“Gaslight District”/ new E.T.C. Second City Revue ( #42)

[rating=4] How can they continue to bring us the comedy they have been doing for eons? This is the question many audience members ask each time a new Revue is brought to us at any of the Second City stages. Tonight, on the E.T.C. stage ( second floor of Piper’s Alley) we were witness to their 42nd revue, “Gaslight District”, which as usual is written by the performers in the show. This particular show is directed by Anneliese Toft, with musical direction ( original music and sound) by Jacob Shuda.

The show, which covers almost two zany hours ( two acts with one 15 minute intermission) takes us from Aliens to alienated and leads us to a place where truth cannot cross barriers. What would happen if we step beyond the wall ( dare I say wall ?) and we can only speak truths? What is we could not get back to our “safe zone”?. Like all of the other 41 cleverly written and performed shows, this one takes us to a place where our real lives disappear ( at least for two hours) and we just laugh our A–es off!

As they often do, they do use audience as part of the show. In this one, they use one particular lady and very often. She was terrific as a sport and as subject matter. I am sure they watch those who sit up-front closely for signs of those who will be fun versus those who might be stick-in-the muds. The performers and the audience is there for fun, so let the games begin!

By the way, the title “Gaslight District” sort of applies to the “other world” where things are not exactly as they appear and this rollicking comic entertainment take sus there with style, grace and a great deal of humor. Let’s take a look at our cast of players:

Emily Fightmaster, the tall, rather slim actress/writer who has a degree in  “Woman and Gender Studies” ( I have no idea what this means, but she is lovely and very funny)! the second female performer is Sayjal Joshi , who is far smaller in stature with a voice that is higher than a kite and a very “SNL” attitude. The third of our ladies, Katie Kershaw is a comic that uses her body better than most and has great facial gestures. Watching her is like getting a second look at each of the humorous situations.

The men are Andrew Knox, returning from the 41st revue and even funnier this time around.. He does a great President Trump, and while this particular show is less political than most, it is almost impossible to do a comedy show and NOT include something on Trump. Alan Linic, another returnee who is tall and very lanky, and despite his thinking he can dance, cannot. But he is funny! Jabir Singh Vazquez completes our sextet. He is s a riot and can be classified as a man of many voices and characters. Many of the females in my seating area found him adorable, and guess what, he is! I will tell you that there is one scene/routine that is done about immigration where Joshi and Vazquez will have you in need of a tissue at the end, despite being in stitches during the heat of the “bit”. Shows that it takes good actors to make good comedy!

The fun of attending a Second City production is to enter the theater, leaving your “other world” outside. Go into the theater to have fun and laughs. This, I guarantee will take place with this show, even if you are not a drinker. But, to make it an even better experience, have one of their special drinks or appetizers from their new 1959 Kitchen and bar ( a symbol of their roots). They have a great selection of wine and beers as well as regular drinks ( the martini was perfect) and the food- real good!. Jane had the veggies and dip, we shared a warm pretzel with two dips ( mustard and beer cheese), the crab Rangoon ( jumbo and delish), and a burger that will compare with even the famous “Wells on Wells” across the street. Their fries are “to die for”! (farm to table). Two desserts are available. The Beignets are a delight, but powdered sugar traces are hard to hide, so if on a diet, I suggest passing for the other desert, “S’mores In a Jar ( dark chocolate mousse, graham cracker crumble and toasted marshmallow fluff in a mason jar. WOW!

“Gaslight District”, the 42nd Second City revue will continue at Pipers Alley, E.T.C., second floor, 230 West North Avenue ( at  Wells) with performances as follows:

Thursdays  8 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Saturdays  8 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Sundays  7 p.m.

Tickets start at $21 and can be purchased at the box office, by calling 312-337-3992 or online at www.secondcity.com

Parking is not easy in Old Town, but there are lots and metered spaces. Many people find it easier to use public transportation, cabs or Uber to eliminate the hassle.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Gaslight District, The Second City’s e.t.c.’s 42nd Revue