive into the psyche of rising Chicago comedian Skyler Higley!

Impromptu Break for Season 2!

Outtakes: Casey Larwood

Welcome to the outtakes for Casey Larwood’s episode of Performance Revue. The Outtakes series is where we feature conversational cul-de-sacs and bits cut for time from the original episode, with a less polished, more podcast-y tone.   In this collection of outtakes from the main episode, Casey reveals her initial thoughts about the show, her take on Louie CK, a Facebook trend that took off in the comedy scene, and I dish out a few personal stories as well.

Casey Larwood

Today we’re cracking the shell of Casey Larwood! Casey is an unapologetic feminist, using her sharp wit to shine a light on women’s issues. Her greatest strength, and best material, comes from a complete, meticulous self-inventory which gives her comedy a fourth-wall breaking edge that few can match.   Watch the performance here: https://youtu.be/uxVHY8erGgk   Watch the performance with commentary: https://youtu.be/ZD6q_wnrX_E

Outtakes: Deanna Ortiz

Welcome to the outtakes for Deanna Ortiz’s episode of Performance Revue. The Outtakes series is where we feature conversational cul-de-sacs and bits cut for time from the original episode, with a less polished, more podcast-y tone.   In this collection of outtakes from the main episode, Deanna reveals her final acid trip, the time she unleashed on a heckler, the full "brain noodle" story, and more.

Deanna Ortiz

Today we're sitting down with Deanna Ortiz! Deanna started miming Dane Cook in middle school, and now is a cast member on the Lincoln Lodge, which is the longest-running independent comedy showcase in the United States. A lot happened in between those two points, in which Deanna cultivated a casual delivery for her quick-witted, hybrid comedy style. One part observational, one part confessional short stories with tight punchlines.   Watch the performance: https://youtu.be/eoRErpPa...

Outtakes: KJ Whitehead

Welcome to the outtakes for KJ Whitehead’s episode of Performance Revue. The Outtakes series is where we feature conversational cul-de-sacs and bits cut for time from the original episode, with a less polished, more podcast-y tone.   In this collection of outtakes from the main episode, KJ reveals her coming out story, switching from football to theater in high school, the misappropriation of George Carlin, knowing famous people, and more.

KJ Whitehead

Today, we're sitting down with KJ Whitehead! KJ is a transfeminine comedian, and a person of color, which gives her a viewpoint often not expressed in a stand-up comedy show. Her monthly showcase, ‘Outside Amy Schumer,’ also regularly features comedic voices from Chicago’s LGBTQ community. In this set alone, she explores everyday street harassment, public restrooms, and dealing with the musings of small children, who are customarily taught gender as a simple binary.   View the perfo...

Outtakes: Adam Kwaselow

Welcome to the outtakes for Adam Kwaselow’s episode of Performance Revue. The Outtakes series is where we feature conversational cul-de-sacs and bits cut for time from the original episode, with a less poished, more podcast-y tone.     Being open and honest is a very hard thing to pull off onstage, because once you expose yourself like that, it’s hard to know when to pull it back and get the laugh. I invited Adam on the show because I’m fascinated with the way he balances on that tight...

Adam Kwaselow

Today, we dig into the creative process of Adam Kwaselow!   Adam wanted to perform as a stand-up comedian since the age of nine, finding it to be a refuge from tragic family events happening around him. Since then, his comedic voice has evolved many times, resulting in his being surprisingly adept in a wide swath of comedy styles. In this set, which has a specific theme of loss, he seamlessly switches from observational comedy to surrealism, all while peppering in silly juvenile referen...

Outtakes: Sabeen Sadiq

Welcome to the Outtakes for Sabeen Sadiq’s episode of Performance Revue. This is bonus content, featuring parts of the main interview cut for time, conversational cul-de-sacs, and some behind-the-scenes peeks, with a decidedly more podcast-y tone.   The episode bounces around a lot, kicking off in the middle of a conversation about problematic popular comedians, which quickly drifts into candy. From there, we discuss some of our favorite comedians, such as Jackie Kashian and Sonal Aggarw...

