Chicago’s Hilarious Fil-Am Comedians You Should Watch
Filipino comedians have been an integral part of Chicago's comedy community, offering fresh and diverse perspectives through their humor. These comedians come from various backgrounds, experiences, and life stories, but they all share a common goal: making people laugh while sharing their Filipino culture with the world.
Some of the notable Filipino comedians making waves in Chicago's comedy scene include:
Hannah Roeschlein (Photo courtesy of Hannah Roeschlein)
Hannah Roeschlein: Hannah is a nationwide touring stand-up comedian known for her witty, observational humor. She often draws from her experiences as a second-generation Filipino American, touching on themes of family, identity, and the quirks of growing up in a multicultural household. Her performances resonate with audiences of all backgrounds, making her a beloved figure in the Chicago comedy community. She recently released her comedy album, which can be purchased here: Asian-American Psycho.
Asian-American Psycho flyer (Photo courtesy of Hannah Roeschlein)
Evan Mills: Evan is a multi-hyphenated star in the Chicago comedy scene. His comedic style combines storytelling with relatable humor, drawing from his life as a Filipino American living in the U.S. His acts often tackle the challenges of navigating different cultures and the humorous misunderstandings that arise. He won the 2023 Jeff Award, an award-giving body that recognizes exceptional theatre performances in Chicago, for Best Performer in a Revue. He won for his performance in Don’t Quit Your Daydream, his third and final revue. This is currently playing at the Second City Main Stage. Don’t miss your chance to see his amazing talents! To purchase tickets, head over to SecondCity.Com
Evan Mills (Photo by Timothy M. Schmidt)
The Second City’s “Don’t Quit Your Daydream,” with Jordan Stafford, Julia Morales, Andy Bolduc, Evan Mills, Claire McFadden, Kiley Fitzgerald (Photo by Timothy M. Schmidt)
Jonald Reyes: Jonald is known for his exceptional talent in crafting humor that transcends cultural boundaries. With a unique blend of Filipino and American influences, Reyes has made a name for himself in the Windy City's vibrant entertainment scene. His comedic style combines witty social commentary with relatable everyday situations, drawing audiences from diverse backgrounds into fits of laughter. Jonald is celebrated for his ability to find humor in the nuances of the Filipino-American experience and, more importantly for his commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity in the comedy world. His work has not only entertained but also fostered a sense of unity among Chicago's multicultural community, making him a respected figure in both the comedy and Filipino-American communities. Recently, he’s been appointed as Artistic Director of the newly opened The Second City Training Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Jonald Reves
The Influence of Filipino Culture:
Filipino comedians in Chicago often use their cultural backgrounds as a source of inspiration for their material. They share personal stories about their families, traditions, and the nuances of Filipino American life, shedding light on the rich and diverse culture of the Philippines. This not only entertains but also educates audiences about the Filipino experience, promoting cultural understanding and appreciation.
Photo from the first show of Model Majority. Top row (Left to Right): Jerry Tran, Brian Baek, Saku Yanagawa, Prateek Srivastava, Vik Pandya, Hojip Jeon. Second Row: Sanal Aggarwal, Charlette San Juan, Jackie Linn, Eunji Jim. (Photo by Ashley Lane)
Community Support and Inclusivity:
The Chicago comedy community is known for its strong sense of support and camaraderie. Filipino comedians, like their peers from other backgrounds, benefit from this supportive environment, encouraging them to pursue their passion and hone their comedic skills. Chicago's comedy clubs regularly host diversity showcases that celebrate comedians from various ethnicities, further fostering a sense of inclusivity and appreciation for cultural diversity. Model Majority is a show regularly produced at Laugh Factory, visit their Instagram for more details: @model.majority
Follow the artists along their journey. On Instagram: Hannah @hunderpumprules, Evan @awkvanmills, Jonald @JonaldJude
Charlette San Juan, is a Chicago-based theatre artist whose roots sprout from Manila, Philippines. She’s a stage manager at the Second City and a producer of the all-Asian Stand-up show Model Majority at Laugh Factory Chicago.
More from Charlette San Juan
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