“Grinning From Fear to Fear”

Highly Recommended **** When it comes to comedy and “revues”, Chicago is “second to none”, but our greatest spot for a great evening of laughter is Second City, although it has nothing to do with us following anyone else ( in particular New York). Second City has grown tremendously over the years and now, beside the original building and  training center, they occupy a good portion of what has been called Pipers Alley ( dating back to the 1960’s) on the corner of Wells and North Ave. Last night , in their ETC comedy room, they opened their 43rd revue, “Grinning From Fear to Fear” to a very full house.

Just as all of their shows have been in the ETC space, “Grinning From Fear to Fear” is both edgy and thought provoking and as usual performed by the writers, who are as energetic a group as I have seen on their stages in years. This is two hours of quick- moving comedy that deals with relationships, “The Bill of Rights”, Sports ( as parents watch and discuss their kids) game shows, pets, a surprise party scene ( this one used audience members who were on their second drinks ( or so it seemed) that were up to the occasion.

Directed by Anneliese Toft, these six comics move swiftly through the myriad of doors that are the set. The cane back chair ( a symbol of Second City) is the only furniture on the stage. The performers are ones that you might want to note as I am sure they will be around the theater scene in town for years ( and some might even become SNL performers in the future) They are:

Mark Campbell, who is a flexible, rubbery-type actor that can do a puppy dog like no one else I have ever seen. Laurel Krabacher ( who does a tap number about “Lexipro” and is adorable) who can sing and dance her way on to any stage. Chuck Normen (They are a terrific comic adding new touches to “dear old dad” during the surprise birthday scene). E.J. Cameron who has great timing , Andrew Knox ( who is in almost every scene and has great timing) and Atra Asdou ( I have seen her before and remembered her) who is adorable as well as funny.

As I said, these six performers are wonderful to watch and pay close attention to Jacob Shuda at the piano. Yes, he wrote the original music and handles the sound, but at times you can see him truly get into his role as being the 7th cast member.

“Grinning From Fear to Fear” is open and will have 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 ( 230 West North avenue), by calling 312-337-3992 or online at www.secondcity.com

This is a club, so of course they have a bar, but they also have some vittles available from their adjacent 1959 Kitchen and Bar”

Try the Chicken Strip Basket and their Crispy Artichokes- delish! They also have some great looking “sweets” ( next time, for sure).

ETC is located at the corner of Wells and North on the second floor. Parking is available next door at the garage or on the street ( if you find a space).

To see what others are saying, visit www,theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Grinning From Feat to Fear”

As usual the shows language  is x-rated.