Sabeen Sadiq

  This week, we're featuring a set and conversation with Sabeen Sadiq! Sabeen is a young, Muslim comedian on the rise in Chicago, continuing the trail blazed by comics like Mona Aburmishan and Azhar Usman, but her biggest influences come from Maria Bamford’s quirky, odd flair, and Jackie Kashian’s delivery.   Watch the performance here: https://youtu.be/zMlUcMMvyhg Watch the performance with commentary here: https://youtu.be/8nqB15iGhaU

Outtakes: Winslow Dumaine

Welcome to the Outtakes for Winslow Dumaine’s episode of Performance Revue. This is bonus content, featuring parts of the main interview cut for time and some behind-the-scenes peeks, with a decidedly more podcast-y tone. Here we discuss the stigma of mental illness, Kanye West, and using tarot as a "vehicle for pain."

Winslow Dumaine

It's finally time to reveal the creative process of Winslow Dumaine!   Winslow possesses a unique comedic style, dancing between self deprecation and self loathing. He sites influences such as Kyle Kinane and Rory Scovel, while also drawing influence from HP Lovecraft and the Dark Souls universe. This concoction drives his humor to brilliant extremes that I can only compare to musical genres like Death Metal and Noise Music. He is also the creator of The Tarot Restless, which is a tarot...

Outtakes: Scott Duff

Welcome to Scott Duff's Outtakes episode on Performance Revue! While the main episodes are polished and cohesive, this is a new segment that is going to have a more informal, podcasty tone, with some behind-the-scenes anecdotes. So, with that in mind: This interview lasted about 2 hours, which meant some topics were cut short for time. Here, we discuss the dynamics of a post-show "comedy hang," the idea of an audience relinquishing power to a comedian, and how to work up a stage persona....

Scott Duff

Today we're talking to comedian, producer, and radio personality, Scott Duff! Scott is the host of ‘Out Chicago’ on WCPT 820, a professional actor, and a producer of ‘The Kiki’, which is an ongoing queer comedy show. Being out and proud, he uses comedy as a vehicle to expose as many audience members as possible to both the joy, and the trials, of embracing gay culture.   Watch the performance here: https://youtu.be/kcFZJsBEsrU   Watch the performance with commentary: https://y...

Lindsay Lucido

Today we're talking to blogger and New York comic, Lindsay Lucido! Lindsay is a comedian who has successfully turned her lifelong struggles with depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder into a subversive style of stand-up. Her popular blog, ‘I’m Not Ok Cupid’ brilliantly details her adventures, and misadventures, in dating.   Check out Lindsay's blog here: http://www.chicagonow.com/im-not-ok-cupid/   View the performance here: https://youtu.be/d--hqCxGCJg View the perfor...

Outtakes: Kristen Toomey

Welcome to Kristen Toomey's Outtakes episode on Performance Revue! While the main episodes are polished and cohesive, this is a new segment that is going to have a more informal, podcasty tone, with some behind-the-scenes anecdotes. So, with that in mind: Kristen discusses aging, popping back into the Chicago stand-up scene, the risk (and joy) of telling jokes in the moment, and the time she almost quit comedy altogether! Very little small talk here.

Kristen Toomey

Season 2 continues with Kristen Toomey! Kristen is a founder of the local landmark show Hoo HA comedy, and recently came off of a tour with Chris Redd. She is a rising star who has been influencing and supporting local female and female-identifying comedians for years. Her frank style, charming onstage presence, and impossibly quick wit have won her many fans over the years.     Check out video of the performance here: https://youtu.be/ZtBqEvcvgkE Check out the live commentary...

Outtakes: Thom Britton (Freakshow And Tell)

Welcome to the first Outtakes episode of Performance Revue! While the main episodes are polished and cohesive, this is a new segment that is going to have a more informal, podcasty tone, with some behind-the-scenes anecdotes. So, with that in mind:   These clips are parts of our 2-hour-plus conversation that hit the cutting room floor. Mostly long versions of shortened answers and some conversational cul-de-sacs. We get into the gradual evolution of his Freakshow and Tell show, and a w...

Thom Britton (Freakshow And Tell)

We're kicking off Season 2 with Thom Britton! Thom is a veteran performer, juggler, science nerd, and fire-eater. He is also an old-school carnival performer who is featured in theaters all over the country with his two current shows ‘Freakshow and Tell’ and ‘The Séance’. His tireless work ethic, unusual background, and eclectic collection of passions translate to the stage as a truly novel, and subversive experience. Watch the live performance here: https://youtu.be/s6fnVKFULEU W...

Season 2 Starts Today!