LINCOLN PARK — Some of the biggest names in Chicago comedy are coming together to support the Chicago Reader's critic who covers them.
Chicago comedy journalist Brianna Wellen was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Tuesday night a group of her friends put together a special show in her honor to help cover the cost of Wellen's medical bills.
The best of both stand-up and improv will be performing during the show at iO's Del Close Theater.
"Saturday Night Live" cast member Katie Rich and Holly Laurent and the Casual Encounters will provide the improv, and Sean Flannery, Katie McVay and Rebecca O'Neal will be performing stand-up.
"For the most part stand-up and improv kind of exist in separate words, but people like Brianna that cover both help kind of spread the word about cool stuff that is going on," said comedian Matt Byrne, one of the organizers of the event.
Byrne said he expected about 100 people to attend the show.
"It was not surprising to see people rally together from both communities for this because she's been so supportive over the years," Byrne said.
All of the proceeds will go toward Wellen's medical bills.
Tickets to the show are $15. The show starts at 10 p.m. Tuesday at the Del Close Theater at iO Chicago, 1501 N. Kingsbury St.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at ticketweb.com.
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