The comedy troupe My Best Friend Is Black is set to entertain audiences with its debut performance at City Winery in the West Loop on October 3, 2023. The event, in collaboration with Pink Elephant Creatives, will showcase a variety of comedic styles, including stand-up, improv, and musical comedy. Tickets for the show, which begins at 19:00, are priced from $30 and can be purchased through the City Winery website.
Despite the change in venue from their regular performances at Bucktown’s Lincoln Lodge, member Marcus Banks assures fans that they can expect the troupe’s signature blend of humor. “We’re gonna essentially do a mix of ‘best of’ and new things,” Banks stated. The show will last for 90 minutes and will feature only the core members of the group, a departure from their usual practice of including guest performers.
The troupe—comprised of Banks, Mike Atcherson, Chloe Mikala, Justin Walker, Rho Hudson, Arlieta Hall, and Daryn Robinson—is known for its spontaneous format changes, which contribute to the lively atmosphere of their performances. One of their standout sketches features Banks portraying a character at a barbecue, where guests humorously debate the revocation of their “Black cards,” culminating in a surprising twist.
In another audience-engaging piece inspired by Valentine’s Day, the troupe incorporates a well-known dating app and civil rights leaders, leaving spectators in anticipation of a surprise appearance. Since their performance at the Green Line Performing Arts Center in Washington Park earlier in 2023, My Best Friend Is Black has expanded its following throughout Chicago and beyond. The group has earned accolades such as the Chicago Reader’s “Best Comedy Show” for two consecutive years and maintains a strong presence at the Lincoln Lodge, where they perform every fourth Thursday.
The troupe recently headlined the Last Word Comedy Festival in Williamsburg, Virginia, marking another milestone in their journey. Banks expressed the troupe’s desire to perform more frequently in South Side venues, acknowledging the challenges they face in securing bookings. The Green Line shows were facilitated by a residency program that has since concluded, limiting their accessibility and financial viability for similar events.
“Our residency program was short-lived, and after that ended, we couldn’t afford to do it. We’re also quite busy with our monthly shows at Lincoln Lodge. Producing more than one show a month can be exhausting,” Banks remarked, expressing hope for future opportunities to return to the South Side.
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