Chicago's Best Comics Bring Talent to the Suburbs

A new spin on an old form of entertainment is rolling through the western suburbs: a stand-up comedy show performed in some unlikely venues like grocery stores and hiking trails. 

Funny girl and Lombard native, Kristen Toomey teamed up with Glen Ellyn resident Gary Batchelder to bring some of the best comedic talent from the city to the ‘burbs. 

"There's so much talent in the city of Chicago. It's nice to remind people that there are up-and-coming stars that will be on TV," Toomey said. 

In fact, two of the comics on her traveling Chicago-land tour are gaining notoriety. Danny Kallas and Chris Condren both landed spots at this year’s TBS' Just for Laughs festival in Chicago. 

Her rotating troupe kicked off the tour last week and the second stop was Glen Ellyn. On Thursday evening, the crew took turns entertaining the patrons of . 

For free admission, the show was surprisingly good. The production is a must-see, a guaranteed belly-laughing good time. The best part: The talent comes to you.    

Thursday's lineup included some comics with ties to the western suburbs. Bartlett native Patrick Chase took to the stage and captured laughs for his bit about how his car was stolen -- by the bank, "or as they like to call it repossessed," Chase said.   

Toomey and Batchelder choose unconventional locations in an attempt to "revive" stand-up. Their group, Box Car Comedy Productions, fittingly chooses venues close to the train stations, so people can come out, have a good time, and throw back a few drinks without having to drive back home. After winning $5,000 worth of advertising from a Glancer Magazine contest, the group put the revival tour in motion. 

"I've always loved stand-up comedy; when Kristen told me she was starting up a comedy productions company, I jumped right in," Batchelder said. It'll be successful when shows are packed every weekend, explained Batchelder, which is something Toomey is known for. 

Comic "Darwin Doobers" performed at Cab's Wine Bar Bistro Thursday evening and he said Toomey is "one of the best 'burb producers" because she can consistently draw large crowds to her shows. 

The traveling troupe is hoping for big laughs, big crowds and a long run.     

"We're going to keep it going until we can't go anymore," said Toomey.

To see where the rotating group performs next, click here.