Just for Laughs Chicago announces 2010 lineup: A Very Funny Repeat?

TBS Presents a "Very Funny" Festival: Just for Laughs Chicago, returns for a second year on June 15-19 with headliner Ellen Degeneres...again. Wait a minute, again? As in two years in a row? While Degeneres packed the Chicago Theatre last year with her self-deprecating brand of humor (partially sly, partially milquetoast), we're wondering why she's been asked back so soon. Is she the only person TBS and JFL believe can fill seats? No disrespect to Degeneres but, is this to fulfill some TV deal TBS has inked with her? From a curatorial standpoint it's an odd choice to repeat so quickly (other '09 talent including Russell Peters and Bob Odenkirk are also back). Seeing Degeneres last year felt unusual, special even. A second helping so soon is a bit of a letdown.

On a brighter note, JFL just held its Chicago callback auditions last night at the Lakeshore Theater. Twenty-five of the cities top jokers including Brian Babylon, Sean Flannery, Junior Stopka, Beth Stelling and Prescott Tolk were there to woo the JFL bookers. Here's hoping they acknowledge some of the city's finest.

Other headliners slated to appear include Cedric The Entertainer, Denis Leary, Russell Peters, Bob Odenkirk, Greg Giraldo, Jim Norton and Aziz Ansari among others. Tickets will be available beginning March 29 at ticketmaster.com. We'll keep you posted as more lineup information becomes available.