Comedian Abby McEnany Says Chicago Improv Saved Her Life
Abby McEnany has been on Chicago’s improv scene for more than 20 years but is new to the TV world. Her show, "Work in Progress" on Showtime, started as part of a storytelling performance at iO. It's loosely based on McEnany’s life, but the star is clear there are many ways she and the character are different (though she won’t tell you how). The second season of "Work in Progress" premieres Aug. 22, and just like the first season, it is filmed in Chicago and features many Chicago actors and friends of McEnany. Lead Producer Carrie Shepherd talks to McEnany about working through the improv scene and why she knew the show had to be based here.
Guest: Abby McEnany — Writer, comedian, and actress
**UPDATE**
Work In Progress: A Comedic Showcase of Chicago from Chicago Humanities Festival has been postponed until Wednesday, Aug. 18, because of inclement weather. Details here.
Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago
Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Cook County Ups Healthcare Relief. Plus, Ariana Grande Supports ALMA Chicago
Over 200,000 Cook County residents are at risk of losing their healthcare coverage by 2028. In response, Cook County is planning to spend...
Why It’s Totally Worth Visiting Every Chicago Neighborhood
Today we’re talking with Chicagoans who have made it their mini-mission to visit every community area. And they have all taken very diffe...
School Board Passes Amended Budget. Plus, Vote on Park Improvements
Last week, Chicago’s school board voted 11-7 to pass an amended $10 billion budget. To avoid hundreds of layoffs, the board budgeted for...
New Mayoral Candidates, More Grocery Closures, and Chicago’s Rainy Summer
On Tuesday, candidates hoping to get on February’s ballot were able to start gathering nominating petitions. That includes folks who want...
Your Guide to August 2026 in Chicago
August in Chicago is packed with reasons to visit all corners of the city, including the Bud Billiken Parade, Northalsted Market Days, th...
CPS Budget Woes, Chi's Best Chicken Wings, and the Esteem Awards
The Board of Education is scheduled to vote tomorrow on a Chicago Public Schools budget plan that would lay off 760 teachers and 801 teac...
Chicago Renter Protections, Edgewater Restricts E-Scooters, and Lollapalooza Weekend
Right now, Chicago’s City Council is weighing exactly how to update the city’s 40-year-old Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance. The...
Why Chicagoans Feel Like Crime Is Up. Plus, Archdiocese Sues Accusers
A public opinion poll from the University of Chicago indicates many Chicagoans feel like violent crime rates are rising even though the d...
Can Chicago Save Save-A-Lot Stores? Plus, Safety Net Hospitals Are Struggling
Seven Save-A-Lot grocery stores across the South and West Sides could close their doors as early as Saturday if Yellow Banana, the compan...
How To Check For Chicagoland Ticks. Plus, Amusement Parks, and Reboots We Want
Now that the smoke has largely cleared out, it is the perfect time to get outdoors and into nature. Whether you’re planning a quick hike...