Chicago’s The Den has become quite the comedy venue of late and its funky vibe was perfect for the November 14th taping of Christine Ferrera’s Shy Vaudevillian comedy special. Ferrera is a seasoned pro, schlepping around the country doing standup and hosting the Lincoln Lodge Comedy podcast network. Her life is her beat, and being home based in Berwyn gives her a lot of material. Her special was taped on her birthday and it is refreshing to see the angst and physical reality of peri and post menopause portrayed on stage.
The Chicago Comedy scene was not always friendly to women comics. In the late 80’s the iconic comedy club Zanies only rarely booked females because the owner didn’t think women were funny. It took the historic Chicago Women in Comedy which began with a sold out Mothers Day show at the Vic Theatre then played around town before becoming a regular event at The Roxy on Fullerton that convinced comedy bookers in Chicago that there was a real audience for women in stand up. Ferrera carries that history forward with panache and a banana cream pie.
Ferrera’s MC and opening act set the tone for an edgy inclusive night when The Queeny Bitch did a bit about being a gender bending comic not ready for the pronouns thing. Local improviser and avowed vegan Laura Hugg https://www.laurahugg.com/ did a set that could also be seen as feminist and affirming.
Ferrera takes us on a comedy history tour since comedy goes back to the dawn of human performance. In the finer houses and palaces of Europe, the role of Fool was a must have. And the Fool could say what everyone was thinking but dare not utter, encapsulated in humor. Ferrera assumes this role for a modern world, dealing with difficult issues (mansplaining, body dismorphia) in ways that disarm them with laughter.
Ferrera used this show as a way to push at the edges of what stand up is: she began with a performance art piece featuring music and a revolving art work tracing the history of comedy accompanied by Dan Hanrahan’s whimsical original tunes. She also does an extended bit as the Digital Comedian that is more theatrical storytelling than set up punchline stand up. The overall effect in the cozy Den Theater in Wicker Park is rich and entertaining. The comedy special should air in spring 2025: for more chances to partake of Ferrera’s wit, or to get notified of the air dates go to
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