“What The Elf”

[rating=5] It’s holiday time and we all need a release and some laughter. It is a time for family! A time for planning out the gifts and budgets! A time for planning visits to relatives that you may, or may not want to spend time with! Nevertheless- it is a time to enjoy the season and there is no better place that Second City.

There are many stages from the original Second City ( on Wells) to the many stages that occupy Pipers Alley at 230 West North Avenue. Tonight we were on the 3rd floor at the UP Comedy Club. This is a holiday program unlike any other typical Christmas or holiday show in town. Yes, we are all ready for  ” A Christmas Carol”, The Nutcracker”, “White Christmas”. “Elf”, “A Christmas Story” and of course, “A Wonderful Life” and now we have added to the mix,” What The Elf” six amazing performers giving us two hours of comedy that is quite relatable to all of us during this particular time of year.

While part of what we witness is scripted ( by the six performers) a lot of the material is what is added by the audience and the cleverness of the performers to mix the audience statements into the story. They do this with great skill and never miss a beat. Part of being a stand-up comic is the ability to read your audience and relate to them, and these six are fearless and near perfect. Only once did they break stride and there were ample opportunities to do so. The show is a mix of holiday satire, sexual innuendos  and funny skits and songs. If you are a prude, this show will be hard to handle! If you are someone who laughs and enjoys doing so, you will find this one of the best evenings you have had regarding the holidays.

The audience playfulness is important to the show so if you go, you cannot or shall I say MUST NOT be quiet. When they ask for shout-outs, SHOUT OUT!. When they ask a question, answer it! You will find that one little answer can come back to bring you several minutes of laughter and pleasure and let’s face it, when we go to a comedy club, we want to laugh!

The show is two hours in duration with a 15 minute intermission BUT when it is over, if you are UP to it, they will take another 5 minute break ( so you can get a drink or run to the bathroom ) and come back for a little more. Since I had to write this review and get up early Sunday, we did not stay for the 3rd act, but based on what I saw for the others, I am positive it was just as funny. I will find out from Paul Lisnek ( who stayed) on Sunday.

There is a “dance” number done on office chairs ( with wheels) that is astounding. There are so many things that could go wrong with this number, and yet, these skilled comics manage to keep their cool and pull it off. It is akin to watching a special ballet number.

The cast  is composed of six wonderful performers who have energy to spare. Jenelle Cheyn is a stitch, Yazmin Ramos, Javid Iqbal, Tim Metzler, The very funny Bill Letz ( who has the energy of five) and last but not least Maureen Boughley who is quite nimble and flexible.

The energy is amazing. They had a few lighting mishaps, but nothing stopped this crew from bringing laughter to the full house. By the way, they pour great drinks there and the food menu is typical bar food with a few surprises. Our server, Marcus, knew the menu up and down making suggestions. He made sure that we were served promptly and that everything was perfect. A great show, great food, great service- who could ask for anything more?

“What The Elf” will continue at Second City UP Comedy Club through the holidays ( and possibly longer) with performances as follows:

Thursdays  8 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays  8 p.m.

Sundays  7 p.m.

Tickets range from $29 and can be purchased by calling 312-337-3992 or online at www.secondcity.com

The Up Comedy Club is IN Piper’s Alley located at 230 West North Avenue. Third Floor.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “What The Elf”.

Paul said the third act was about 15 minutes, all improv and dealt with sex. Very holidays for sure. He also said that it was the highlight of the evening, so stick around and enjoy!