Appeal to your inner comedian this month – whether your inspiration comes from Chris Farley, Tina Fey or even John Belushi – and take part in the creation of The Second City e.t.c.’s next production. The previews for e.t.c.’s 28th Revue begin this weekend and offer audiences the opportunity to participate in the scripting of its next show.
E.t.c., 1608 N. Wells St., is The Second City’s second troupe. It is an open-minded comedy forum of sorts, where new comedic ideas and techniques are experimented with before they hit The Second City’s mainstage. Often equal to the mainstage acts in wit and hilarity, e.t.c. is edgier and takes more risks.
At most theaters, the cast rehearses the script in private before anyone is allowed to see the piece. A few weeks before the show opens, the cast and crew perform previews in order to fine tune the piece. The previews, at most theaters, are the final aspect of the rehearsal process.
But the critically acclaimed Second City didn’t make its name with conventionality. Its previews are unique and they kick off the rehearsal process. At The Second City, they use audience suggestions to build their production – scene by scene.
The cast creates and rehearses scenes in front of a live audience, using improvisational techniques, for a month. The audience input is a central aspect of The Second City’s creative mechanism.
During preview weeks, the cast begins building the show, bringing all of their most popular scenes together. They perform a medley of scenes – different ones for each preview – and the director decides whether to keep a scene based on the audience’s reaction.
Previews for the 28th Revue run until the middle of November. Tickets cost $18 to $24. Tickets and showtimes are available online at www.secondcity.com or by calling (312) 337-3992.
– Michael Burgner