The People Under the Stares shows seem to be dwindling to a close. Time Out Chicago reports that the monthly showcase, which brought local as well as national talent to the Hideout in a series of well-received comedy adventures, has staged its last ha ha, but according to host Rian Murphy, "if there’s an incredible groundswell of support (from the community), then I’m sure we’ll have special events and reunion tours.”

You may remember that this is the series that brought to Chicago national names like Morgan Murphy and Zach Galifianakis, who then invited Chicago comic Kumail Nanjiani to open for him for several shows on the road. The Time Out article also features comments from local comics and producers about their impressions of the show. Among them is Chris Ritter, Lakeshore Theater artistic director, who pointed to the shows as inspirational to Lakeshore's current comedy efforts.

- Elizabeth McQuern