“Algorithm Nation or, The Static Quo” The Second City

Recommended *** For over 50 years we have enjoyed the hysterical shows at Second City. In the beginning, just the mainstage ( which is where the current show is playing), but now with many stages and lots of young talent. We have watched many a comic get their start on Wells Street and every show we see makes us realize just how special these young talented comics are. remember, these performers are not actors getting a written script with characters to play. They are indeed the creators of an evening of comedy. They create, write, re-write and develop the material to bring to their audience a true escape from the day that they just “made it through”.

This cast of six talented ( mostly newcomers to the Second City stage) performers is made up of: Ryan Asher ( who has been here before), Tyler Davis ( another returnee), Jeffrey Murdoch, Emma Pope, Nate Varrone and Kimberly Michelle Vaughn. Dressed in black, with very little set ( a trademark of this company) with quick wits and a lively audience, they bring us sketch after sketch as directed by Matt Hovde.

The title of the show indicates that through our computer technology we are watched and have become somewhat predictable. While I know that ads pop up on our phones and computers based on what we are seeking, I still feel that we have some control over our brains ( at least I hope so) and that we are not being taken over by technology. These performers take us on some trips thru memory lane showing us how the times have changed. They do skits about thing that are in the news ( as always) and take a few jabs at the White House and its residents ( why not? they are perfect for comedians), we get to see Charlie Brown and his friend Lucy as Charlie kicks the football ( an oldie but goodie), and we have the antics of the White couple inviting their Black neighbors over and how they feel they must act to be accepted in today’s world.

Last night was Press Night, so the audience make-up was a bit different from most nights. The house was filled with regulars who attend theater many nights per week. On mot nights, the audience will be filled with tourists from all over the world visiting Chicago and suburbanites who venture away from home to be in the “city” for a few hours. These performers know that and have created a show that should reach out to all who visit Wells Street. They are trained at working off the audience and playing to them, so be prepared to watch something a little different when you make your trip down to Second City.

As usual, they rip everything and everybody. Unlike most shows that have been on this stage ( this is the 107th), audience involvement is far less, with the exception of “Andrew”, a gentleman sitting with his date in the next to last row near the aisle. During one of the scenes, he was taken from the audience as a hostage and later brought on the stage to read a message. As he was interviewed by  Varrone, laughter filled the venue. He played along with the antics of the cast, dancing and moving as directed ( players told him what and where to move) making for a funny finale to the show. They did take care of his bill and I am sure his date was very impressed by his ability to blend in with these comedians.

This is part of the history of Second City, getting the audience involved and lifting away the problems they may have come in with. The idea is to have laughter and break away from the stress of daily lives. Who cares if “big brother’ IS watching us? For two hours , at 1616 N. Wells Street, you are away from the world at large, laughing, drinking and eating.

The menu is changed from the past now that they have opened the 1959 Kitchen and Bar. Cheesy flatbread pizza , chicken strips, THE BURGER ( a tasty dish indeed),  huge shrimp cocktail ( tangy sauce that will wake you up) and the soft pretzel that you can mustardize to your liking. They even have a few sweets and several ways to enjoy your fries. Of course, they have a full bar and several special drinks that go with the show.

“Algorithm Nation or, The Static Quo” as always is open run with performances as follows:

Tuesdays  8 p.m.

Wednesdays  8 p.m.

Thursdays  8 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays  8 p.m. AND  1 p.m.

Sundays  7 p.m.

Tickets range from $31 and can be purchase din advance by calling 312-337-3992 or online at www.secondcity.com

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com , go to Review Round-Up and click at “Algorithm Nation or, The Static Quo”