***** The Second City has been a part of Chicago’s comedy scene for decades and just keeps finding new talent. Over the years we have witnessed great success stories as comedians graduate from this institution to television and movies with many of them becoming regulars on SNL ( Saturday Night Live), and the ensemble that I saw tonight as they unleashed their 111th Mainstage Revue, “Don’t Quit Your Daydream” is destined to see their members grow and grow. Six amazingly talented comics who have put together two wonderful hours of great fun ( even if you are not drinking).
The cast is composed of Jordan Stafford, Julia Morales, Kiley Fitzgerald, Andy Bolduc, Claire McFadden and Evan Mills. I must say that Mills, who we have seen before, is quite a talent. His ability to move his body in every direction, at the same time, and bulge his eyes likewise is absolutely amazing. He is an absolute stitch.
In the scene that Mills does with McFadden about an acting class, you will find yourself falling out of your seat. In fact, I said to those around me that this duo could do a full show of old movies and keep us in stitches for hours. They would not need any other material. But there are lots of other bits in this two-hour show- Black Heaven , and how to get in, if you are white is quite comical. A scene where two couples get together for dinner, but one couple is composed of Andy and his imaginary lover/girlfriend/mother of his child, who just happens to be invisible- wow! The scene is another hoot and holler one as this “couple” almost makes love on stage and along with Mcfadden and Mills ( as the other couple) end up delivering a baby ( invisible). The “flip-flop” scene is another winner and worth the price of admission.
As usual, the scenes move quickly from one to another and the performers play the audience well, getting them involved. In fact, Bolduc, leaves the stage and goes out into the audience to do a bit about work and the culture of the workplace. The idea of the show is to forget about work and have fun, and from where I sat on the rail ( I love being on the rail) this full house had a night they will never forget. Jane was chuckling for a bit, but I also caught her laughing out loud ( I think they call it LOL). This was that funny!
FYI- They still have some food on the menu ( the sliders are terrific) that will satisfy your hunger while the comedy onstage satisfies your need to not think about anything and just have a good time. The good times will happen, trust me!
” Don’t Quit Your Daydreams” will continue Thru – Jan 30, 2024 at Second City, located at 1616 N. Wells, 2nd floor ( the original stage).
with performances as follows:
Show Type: Comedy
Box Office: 312-337-3992
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