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
Schools' Fundraising, Chicago’s Plan for 78, and ‘Ferris Bueller’s’ Turns 40
Principals, local school councils, and parent groups are getting increasingly creative with their fundraising. In 2025, Chicago schools s...
City Will Buy Greyhound Terminal, Chicago's 'Friendship Recession,' and We Want 4 a.m. Tacos!
Last week, the City Council voted to purchase the downtown Greyhound bus terminal. We discuss the details and what’s next for the critica...
So Everyone's Running For Mayor. Plus, How To Do Pride Fest!
We’ve got more mayoral candidates ahead of February’s primary after former Ald. George Cardenas (12th) officially launched his campaign....
Is Chicago Really Over Ye? Plus, Best Summer Museum Exhibits
A week before the Bears season kicks off, Soldier Field will be home to one of Chicago’s most controversial sons, Kanye West. The Bully t...
Summer Storms Rock Chicago. Plus, Obama Center Neighborhood Guide
Across Chicago, neighbors are still navigating uprooted trees, power outages, and flooding following intense storms last week. Unfortunat...
Banning Cellphones in School. And Why Isn't Chicago Hosting World Cup?
After years of trying, Illinois lawmakers have officially banned cellphones and other devices in classrooms. Gov. JB Pritzker, a vocal su...
Should Chicago Open Public Pharmacies? Plus, CPS Defends Transgender Policies
Walgreens has shuttered two more South Side locations, including the Chatham location, after closing five in 2025. Ald. William Hall (6th...
Are Chicago Bike Lanes Actually Safe? Plus, Ann Sather Closure and Playing Hooky
Ann Sather’s last day on Belmont is June 28. City Cast Chicago contributor Adora Namigadde explains why the closure feels so significant....
Public Pools Open Next Week. Plus, Chicago’s New Women’s Sports Bar
Most of the city’s 77 public pools, 200 water features, and Chicago’s only inland beach are all opening next Friday. Plus, we’ve got more...
Red Line Weekend Detour and Ultimate Summer Guide
Red Line trains will be rerouted to elevated tracks for the third straight weekend due to maintenance work in the Loop subway. Executive...