OFFBEAT: Chicago premiere of 'Side Effects' play comedy has side effects

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

The Edie Adams Christmas Album

Though singer Edie Adams died at age 81 in 2008, her son has compiled recordings of her favorite holiday songs for his mom's first released Christmas album.

OFFBEAT: Essany's talk show includes comical guest and Hobart event

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Comedian Ross Blankenship

Comedian Ross Blankenship, 23 of Schererville, is a guest on talk show host Michael Essany's "Seven on Ridge" talk show this week.

Jimmie "JJ" Walker Autobiography "Dyn-o-mite!"

Comedian Jimmie Walker has published his autobiography called "Dynomite!: Good Times, Bad Times, Our Times -- A Memoir" ($25 Da Capo Press), a 296-hardcover cowritten with Sal Manna.

Mary Poppins Hoasting Floating Tea Party from the 1964 Walt Disney Film "Mary Poppins"

Actor Dick Van Dyke and comedian Ed Wyn play surprised guests at a floating tea party hosted by Mary Poppins in the 1964 Walt Disney film of the same name starring Julie Andrews (bottom left) in the title role.

Tom Dreesen in Tuxedo Performing

Tom Dreesen will perform a special invite-only show for military men and women at the new Laugh Factory Chicago on Aug. 29.

The search is on for a mutt who will become Benji

Comedian Chevy Chase gets his ear licked from co-star Benji as the two held a news conference in Los Angeles in 1979 announcing their movie 'Oh Heavenly Dog.'

Frank Ferrante as Groucho Marx

Frank Ferrante becomes the legendary comedian Groucho Marx in "An Evening with Groucho" for one performance on Friday, April 20 at Paramount Theatre in Aurora.

Comedian Bil Dwyer

Comedian Bil Dwyer's Jan. 13 performance is one of four performances with top headline comedians from across the country planned at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster.

Comedian performs Saturday to benefit Hobart firefighters

HOBART | Comedian Bill Dwyer will be performing at 8 p.m. Saturday at a Comedy Night at the Art Theater, 230 Main St.

OFFBEAT: Whoopi Goldberg eager to bring life of Moms Mabley to broadway and big screen

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Harpo's Wig and Hat

The signature blond curly wig and lop-sided top hat trademark worn by comedian Harpo Marx will be sold as part of the auction of Debbie Reynolds' collection at a June 18, 2011 auction in Beverly Hills by Profiles in History Auction House.

OFFBEAT: Chesterton's funny guy Jim Gaffigan to play The Venue

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Jim Gaffigan

Comedian Jim Gaffigan, originally from Chesterton, will play two shows Aug. 13 at The Venue at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond.

Vincent Banks, 15, wants to make entertainment a career

Vincent Banks is a performer at heart who would like to make entertainment a career.

John Leguizamo trying out one-man show in Chicago before hitting NYC

When actor and comedian John Leguizamo is working on his new stage shows, he lets the audience help edit and shape what he describes as "the finished project."

D.C. comic spreads laughs worldwide

Washington, D.C.-based funnyman Tony Woods has amassed many a frequent flyer mile over the last several years.

A stand-up guy for health causes

TAKING THE STAGE -- Comedian Tom Dreesen is spreading an important health message about cancer awareness with a new national TV public service announcement and personal appearances.