Chicago Shows - The Second City

Caught in the one second between life and death, a man must reconcile his life choices while navigating the ridiculous characters in his head including a Shakespearean Baseball Coach, a disgruntled Buca di Beppo server, and an acid-induced gargoyle.

Frankly, My Frank blends characters and storytelling for an evening of humor and heart.

Written and Performed by Second City Alumnus Frank Caeti
(MADtv, Modern Family, Upright Citizens Brigade, Jimmy Kimmel Live)
www.frankcaeti.com

Directed by Second City etc and Mainstage Alumnus Ithamar Enriquez

Press Reviews
“Frank’s characters are as sublime as they are joyfully ridiculous and his unwavering commitment to them truly makes them burn bright”. – The Comedy Bureau LA

“It brought tears to my eyes from being both belly-achingly funny and earth-shatteringly truthful. Frank Caeti plays multiple facets of himself with ease, shifting into fully-fledged characters in the blink of an eye and showcasing their depth and their humor to the audience’s delight. He has crafted one of the most unique one-man shows I’ve seen that will stay with me for a long time. Go see it!” – Dramaworks

Audience Reviews
“Frankly my Frank, I Don’t Give a Frank is a masterclass in solo performance. The show is simultaneously hilarious, heartfelt, insightful, impressive, and inspiring. This is not an easy task, but Frank makes it look effortless.”
Kevin McGeehan – (10-Time Moth Winner, 2019 New York Moth GrandSLAM Champion)

“Frank’s mesmeric performance is sheer proof of the unfortunate narrative that show business does not necessarily reward truly exceptional talent. A breathlessly hystericaland chokingly poignant examination of passionate aspirations and the shifting perspective of priorities. Frankly, you should give a Frank. I truly loved the show.”
– Lance Barber (The Comeback, Young Sheldon)

“Frank Caeti is a powerhouse performer. He captivates the audience from minute one and never takes his foot off the gas. And amidst all the silliness he had me crying like a baby at his honesty and vulnerability.”
– Amanda Blake Davis (Second City, Hey Day)

“A vulnerable, hilarious, wonderfully layered solo show. Frank gives a stellar performance.”
– Stephnie Weir – (Second City and MADtv alum)

“This show is fantastic! I laughed, I cried, I loved every minute of it. Frank expertly weaves deep emotion, serious questions, and joyful silliness into a dazzling tapestry of love and hope.” – Erin Z.

“Frank possesses the uncanny ability to be both hysterical and vulnerable. Structurally, the show is a masterclass in story and character, all taking place in a brief moment in time. But I left the theater really moved, reflecting upon and appreciating the nuances in my own life.” – Bryan K

“A heartwarming, hilarious, memorable show that will move you and keep you giggling all hour long.” – Monette M

After getting a single suggestion, the cast of six professional comedians asks the audience to choose a detective. Enjoy as they invent a tale of crime, secrets, and scandals right before your eyes. The performers will keep track of facts, follow leads, and conclude who is the murderer, all while you take in a comedy experience unlike any you’ve seen before. During the show, they’ll employ the tropes, character archetypes, and influences of Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Sherlock Holmes, Nick and Nora Charles, Encyclopedia Brown, and just a dash of Scooby-Doo.

Ever heard of this show “Hamilton”?

Shamilton is just like that, but (ahem) better! Expect the same level of hip hop, incredible songs, moving storytelling, stunning choreography and powerhouse singing… except made up on the spot.

The New York Times called Shamilton “One of the top 5 comedy shows to catch”.

Comedy supergroup Baby Wants Candy presents “Shamilton!”, the Hamilton-inspired hip hop improvised musical created in 2016 in LA and playing to sold out crowds all over the place, including the Kennedy Center in DC, a national touring company and weekly sold out shows in New York and LA.

Join the Shamilton cast as they improvise an epic musical based on a historical figure or celebrity of your choosing…including Genghis Khan, Kim Kardashian, Mr. Rogers, or even basketball playing superdog Air Bud. You decide!

It’s the show Lin-Manuel Miranda calls, “cease and desist!”

Baby Wants Candy is a completely improvised, full band musical! Having performed over 3,000 improvised musicals to thousands of fans from Chicago to New York to Singapore to Scotland, this group not only performs in Chicago, New York, and LA but also tours internationally, including multiple sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival!

BWC cast & alumni include Aidy Bryant (Saturday Night Live), Jack McBrayer (30 Rock), Peter Gwinn (Colbert Report), Thomas Middleditch (HBO’s Silicon Valley), Lauren Conlan Adams (Kimmy Schmidt), Jessica McKenna (Party Over Here), Nicole Parker (Elephaba in Wickedon Broadway) and many more. Hailed as “Critic’s Pick” from the New York Times and “Best Improv Ensemble” from the Chicago Magazine, this is one improv show you don’t want to miss!

