The Practical Theatre Company Presents its Annual Year-End Sketch Comedy Revue in Evanston Dec. 26-Jan. 3

Evanston, Ill. — The Practical Theater Company — the Evanston-based sketch comedy group that launched the careers of “Saturday Night Live” veterans Julia Louis Dreyfus, Paul Barrosse, Brad Hall, and Gary Kroeger in the 1980s — is still hard at work in the Chicago comedy vineyards. This holiday season, the PTC is pleased to be staging their latest year-end revue in their inimitable style at Studio5 for six shows only: December 26, 27, 28 and January 1, 2 and 3.

Their latest revue, entitled “Quick! Before We’re Cancelled” celebrates a wild and volatile 2025 with razor-sharp sketch comedy ripped from today’s headlines, as well as a fun-filled, satiric look at various aspects of contemporary life, love, and the pursuit of happiness in an increasingly crazy world. Their new revue is infused with an improvisational spirit and accompanied by a combo of talented musicians who support cast members Paul Barrosse, Victoria Zielinski, and Dana Olsen for a night of smart laughs and a cocktail or two. Tickets range from $40 to $55.

“Quick! Before We’re Cancelled” is a merry mix of sketches and original songs touching on everything from wacko conspiracy theories, the bittersweet romance of Don & Elon, artificial intelligence, Tarzan & Jane, the new Chicago-born Pope, ICE raiders, and a musical salute to the late, great Tom Lehrer.

Multi-instrumentalist Steve Rashid leads the Studio5 All-Stars band, featuring keyboard virtuoso and PTC veteran Larry Schanker and the popular Chicago jazz vocalist Paul Marinaro, who will put his own soulful spin on some holiday classics while also serving as the show’s announcer.

“We’re all in need of some good laughs after this crazy, maddening year,” says PTC co-founder and Artistic Director Paul Barrosse. “Going through a year like this, we’ve got a lot to work with comedically. Reality itself feels like satire. It’s also great to have Paul Marinaro and Larry Schanker back onstage with us. They added so much last year. And Steve Rashid and the band make every revue we do as much a concert as a comedy show.”

“Quick! Before We’re Cancelled” stars Barrosse, longtime PTC member Victoria Zielinski, screenwriter and fellow Northwestern alum Dana Olsen, the PTC’s musical director and Studio5 impresario Steve Rashid, joined by Marinaro, and Schanker (the PTC’s original musical director), as well as Jim Cox on bass and Robert Rashid on drums.

Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at all shows.

The Practical Theatre Company was founded in 1979 by Barrosse and his college roommate, Brad Hall, while students at Northwestern University. Three years later, after producing a string of new plays and comedy revues in their 42-seat storefront theatre on Howard Street in Evanston, they joined with Second City owner Bernie Sahlins to open The Piper’s Alley Theatre (now The Second City E.T.C. space) — where the entire cast of their first comedy revue in that venue, “The Golden 50th Anniversary Jubilee” was hired by Saturday Night Live.

In the years that followed, The PTC followed up with the long-running “Megafun” at the Piper’s Alley Theatre and their longest-running show, “Art, Ruth & Trudy” at the Briar Street and Vic Theatres — which teamed Barrosse and Zielinski for the first time. Four years later, Paul and Victoria were married.

After a two-decade hiatus from the stage while Barrosse and Zielinski produced television — and a family — in Los Angeles, The PTC was revived in 2010 when Barrosse and Zielinski joined with fellow Northwestern alum Steve Rashid to stage comedy shows in Los Angeles, Cleveland, and Chicago. The trio then joined in 2015 with Olsen, a Northwestern pal and screenwriter known for writing comedy films like The Burbs, George of the Jungle, and the current hit Nickelodeon series, “Henry Danger.”

Over the years, their annual comedy revues have attracted enthusiastic audiences for their sophisticated blend of smart, adult, classic cabaret comedy and impressive musical talent, featuring some of Chicago’s finest jazz artists. In 2022, The PTC reestablished itself in the Chicago area with a residency at Studio5.

EVENT DETAILS

Practical Theatre Company’s “Quick! Before We’re Cancelled!”

The Practical Theatre Company returns with a fun-filled holiday variety show starring writer-performers Victoria Zielinski, Dana Olsen, and PTC co-founder, Paul Barrosse. Music is provided by PTC musical director Steve Rashid and his Studio5 All-Stars, including bassist Jim Cox, drummer Robert Rashid, keyboard genius Larry Schanker, and Chicago’s popular jazz vocalist Paul Marinaro. “Quick! Before We’re Cancelled!” is a comedic blend of music, sketches, and improvisation: an entertaining holiday cocktail!

When:

Friday, Dec. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Studio5, 1934 Dempster St., Evanston, IL 60202

Info: http://studio5.dance/calendar

Tickets: $40 for theatre seating, $55 for cabaret table seating