We asked some of the folks who have performed in our Saturday Night Showcase to share some thoughts with us. Here is what they had to say:
Hippo Horsey Donkey Monkey is an Improv and Sketch Comedy group that has not only performed in our Showcase but also enjoyed a run at the Trapdoor Theater as well as a performance in Chicago SketchFest. Here is what Len from the group had to say about CIC:
It’s Len Foote. I wanted to tell you about my group, Hippo Horsey Donkey, and our experience with the showcase. I think we’ve been doing them, when available, the last two years at least. We always have a good time for two main reasons: 1. the environment is very relaxed- we felt comfortable right away. No one in our group has ever hesitated about performing at your space. 2. We love the stage- there are always many places to explore and use for different comedic effect. It’s also fun to be with two other groups and a standup each week so we can check out some of the other talent in Chicago.We are looking forward to this year!
Robert Buscemi won Chicago Snubfest’s “Best Comic” honors twice and was named one of three “Best Comedian” finalists by the 2007 Chicago Comedy Awards. He’s regularly lauded in the press as one of the most innovative, talented comics around. The Chicago Tribune said this about Robert: “Worthy of such big-time festivals as USCAF and Montreal … Clever and sophisticated, Robert Buscemi borders on Andy Kaufmanesque–except he doesn’t take himself nearly as seriously “
A regular performer at Zanies Night Club,here is what Robert had to say about CIC:
CIC’s showcase gives you a chance to explore and breathe. You can try try out material in a safe, fun environment that is also a legit, prime-time weekend spot. It was extremely important for me in developing contacts throughout the comedy community, and led ultimately to some amazing press and very valuable and enjoyable friendships and partnerships. I credit CIC as a company and the Saturday night showcases in particular with a very golden moment in my career, when it got me into the Chicago Improv Fest and a headline review in the Chicago Tribune. I’m not exaggerating when I say I owe a huge portion of my current success to the attention I got on CIC’s stage. I owe these guys and will do whatever I can to support them. It’s a real portal to the improv and sketch community, and a big chance to meet new people who will be your friends and who’ll look out for you. I can’t recommend CIC highly enough.
Pimprov has exploded on the Improv scene and has performed at Second City’s Donny’s Skybox, Chicago Improv Festival, Toronto Improv Festival, Miami Improv Festival, Depaul University (opening act for Horatio Sanz), just to name a few. Founder and Director of the Group Marz Timms has been a Guest Artist with CIC since its inception. He has peformed in CIC shows as “The Southpaw Sam McClowski Show”, “Screw X-Mas”, and was the title character in “Mr. Marmalade” where the critics hailed him as “…physically imposing and explosive!”
Here is what Marz had to say about CIC:
CIC Saturday night showcase is just what this city of talented entertainers needs. It combines Improv, sketch, and stand up to make for an enjoyable evening of comedy. You get a combination of new talent along with established entertainers gracing the CIC stage, bringing out the best in everyone’s performance. CIC is as close to a home theater as Pimprov has, and looks forward to another great season of quality shows. CIC is a class company waiting to explode.- Marz Timms Actor, Director, Writer, Producer, and creator of Pimprov
