Zanies- Rosemont- “Uncle Lar” reviewed by Frank Meccia

PARKWAY BANK PARK
5437 PARK PLACE
ROSEMONT IL
REVIEWED BY; FRANK MECCIA.

With a winter vortex descending on Chicago for the weekend, I was ready to just stay home and watch TV till I got an invite to go to Zanies. How could I pass up the opportunity to see a LIVE performance, something we have not had in 11 months. This my first chance to go back to Rosemont since the summer, and I am so glad I did.

The entire PARKWAY PARK is set up as a winter wonderland, doesn’t hurt that there is plenty of snow all over the place. In the center of the park is an ice-skating rink, and it is free. Yes, you need tickets, because they are limiting the number of skaters, which for me is great, I need all the open room possible when I skate, All the major spots are open including King Bowling and all the major restaurants also have heated tents to expand their size. And smack dab in the center is Zanies. That Chicago icon for Comedy that first open its door back in 1978, I spent my 21st birthday there.

What a great evening to just sit and laugh away the last year. They follow COVID-19 protocols which means limited to max of 50 people. Everything smells so new and clean, typical Zanies just snack food but an extensive and impressive Whiskey and Bourbon bar and a great beer selection. As with most Zanies shows you have two warm up acts before the main guest. They were local comedians who you could tell were so glad to be back on stage.

The main act was a well-known comedian Larry Reeb also known as Uncle Lar. He plays that crazy uncle every family has that you hide away because he is the black sheep, politically incorrect relative everyone knows. The uncle that gives you tips because he knows everything marriage to lottery to children. His rapid fire one liners and his sarcastic attitude and sharp wit makes him a perfect stand-up to handle hecklers. For one hour I could not stop laughing. His inflections are so infectious that he reminds me of the create actor/comedian Al Lewis, and if you have to ask me who he was, you’re too young. But all the shows for this weekend are sold out.

They are offering a live stream zoom where you can meet and talk to the comedians before and after the show. They are staying open and their schedule of shows are posted on Zanies.com/Rosemont. But while your there do check out all the dining spots to eat before and after the show. Zanies has hooked up some great deals with the local restaurants, Morton’s, Five Roses, Carlucci, Adobe Gila’s, Fogo de Chao and Kings Bowl and restaurant. Also, as an incentive to eat and see a show parking is free.

It’s winter, six more weeks to spring, so get out , start living, go to http://rosemont.zanies.com.

Ticket prices start at $10 for zoom General admission $30.00. {Hint: if you sign up for zanies, they will send you discount codes to come in at a cheaper price}