Carl Kozlowski, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

Tim Meadows on the Midwest Origins of “The Ladies Man” and Making Chris Farley Laugh

1 month ago | newcitystage.com | Carl Kozlowski

Tim Meadows has been making an indelible impact on the world of American comedy for the past thirty-five years as an actor, writer, stand-up comic as well as one of the greatest sitcom guest stars in the business. He spent the entire decade of the 1990s as a writer/performer on SNL—which makes him one of the top five longest-serving cast members in that venerable institution’s history—but he’s also built a unique and thriving comedy career on his own terms for the past twenty-five years.
"First Date Comedy Gameshow" at the Laugh Factory, Chicago

1 month ago | newcitystage.com | Carl Kozlowski

Seeing a stand-up comedy show can be a great way to have a fun first date, as the laughter gets the endorphins going and you can learn about each other’s sense of humor right off the bat. But the “First Date Comedy Gameshow” at the Laugh Factory takes the idea to a whole other level, where an audience member is picked to come on stage and choose a comic to have a date with.
W. Kamau Bell at The Den Theatre, Chicago

2 months ago | newcitystage.com | Carl Kozlowski

W. Kamau Bell is a comedian who’s got plenty of perspectives on life in America today.
"Chicago's Funniest Teachers" at Zanies Rosemont

Mar 28, 2025 | newcitystage.com | Carl Kozlowski

Stand-up comedians dread the prospect of a tough crowd in nightclubs, but Jeanie Doogan and Tom Filline face tough crowds five days a week as schoolteachers. Each turned to stand-up as a source of relief, and found that they could definitely make adults laugh, finding a second career as a result. Now, the two of them are teaming up in “Chicago’s Funniest Teachers” on April 3 at Zanies Rosemont.
Jeff Ross' “Take A Banana For the Ride” at The Den Theatre, Chicago

Mar 5, 2025 | newcitystage.com | Carl Kozlowski

Jeff Ross has spent decades earning his coveted title as the Roastmaster General by delivering hilarious and inventive insults on roasts of celebrity targets ranging from Donald Trump and William Shatner to Charlie Sheen and Tom Brady. He’s also aimed his rapier wit at countless volunteers from audiences at his shows, giving them a uniquely memorable experience of being the willing butt of jokes in front of hundreds of strangers.
Comedian Jake Johannsen On Forty Years of Laughter

Jan 21, 2025 | newcitystage.com | Carl Kozlowski

Jake Johannsen has been making people laugh in clubs nationwide and on countless TV appearances for the past forty years, bringing his highly offbeat and surreal take on life to subjects as far-reaching as toasters, extraterrestrials and marriage to the stage. He holds a special place in his heart for Zanies, and will play three shows at its Chicago home base February 6-7 as well as two more at the club’s Rosemont outpost on February 8.
Cameron Esposito Blows Off Steam New Year's Eve at The Den

Dec 19, 2024 | newcitystage.com | Carl Kozlowski

Cameron Esposito has spent more than a decade making a unique splash in Hollywood, not only as one of the outest and proudest LGBTQ+ comics around, but also as a successful actress on major TV shows, including a yearlong run starring in ABC’s hit drama “A Million Little Things.” Now this hometown hero from the Chicago suburb of Western Springs is promising a mirth-filled night to remember for all stripes of comedy fans on New Year’s Eve, when she headlines an 8pm show at The Den Theatre.
No Foes, Real Friends: My Best Friend Is Black Comedy Troupe Creates a Space

Dec 13, 2024 | newcitystage.com | Carl Kozlowski

Chicago is bursting with Black comedic talent, building on a legacy that goes back decades and launched the careers of the legendary Bernie Mac as well as current stars like Lil Rel Howery. And for the past three years, the troupe My Best Friend Is Black has made waves on today’s comedy scene, with monthly variety shows that combine stand-up, improv, sketches, music and audience-interactive game shows on the stage of the city’s premier independent comedy venue, the Lincoln Lodge.
Maria Bamford at The Den Theatre, Chicago

Dec 6, 2024 | newcitystage.com | Carl Kozlowski

America is in the middle of a mental health crisis. With millions of Americans afflicted with everything from OCD and bipolar disorder to ADD and schizophrenia plus everything in between, the nation could sure use a laugh about it all.
Fearlessly Funny: A Preview of Steph Tolev at Zanies

Nov 26, 2024 | newcitystage.com | Carl Kozlowski

Canadian comic Steph Tolev brought a high-energy, anything-goes, raunchy and raucous performance style to countless shows across her homeland for over twenty years. Then she left her plum headlining career behind to try and make it in Hollywood, where she has managed to attain paid regular status at the Comedy Store.