Listen, even if you already have plans for this evening at 8pm, cancel them. When comedic history is made, everyone wishes they opted out of Netflix or regular drinks at a local watering hole when they could have witnessed something so spectacular it was raved about for years. Rarely will you ever see such an impressive line-up of comedic talent in one evening. Why? It’s simply too difficult to do. Nellie Huggins-local live arts producer and the mastermind behind tonight’s extravaganza-is an exception. Do not start the weekend with regret. Yes, Atomic Comics: Masters of the Humorverse is that exceptionally urgent. Rage against the dying of the comedic light and go to the Mayne Stage Theater at 1328 W Morse in Rogers Park at 8pm. Who will be there? Some of the most talented and entertaining stand ups in the city: Ever Mainard, Candy Lawrence, Dan Telfer, Chris Condren, Abby Mcenany, and Carey Callahan. The L Stop recently spoke with Nellie Huggins to discuss this awesome event.
The L Stop: What kind of styles and comedy can we expect to see from these performers?
Nellie Huggins: They are all so different, but I chose them for this show because one of the many things they have in common is that they are all very smart. It’s such a smart, unique group of weirdos, and the only thing I can tell anyone to expect is that they will simultaneously make you laugh and think.
The L Stop: Tell us a little more about the line-up.
Nellie Huggins: I’ve got Ever Mainard hosting. Chris Condren, Abby Mcenany, Candy Lawrence, and Carey Callahan are performing. Dan Telfer will be headlining. I have comedy crushes on all of them. It’s almost offensive.
The L Stop: What inspired this show?
Nellie Huggins: I’ve wanted to do this show for a while; I just needed the right venue. I wanted to put comics on stage that I respect and want everyone else to know about. More importantly, I want to watch people who make me laugh. I have so much respect for comics who are talented and have the hustle with which to back it up. These are the people whose careers, in my opinion, could blow up tomorrow. Really I just want to put them on stage before they stop answering my emails.
The L Stop: As a local performing arts producer, do you have a specific goal with this event?
Nellie Huggins: My goal for this show is to put the funniest, hardest working comics in Chicago on stage together, regardless of their sexual orientation. I’m working on extending the show into a series, but no dates have been set. There will be an Atomic Comics part two, though, for sure.
The L Stop: How would you describe the local queer comedy scene?
Nellie Huggins: I think there has been a noticeable increase in the number of queer showcases and outlets popping up, and it’s largely because there are a handful of people in the community who are relentless in creating spaces where queer comics can feel open and supported. Queer Comedy at Zanies, for example. If Adam Guerino hadn’t created that show at a large, mainstream venue, none of this would be happening. If I can have any part in perpetuating that momentum, I’ll be thrilled.
The L Stop: What are your goals for your 2012 comedy productions?
Nellie Huggins: I want to give smart, talented, funny people a platform to talk about the things that are important to them. I want to create shows that provide a safe, supportive environment for everyone who walks through the door. I want to use comedy as an impetus for starting conversations and giving back to the community and, if I’m lucky, people will show up and laugh.
The L Stop: Did you collaborate with many folks to produce this? If so, whom?
Nellie Huggins: I have received a tremendous amount of support, without which none of this would be happening. Gapers Block, who I write for, has been gracious enough to sponsor the show, and Zealousgood.com has been instrumental in the charity aspect; they connect people who want to give back to the community with organizations who need support. I think it’s really important, especially when you are doing something as fun as comedy, to give back in some way. I have always had a charity aspect to all of my shows, so finding them has made things a lot easier. Mayne Stage has also been really helpful. They are so supportive and easy to work with that it takes a lot of the stress out of producing a show. I’ve been really lucky with this entire process.
The L Stop: Why Mayne Stage as a venue?
Nellie Huggins: Two reasons, the first being that the place is amazing. It’s so beautiful inside. I can remember seeing Maria Bamford there last year and just thinking ‘This. I want to work here.”, so I stalked them until they said yes. The other reason is that I am a big fan of Chris Ritter and the old Lakeshore Theater gang. Not to sound hokey, but Ritter is so supportive of local, non-mainstream comedy, and I respect that a lot. I have never met a nicer group of comedy nerds at a single venue.
The L Stop: What do you want readers to know if they’re thinking about getting tix? What kind of night or vibe do you expect it to be?
Nellie Huggins: I swear on a stack of cheese pizzas that this show will be funny and well worth leaving the house on a Friday night in January. Overall I hope the night is fun and hilarious and that everyone goes home and immediately looks all of the comics up on youtube, and they all go viral.
The L Stop: Where can people go to check out more info or buy tix?
Nellie Huggins: People can go to maynestage.com or to the Facebook event page.
Event Info
Atomic Comics: Masters of the Humorverse
Friday, January 20th
Doors open at 7pm. Show is from 8pm-10pm
Mayne Stage / 1328 W. Morse, Chicago IL
Tickets are limited and are $15 each, $20 for reserved seating, and can be purchased here.
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