Chicago’s iO Theater, a hub for long-form improv, marks its 45th anniversary with a three-day celebration, IO45, from November 5 to 7. The theater, founded in 1981 as ImprovOlympic by Charna Halpern and David Shepherd, initially staged team-based comedy competitions. The name changed after the International Olympic Committee’s legal intervention. Halpern later partnered with Del Close, shifting focus to storytelling-driven improv, particularly the ‘Harold’ format, where diverse scenes interconnect to form narratives.
Brad Pike, iO’s creative director and member of the Harold team Devil’s Daughter, emphasized the theater’s evolution over 45 years. He noted past perceptions of comedy as a male-centric domain, but iO now reflects broader social diversity. Pike stated, ‘We have all different kinds of improv for all different kinds of people.’ IO45 showcases performers who contributed to this growth, including both pioneers and contemporary talents.
This festival diverges from previous anniversary events by spotlighting performers sustaining nightly shows on Kingsbury Street, rather than celebrated alumni who transitioned from stage to screen. Attendees can enjoy performances by teams such as Improvised Jane Austen, creating new Regency romances, and Escándalo, highlighting Chicago’s Latin comic voices. Stir Friday Night, featuring Asian American comedians, resumes its legacy, with past members like Danny Pudi, Steven Yeun, and Mary Sohn.
Host Robert Kapaku and Jonathan Lee-Rey, Stir Friday Night’s executive artistic director, lead showcases like hAAPI hour, combining the concepts of happy hour and Asian American/Pacific Islander themes. Stir Friday Night, integral to iO’s narrative, began with a sketch show directed by Jason Chin. The group endured closures due to the pandemic, reappeared on the opening weekend bill in 2022, performed at iO Fest, and participated in BIPOC-centric The Fest Vol. 2. Starting November, they’ll host an AAPI-focused improv jam monthly at iO.
Jonathan Lee-Rey highlighted the importance of Stir Friday Night’s presence, fostering AAPI community engagement and connections beyond the theater. Pike asserted that improv’s immediacy appeals to audiences seeking alternatives to scripted, media-driven entertainment. With improv, performers interact directly with live audiences, creating spontaneous art.
Festival highlights include The Scene with acclaimed performer T.J. Jagodowski, 3 Square featuring John Lutz, Peter Grosz, and Rob Janas, and Frank Booth, a classic ’90s Harold team. A stand-up show from Maggie Winters and a Saturday panel with Halpern conversing with early iO performers will also feature.
Pike emphasized the significance of iO players returning to their roots, asserting that live improv, unlike repeatable sketch shows, relies on original talent. ‘At iO, our content is the talent,’ he explained, stressing the importance of preserving the community-centric nature of the theater. Ryan P. C. Trimble contributed freelance input.
If you plan to attend, IO45 is scheduled for November 5-7 at iO Theater, located at 1501 N. Kingsbury St. Tickets and additional details are available at ioimprov.com/io45.