A Night at The Second City

Who can resist a Second City mainstage show?

Author

Amanda Finn
May 16, 2025

A Slow-Go Week

Good Day, Readers!

This week was a bit slow for my schedule. Nonetheless, I’ve got a review and some Chicago A&E news on deck!

I also feel compelled to point out that my first review for this newsletter is for a company with the initials SC, just like a truncated (though not technically accurate) ShowCago—things like that are neat.

Next week, there will be some anime and Japanese culture content coming at you from the Midwest’s largest anime convention: Anime Central. Hopefully, I’ll have at least one artist interview or Q&A to share. So stay tuned for that!

Comedy in the Face of Fear

(L to R) Bill Letz, Jordan Stafford, Leila Gorstein, Adonis Holmes, Hannah Ingle, Adisa Williams Photo by: Timothy M. Schmidt

If I could only say one thing about The Second City’s latest mainstage show: it slaps.

As is fitting for a show entitled This Too Shall Slap, this sketch comedy show, written by the ensemble, is precisely what we need right now. In a time when so many of us are trapped in the daily harpy squawk of an American political hellscape, we need comedy more than ever. And with this ensemble? That remedy is the strong stuff, no prescription needed.

In full, unambiguous disclosure, I can’t remember the last time I laughed that hard. While I’ve only seen a handful of SC shows, this is undoubtedly the best I’ve seen. The beauty of this particular ensemble is that the show they’ve written perfectly encapsulates each of their comedy styles, giving us a dose of their brilliance in equal measure. Who would’ve thought random screaming outbursts would be hilarious?

One disservice they may have done themselves, though, is being too good at writing musical comedy. I’ve had the song “Dictator Nation” stuck in my head for a week—which only necessitates some kind of audio recording. It’s a bop. These comedians would make for an excellent musical comedy revue, which will be essential for the city’s morale. After all, we’re going to need a score to endure the next 3 ½ years. There’s only so much Hamilton and a non-specific political Sondheim musical can do.

From Jordan Stafford, as an old man who needs to label those phone numbers, to Leila Gorstein trying to find the perfect wedding gown as her father Bill Letz struggles with an oddly sexual crossword puzzle, you’ll barely have a chance to breathe. If you’ve never seen an SC show before, I can’t imagine a better or more profound introduction.

My Recent Reviews In Other Publications

Time travel on the tab, Chicago Reader: Ghostlight Ensemble’s Drink the Past Dry

A Man for Our Time, NewCity Stage: Northwestern University’s Man of La Mancha

Chicago A&E News

  • Black Ensemble Theater announced a new world premiere production to open on June 7th. That's What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne and Patti will be a “musical celebration of sisterhood, soul, and legendary voices written and directed by Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks,” per a release. The show centers on the musical superstars Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warwick, and Gladys Knight.

  • Lifeline Theatre announced seven new artistic ensemble members this week! These new members include: Calvin Adams, Amanda de la Guardia, Bradley Halverson, Emily Hayman, Shea Lee, Brian Tochterman, and Gerrit Wilford. Per a release, it has been years since Lifeline has added new ensemble members. “That consistency is priceless, but we felt the need for fresh perspectives,” said Managing Producer Heather Currie in the release. “Welcoming these new voices to our artistic collective is a joyful investment in Lifeline’s future.”

  • PlayMakers Laboratory is hosting its annual Celebration of Authors Gala: A Family Friendly FUN-draiser on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 6:30 to 10:30 pm at the National Museum of Mexican Art, featuring food, drinks, games, a silent auction, a photo booth, and live performances of student stories. The event will also include the presentation of the "Storyteller of the Year Award" to PlayMaker alumni Mary Winn Heider, with all proceeds benefiting PML's creative writing programs for Chicago Public Schools.

  • The Annoyance Theatre & Bar will present a special summer edition of their fully improvised comedic thriller, Hitch*Cocktails, titled SUMMER OF SUSPENSE, from June 13 to August 30. This 90-minute mainstage show will feature special guests, live jazz, specialty cocktails, and an elevated comedic homage to Hitchcock. “We’ve spent over a decade exploring what happens when comedy, suspense, and a few too many drinks collide—and this summer, we’re taking it to the next level,” Artistic Director Caleb George said in a release.

Do you have Chicago-based A&E news to announce?

Email me at [email protected]!

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Attending shows or events on top of my work as a full-time freelancer comes at a financial cost. Whether it's transportation fares or grabbing coffee after a long day to get me through a three-hour Shakespeare after an eight-hour day, every little bit helps.

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