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Comedy for Cancer 2026
Start 2026 with laughter at The H Foundation’s Comedy for Cancer! Enjoy a hilariously good time with friends while supporting basic science cancer research. This unmissable event features the legendary Martin Short live in conversation, plus a lineup of Chicago's favorite comedians & TV personalities who share our passion to find a cure for cancer. Join us for a night that's guaranteed to tickle your funny bone!
Thank you to ABC7 Chicago, Comedy for Cancer's Official Media Partner!
All Proceeds Benefit Basic Science Cancer Research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.
Purchase Tickets
February 26, 2026
Doors Open at 6:00pm | Showtime 7:30pm
Classic Cinemas Tivoli Theatre, Downers Grove
Come Hungry — We’ve Got the Best Local Bites!
Your ticket includes access to our Food Tent, featuring curated tastes
from local restaurants.
Cash Bar and Concessions will be available for purchase for all guests.
Choose your view from our selection of tiered seating levels! Prices are per ticket. Service fees apply.
View Seating ChartNext Steps:
Once you click the link to purchase your tickets, you will be directed to the Classic Cinemas website to choose your seats and purchase your tickets. By purchasing your tickets you consent to sharing your information with The H Foundation to communicate all event details. Please make sure to check your email for communication about your guest information (we will need guest names, email addresses and cell phone numbers to register everyone for the event and provide access to the food tent). If you have any questions, please contact info@hfoundation.org with questions.
Sponsorship Opportunities Make a Donation
Experience the Power of Laughter in the Fight Against Cancer
Martin Short
The Comedy Legend LIVE in Conversation
The H Foundation is thrilled to welcome beloved actor and comedian Martin Short for an exclusive on-stage conversation celebrating his extraordinary career, featuring some of his funniest and most memorable film and television moments. The evening will be hosted by ABC7 Chicago’s Cheryl Scott, guiding a warm, funny and personal conversation with one of comedy’s most iconic voices.
Guests will laugh together, listen to stories and hear some of Marty’s favorite Chicago memories. A passionate advocate in the fight against cancer, he will also share his own personal experience of loss, triumph, and inspiration. This is a rare opportunity, in an intimate theatre setting, to hear from a comedy legend at the iconic Tivoli Theatre, all in support of The H Foundation’s mission to fund life-saving cancer research.
About Martin Short
Celebrated comedian and actor Martin Short has won fans and accolades in television, film and theater since his breakout season on "Saturday Night Live" over 30 years ago. Short became an "SNL" fan-favorite for his portrayal of characters such as Ed Grimley, lawyer Nathan Thurm and "legendary songwriter" Irving Cohen. His popularity and exposure on "SNL" led Short to cross over quickly into feature films, including "Three Amigos," the remake of "Father of the Bride," and many more.
A two-time primetime Emmy winner, with multiple nominations for both primetime and daytime Emmys, Short is also a Tony award recipient and two-time nominee for his onstage acting work. Short’s New York Times bestselling memoir, "I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend," was published in 2014. In 1994, Short was awarded the Order of Canada — the Canadian equivalent to British knighthood. He was also inducted into the Canadian Walk of Fame in June 2000.
Read Full Bio
Co-Hosts
Cheryl Scott
ABC7 Chicago Meteorologist
Meteorologist Cheryl Scott joined ABC7 Eyewitness News, Chicago's #1 station for news, in December 2014. In her announcement, the ABC7 News Director described her as "an experienced and knowledgeable meteorologist who enjoys the challenge of forecasting Chicago's unpredictable weather." Scott joined ABC7 from NBC 5 in Chicago where she has been the morning and weekend meteorologist since September 2011.
Andrea Darlas
Sr. Director of Constituent Engagement
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Andrea Darlas is an Emmy-nominated, award-winning radio and television news anchor/reporter and talk show host based in Chicago. Darlas was a news anchor and reporter at WGN Radio for more than 22 years and a news reporter and weekend break/features reporter for WGN-TV for 10 years. Andrea is currently the Senior Director of Constituent Engagement for the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, based at the Illini Center in Chicago.
Stand-Up Comedians
Jim Flannigan
Jim Flannigan is a nationally touring stand-up comedian from Chicago. Known for his quick wit, face pace and clever punchlines, Jim is a regular headliner at top clubs including the legendary Improv & Zanies Comedy Clubs. He has been featured at comedy festivals across the country and is a regular performer at New York Comedy Club, The Laugh Factory and Brad Garrett's Comedy Club in Las Vegas, NV. Jim was recently seen on Nate Bargatze’s new show Nateland Presents. When not headlining his own shows, Jim has opened for some of the biggest names in comedy, including Sebastian Maniscalco, Demitri Martin, Brad Garrett and many more.
Bridget McGuire
Bridget McGuire is a storyteller and stand-up comedian based in New York. Her self-deprecating and conversational humor revolves around her life: anxiety, family, and dating - all said in her hot Chicago accent. Bridget is currently touring her solo show, Ballet Flats for Dinner about her life with OCD.
Become an Event Sponsor
The H Foundation receives 100% of our funding from generous businesses, families, and individuals. A sponsorship gives your company the incredible exposure of being aligned with such an accomplished charitable organization.
Sponsorship Opportunities
2026 Restaurant Partners:
Stadium Club at the Max Posto 31 QBBQ KREMA Coffee House Wooden Paddle Moe Joe's Irish Times Pub & Restaurant Andy's Frozen Custard Aurelio's Gatto's Italian Restaurant & Bar fourteensixteen GP Italiano Cadence Kitchen The Elm D'Capos Authentic Italian Cuisine Low Carb Kitchen Franco's Restaurant Group Pierce Tavern/Fuller House
All proceeds fund basic science cancer research at Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.
The H Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization with identification number 36-4461974.