Pimprov will be performing at Chemically Imbalanced Comedy's new theater space (1420 W. Irving Park Rd.) this Saturday, January 5, at 10:30, for a show that will be taped for NBC and and the Chicago Improv Festival.

Speaking of CIC, as of January 13, they're reviving Bad Review, the show that gives comics a chance to improvise a previously critically savaged comedy show in the way the performers imagine the worst critics would like to see it. Bad Review has been performed at the Toronto Improv Festival, LA Improv Festival, Chicago’s Looptopia at the Chase Auditorium, Second City’s Donny Skybox, and Lakeshore Theater. Catch the new season of Bad Review on Sundays at 8:00 PM starting on January 13.

Blewt!'s Don't Spit The Water is returning to Chicago after a series of shows in the wild badlands of the Chicago suburbs. They will launch season four of Chicago's wettest, spittiest game show on January 12 at 10:00 PM at the Playground Theater. Sasha and the Noob (pictured, in cartoon form, at left) will be on WGN's morning news program on January 8 to see what they can squeeze out of the morning news anchors. Earl LaRue, Sasha and Timekeeper Willis were also featured in this morning's Red Eye, in the "five on five" section, contributing wit to a discussion about sports.

In other Blewt! news, if any of you comedy kids out there are looking for a way to support your Second City, iO, and Annoyance habit (improv classes are expensive!), why not look the new Box Office Manager position? Make an extra $100 a month by manning the ticket booth, screening contestants, booking wacky bachelorette parties, and more. Send them an e-mail. Beats flipping burgers.

And, on a heartwarming note, Bastion contributor Rachael Mason is using her iO blog to tell the story of why aspiring stand-up comic Robert Brown, whose only income comes from selling Streetwise Magazine, is now taking classes free at iO. A few weeks ago, iO received an anonymous letter:

"I recently inherited $4,000 from a friend’s Mother who died of breast cancer. She was a wonderful woman and great philanthropist, and she requested that I donate the money to a performing arts organization(s) of my choice. I wanted to give a portion of the money to the iO Theater, so I have enclosed a money order for $1,000. I spent 10 years performing at iO Theater, and have a great deal of respect for it as an organization and a great deal of affection for the people there. I hope the theater continues to grow and thrive forever...I know Rachael Mason’s Mom died of the same illness as my friend’s Mom, so perhaps a portion of the money can be used for some event in Rachael’s Mom’s name."

Chicago comedy community, you continue to surprise and inspire us with the depth of your compassion. Have a great weekend, everyone!

- Elizabeth McQuern