The Chicago Stand-Up Project

The Chicago Stand-Up Project

The Chicago Stand-Up Project

The Chicago Stand-Up Project

 
 

The Chicago Stand-Up Project

Season 2 coming to WTTW11 on Fridays in February at 8:30 pm.

A veteran Hollywood actor once said, "Dying is easy. Comedy is hard." In the second season of WTTW's four-part reality series, THE CHICAGO STAND-UP PROJECT, four more local celebrities hit the stage at the venerable Zanies Comedy Club in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood – and they discover that indeed, being funny is not as easy as it looks. Four new 30-minute episodes air on successive Fridays – February 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 8:30 pm on WTTW. The series repeats on Sundays at 11:00 pm, and can also be found on WTTW Prime 11.2 (Comcast channel 370).

Windy City Live co-host Val Warner, Chicagoland Sports Radio personality Jarrett Payton (son of Chicago Bears great Walter Payton), local jewelry designer Lana Bramlette, and Fr. Tom Hurley of Old St. Pat’s Church bravely took the plunge. In preparation for their performances, we see each of them being coached by Zanies emcee Pat McGann on the finer points of engaging the audience, conquering their nerves, and putting over their original material. And then, we watch from a front row seat as they put it all on the line in front of a live audience. WGN Morning News feature reporter Ana Belaval hosts the program, and WTTW producer Ed Griffin got it all on tape.

Will any of these four intrepid would-be comedians discover a true aptitude for one-liners? Watch and find out!

 

February 3

VAL WARNER is the co-host of the WLS7 local morning talk and entertainment show Windy City LIVE. Prior to her current role, Val was co-anchor and traffic reporter on WGN-TV's Morning News, covering everything from politics and money-saving segments, to the two-day breaking news drama of a runaway dog on the Eisenhower that gained national attention. She co-hosted the popular "Mommy Test" segment, and interviewed outstanding teachers in the Chicagoland area for the "Teacher of the Month" program featured on the WGN News at Nine. She and her family live in the South Holland area.

 

February 10

JARRETT PAYTON is the son of the late Walter Payton, former Chicago Bears running back and member of the NFL Hall of Fame. He grew up in Barrington and played soccer and then, following in his father's footsteps, football – playing quarterback, tailback, and receiver for St. Viator High School. After graduating from the University of Miami, he went on to play with the Tennessee Titans, Amsterdam Admirals, Montreal Alouettes, Toronto Argonauts, and the Chicago Slaughter. Currently, Jarrett co-hosts a three-times-weekly morning program on Chicagoland Sports Radio, interviewing sports figures and other notables.

 

February 17

LANA BRAMLETTE is the face and force behind Lana Jewelry. Lauded by her loyal fans as the "Queen of Hoops," her impeccable eye for casually luxurious style has made her a pioneer in the world of fine jewelry. She launched her company in 2002 with her husband (then boyfriend) Rob Bramlette, and today, Lana Jewelry can be found in more than 150 of the finest retailers worldwide. Celebrity fans include Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson, Zoe Saldana, and Angelina Jolie. Lana is well on her way to realizing her dream of turning Lana Jewelry into a fashion megabrand.

 

February 24 

FATHER TOM HURLEY is pastor of Old St. Patrick's Church in Chicago’s West Loop. Born and raised in the St. Cajetan Parish on Chicago's South Side. Fr. Tom has been the pastor of Old St. Pat’s since 2007, where he’s had a big hand in running their wildly successful summer fundraiser, know simply as “The World’s Largest Block Party.” He’s an avid runner, competing in multiple marathons, including The Chicago Marathon, and also referees Illinois High School football and basketball games.


Look back at Season 1

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