Second City’s Fast Paced Balancing Act
GASLIGHT DISTRCIT stays pretty in tune with a classic revue form. We’ve got songs, skits, and improv all wrapped up in a nice, neat, two hour show. These sketches range from a couple minutes to short, quippy one-liners, all focusing on culturally relevant conversations.
Of course the topic of every news cycle is our current political state so how could we not get some hot takes on today’s hot topics - Trump impersonations and all. However, rest assured GASLIGHT DISTRICT balances the political with less poignant sketches like a school field trip gone awry when the teachers are asleep.
Type-Cast Cast
The cast of the Second City’s GASLIGHT DISTRICT introduces themselves with “standard” labels - the ethnically ambiguous one, the tall skinny one, etc. - but these comedians are anything but standard. They play into their given stereotypes with satire and jokes that embrace who they are.
Like Emily Fightmaster might be described as a “palatable lesbian,” but dress her up in some tin foil and give her a solo and she becomes a gender alien star!
And at the same time, their out-of-the-box character work is astounding. Katie Kershaw goes from “thicc,” crop top wearing girl to a sweaty, crotch adjusting, meaty baseball player without batting an eye. Besides their individual talents shining through, the entire cast also works seamlessly as a unit. They complement each other and each of their skits land the punchline every time.
Entering the Truth Zone
GASLIGHT DISTRICT is a great combination of topical comedy that fits into the overall theme of the show with entering the “truth zone.” The show has some thought provoking moments that pack just the right amount of punch without hitting their audience over the head with it.
It covers a wide range of topics and never slows down for an instant. GASLIGHT DISTRICT is a good pick for those looking for a hilarious night out and like mixing their politics with humor.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Note: This is now added to the Picture this Post round up of BEST PLAYS IN CHICAGO, where it will remain until the end of the run. Click here to read – Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves.
Note: An excerpt of this review appears in Theatre in Chicago
When
Now through September 2, 2018
Thursdays at 8pm
Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm and 11pm
Sundays at 7pm
Where
Second City’s e.t.c Theater
230 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
Crew
Anneliese Toft
Jacob Shuda
Laura Hum
Tickets
$21-$41
Tickets can be purchased by phone at 312-337-3992 or on Second City’s website
Cast
Emily Fightmaster
Sayjal Joshi
Katie Kershaw
Andrew Knox
Alan Linic
Jasbir Singh Vazquez
Photos by
Timothy M. Schmidt
About the Author
Alexis is a theater reviewer, travel bug, media specialist, and burger & beer enthusiast. During the day she works in the advertising business as a senior communications designer. When night falls, or when she can escape to New York, she’s hitting the theaters to see as many shows as she can. And whenever she’s not at her desk or in the audience, she’s out seeking the best burger and beer offerings in Chicago.
Editor's Note: Click here to read more Picture this Post articles by Alexis Bugajski
