Aug 11, 2021

Comedian Abby McEnany Says Chicago Improv Saved Her Life

Show Notes

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.

Recent EpisodesSee all

Why Block Club Sued ICE

32 minSep 29, 2026

It took Block Club Chicago’s investigative reporter Mick Dumke 11 months to get one page of records from ICE about the clash between its agents and protestors outside of the Broadview detention center last year. The response had no records or reports of arrests or use of force. It only contained the agency’s own account of what happened. Mick joins host Jacoby Cochran to talk all things Freedom of Information Act and why records eventually came out through a lawsuit instead.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter .  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 29 episode: Enjoy Illinois Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  

Can Mayoral Candidates Double Dip? Plus, Ford City’s Future

29 minSep 28, 2026

Mayoral candidate Bill Quinlan’s lawsuit aims to block Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas from seeking reelection in their offices while running for mayor. Interim executive producer Michelle Navarro and contributors Jill Hopkins and Yareni Murillo break down the details. Plus, City Council approves plans for the Ford City Mall site and what we are looking forward to this October.  Good news: Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest   Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter .  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 28 episode: Enjoy Illinois Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  

How Chicago Latinos Are Changing Neighborhoods

29 minSep 25, 2026

Little Village was once known as the city's largest Latino neighborhood, but a new report found Belmont Cragin now has the largest Latino population . Block Club reporter Francia Garcia Hernandez tells host Jacoby Cochran how this happened and how other Chicago neighborhoods are changing. Good news: Hexe  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter .  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 25 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway In Chicago - Jekyll & Hyde Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Destination Madison AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  

Art Institute Returns Nazi-Looted Painting. Plus, Fourth Shedd Beluga Dies

35 minSep 24, 2026

The Art Institute of Chicago is returning a 113-year-old painting to the family of its original owner after an investigation revealed it was stolen and resold during Nazi occupation. We talk with contributor Leigh Giangreco and WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez about how Chicago’s world-class museums manage repatriation and allegations of stolen artifacts . Plus, a new report says younger Latinos are speaking less Spanish in the home , and we update our Beluga Watch 2026 . Good News:  Beverly Art Walk , Norwood Park Walking Tour   Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter .  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 24 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway In Chicago - Jekyll & Hyde Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Destination Madison Become a member of City Cast Chicago . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  