Don’t miss Chicago’s rising comedy stars before they hit TV, plus surprise guests from Netflix and Comedy Central! Get your tickets now for an unforgettable night of laughter!

Chill AF Presents the best comedians Chicago has to offer, plus special drop-ins from prominent name comedians you’ve seen on SNL, Comedy Central, and Netflix

Chicago’s top comedians battle it out for laughs, glory, and sweet sweet points in an interactive game show, featuring a live studio audience (that’s you!) Performers go head to head in a series of hilarious challenges inspired by classic game shows like The Dating Game and The Price is Right, and current hits like Game Changer and Taskmaster. Wheel of Improv will leave your head spinning – with laughter!

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Ten Dollar Comedy is a weekly comedy showcase featuring some of Chicago’s best improv, stand-up, and sketch – all for only $10.

This show is produced and hosted each week by Top Dollar Comedy, a comedy collective that features a rotating cast who have performed all over the world together. The ensemble includes: Carly Olson, Eric Muller, Eric Pedersen, Erin Goldsmith, Jonny Nelson, Peter Corey, and Deanna Ortiz.

What would the world be like without friendship?

With a Little Help From Our Friends is the next Don’t Quit Productions installment
that explores the deep dynamics of friendships in unimagined ways. Bring out the
homies for a night of laughter as you enter a world that navigates awkward game
nights to nostalgic memories. This sketch variety show is for those who help you
move apartments, those who are there for late-night chats and unsolicited advice.
This show is for everyone who knows you for who you really are and still loves
you all the same.

S.O.S. is a show for your summer sillies! If you love the beach, roadtrips, and summer camps with a possible murderer on the loose, this show is for you! Featuring relentless laughs, guaranteed goofiness, and inevitable chaos. Come in from the sun, and have some fun with the cast of S.O.S!

Life’s messy, weird, and downright absurd—but at least we can all agree on one thing: manners matter. Join our electric ensemble for a night of sharp-witted sketches, chaotic politeness, and absurdly well-mannered mayhem. This show is a ridiculous love letter to the weirdness we all experience when navigating Polite Society. We’d say “enjoy the show,” but you’re far too well-mannered not to.

A fast-paced, laugh-packed night featuring some of Chicago’s most killer standup comedians.

At Standup Bonanza, you can expect top-tier talent, relatable material, and immaculate vibes for an all-around good time!

A high-energy, laugh-out-loud sketch comedy show celebrating the vibrant and joyful world of queer life, all wrapped in unapologetic pride!

After scaring audiences across the nation, Yes, AHHH! is back for another improvised horror story. Spring is in the air, the flowers are blooming, and the open road calls. But not all destinations are as welcoming as they seem…

In Tourist Trap, travelers may stumble upon hidden gems—an idyllic town, a secluded festival, or an off-the-beaten-path attraction. The locals are so friendly. The customs are so charming. The experience is so immersive. But as the trip unfolds, the signs of something more sinister begin to surface. Will they make it out, or will they become part of the town’s dark traditions?

Inspired by folk horror/drama classics like Midsommar, White Lotus, and Cabin in the Woods, this fully improvised horror tale blends slow-burning dread with eerie humor, building to a finale that no one—audience or performers—sees coming. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just along for the ride, one thing is certain: in Tourist Trap, you will be staying… whether you like it or not.

Some of Chicago’s most talented Stand Up comedians deliver side splitting laughter coupled with answering live anonymous questions submitted by the audience via QR code.

Sero-Tone It Down: a 50 minute sketch revue with the goal of shedding light in some of the darkest areas of the human condition. We aim to highlight Mental Health Awareness month with a show run in May 2025 that explores the stigmas, day to day lives, struggles, and topics in general surrounding mental illness. With each performer looking to bring their unique voice to the stage and highlight Mental Health, Mental Illness’ they may encounter/deal with on a daily basis, we hope to create comedic conversation on topics otherwise ignored or altogether avoided. Additionally, we aim to outline and donate the ticket proceeds to Brave Space Alliance to give back where it matters the most. Come for the serotonin, stay for the conversation with Sero-Tone It Down!

Millennials take on Generation X in a battle to see which generation is funnier. The audience votes at the end of the show. Featuring some of the best comics in Chicago, Hosted by Todd Glover

Go All-In on longform improv with host team Lavalier. Six teams play for a chance to win completely worthless prizes awarded by our esteemed panel of improv judges, followed by a performance by the judges themselves. Seven teams, six weeks, two hours of hilarious improv comedy. Nothing has been scripted or prepared in advance. It will all be made up before your very eyes!