28 JUNE: SHOT OF IMPROV XL

Kicking off the festival’s opening night, local legend Derek Scott Mitchell (@doubledutch) will join the Boom Chicago cast for Music Improv Spectacular. Known for his commanding presence and sharp wit, Derek will share his true stories, which the cast will then transform into spontaneous, hilarious musical improv. 

Brendan Hunt, best known for his role as Coach Beard on the series Ted Lasso, is bringing his acclaimed solo show, The Movement You Need, to the festival. A dynamic performance blending comedy, storytelling, and inspiring movements, Brendan takes audiences on a journey that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. 

Giraffe-limbed comedian and Gaulier-trained clown Elf Lyons brings back her critically acclaimed, utterly ridiculous one-woman ballet to Boom Chicago. Think Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake meets Tommy Cooper. Expect physical comedy, theatrical chaos, and a very loose grasp of the French language.