Name: Planes, Trains and ???: The Unauthorized Improv and Musical Parody
Start: 2025-11-21T01:00:00Z
Location: Judy's Beat Lounge - Chicago

Chicago

Planes, Trains, and ??? is a fast-paced, musical send-up of the ultimate holiday travel disaster — inspired by the John Hughes classic and packed with 80s bangers, big laughs, and a whole lot of heart. A cast of three brings the chaos to life: one plays Steve Martin, one plays John Candy, and one plays literally everyone else. With Second City’s signature improv and a soundtrack that’ll have you dancing in your seat, this is the perfect escape after too much stuffing and just enough family drama.
Group of 16 or more? We’ll make it easy: <a style="color: #cf102d;" href="https://www.secondcity.com/group-events" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us for Group Events</a>

Judy's Beat Lounge - Chicago

Characters, scenes, and songs created on the spot by our ensemble and based on your suggestions. You never know what might happen next...and neither do they! An improv show at The Second City is a lively, interactive event featuring the best improvisers in the world.

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Planes, Trains and ???: The Unauthorized Improv and Musical Parody

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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.

Clued In

The Second City’s 113th Mainstage Revue This Too Shall Slap is a wild sketch comedy show that spins the familiar into the absurd&#8230; and makes the absurd feel oddly familiar. Performed by a hilarious six-person ensemble who specialize in chaos, charm, and comedic whiplash, this show will keep you laughing, guessing, and possibly questioning your entire reality. Join us for a night where nothing is what it seems. Except the laughter. That’s real.  
Group of 16 or more? We’ll make it easy: <a href="https://www.secondcity.com/group-events" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us for Group Events</a>

This Too Shall Slap

Ever heard of this show &#8220;Hamilton&#8221;?
Shamilton is just like that, but (ahem) better! Expect the same level of hip hop, incredible songs, moving storytelling, stunning choreography and powerhouse singing&#8230; 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 &#8220;Shamilton!&#8221;, 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&#8230;including Genghis Khan, Kim Kardashian, Mr. Rogers, or even basketball playing superdog Air Bud. You decide!
It&#8217;s the show Lin-Manuel Miranda calls, &#8220;cease and desist!&#8221;

SHAMILTON, THE IMPROVISED HIP-HOP AMERICAN MUSICAL!

Strap in and spiral out – The Second City’s 49th e.t.c. Revue takes sketch and improv comedy to brilliantly unhinged new heights. The Chaos Theory of Everything blends razor-sharp satire, audience interaction, and clever, character-driven comedy to explore how wildly connected (and deeply chaotic) it all really is. Smart, hilarious, and full of surprises, this is one laughter-filled ride you won’t want to miss.
Group of 16 or more? We’ll make it easy: <a href="https://www.secondcity.com/group-events" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us for Group Events</a>

The Chaos Theory of Everything

Don&#8217;t miss Chicago&#8217;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!

UP’N COMING – CATCH CHICAGO’S RISING COMICS BEFORE TV DEBUT

The Best of The Second City: Chicago-Style is a laugh-out-loud love letter to the Windy City. Featuring fan-favorite scenes from our archives—written by legendary alumni like Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Catherine O’Hara, Keegan-Michael Key, Stephen Colbert, and more—plus brand-new original material created just for this show. These hilarious songs, unforgettable characters, and iconic sketches are reimagined and brought to life by a ridiculously funny cast of live comedy pros.
Whether you&#8217;re visiting Chicago or born and raised in Wrigleyville (our deepest condolences), this show is your comedic cheat sheet to all things Chicago.
Group of 16 or more? We’ll make it easy: <a href="https://www.secondcity.com/group-events" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us for Group Events</a>

The Best of The Second City: Chicago Style

Rhythm and Riffs is a high-energy fusion of live music and longform improv, where each show features a different musical guest—that can range from rap, jazz, country, folk, full bands, and beyond—whose performance inspires a completely improvised comedy set. No two shows are the same. With a cast of seasoned performers and a spotlight on Chicago’s diverse music scene, Rhythm and Riffs feels like a concert, sounds like a mixtape, and plays out like your favorite night out.

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Planes, Trains and ???: The Unauthorized Improv and Musical Parody

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Judy's Beat Lounge - Chicago

Tickets starting at $25

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Second City Productions

Planes, Trains and ???: The Unauthorized Improv and Musical Parody

Venue

Judy's Beat Lounge - Chicago

Tickets starting at .css-722v25{font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-bold);}$25

Next Available Showtimes

Follow us on Social

Tickets starting at $25