**** Highly Recommended The new mainstage revue at The Second City, The Devil Is In the Detours, is probably their funniest revue in a long time. In fact, it’s downright hilarious. Everywhere I looked, the folks in the audience were laughing – not polite little titters, either – I’m talking guffaws! The talented cast pokes fun at everything from corporate shirts to zombies while steering clear of politics. 4 BIG Spotlights
As you’re seated, you’ll notice that the mainstage theater has a whole new look. Before, if you and your partner were lucky enough to have a small table, you had to share it with the people behind you. Now, there’s a table for your drink and/or snack between every two chairs! I also noticed that the railing had been lowered, making the space a little more intimate.
The stage has a new look too. The doors are gone, leaving a neutral background which works well against different colored lights and/or silly sketches.
The 112th Revue cast includes David Bolduc, Adonis Holmes, Hannah Ingle, Laura Krabacher, Jordan Stafford and Adisa “DI” Williams. They were all in black, with each outfit a little different making for a much more consistent look – which also works better with costume embellishments/wigs for different skits.
Some of my favorite highlights
- Someone asked a guy in the audience his name – David. Then they asked the name of his first pet – Trixie, and his middle name – Gene. Then, calling him Trixie Gene, they brought him up on stage and made him part of an audition sketch. He was hilarious!
- At everyone’s favorite coffee shop, the baristas made up a song and dance number about each order – each one sillier than the last.
- Puppets – more like Avenue Q than Sesame Street - dissed corporations, in particular Second City’s new corporate owners.
- A brilliant skit about two elderly ladies working the reference desk at the Chicago Public Library.
- A ridiculous sketch about sexy realtors selling houses.
The Second City’s 112th Mainstage Revue, The Devil Is In the Detours, is in an open run at The Second City, 230 W. North Avenue, Chicago. Parking in the adjacent garage is readily available but pricey. Bar-food and drinks are available throughout the performance. Running time is just about two hours, with an intermission. Performances are Tuesdays through Thursdays at 8:00 pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:00 & 10:00 pm, Sundays at 7:00 pm. Tickets start at $39. FYI (312) 337-3992 or www.secondcity.com.