Second City Presents DON’T QUIT YOUR DAYDREAM Review —Take The Workforce And Make It Funny

Posted on by Alexis Bugajski

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Second City's Newest Revue

We're seated in the mainstage theater at Second City. It's the usual stage, this time outfitted with shelves of books and a number of odd items. The lights dim and start flashing red, blue, purple, and green. The actors step out on the stage when the lights go dark and strike an ensemble pose as the lights go up again. They disperse and take places at different parts around the stage. Two sit in chairs and deliver a quick one-liner about being an author. Another surprises us on the elevated balcony and serenades us about all his unanswered questions about the world. It's a high energy start to Second City's Newest revue, Don't Quit Your Daydream.

Finding Humor in the Most Mundane Jobs

One theme runs through each of this ensemble's sketches and bits, what happens when we take a comedic look at some regular jobs in the U.S.

Claire McFadden becomes a motivational speaker in a high school's auditorium trying to lead the student body through a relating-to-each-other exercise. Unfortunately, it doesn't go as she expected and the crowd bursts with laughter as she slams her clipboard and yells in triumph at having finally duped a teenager.

Or imagine if you worked in heaven. Julia Morales dons a pair of wings and becomes the gatekeeper to the gates of Black Heaven. She understands White Heaven isn't as fun, so she does her best to help a white guy pass the entrance test to enter (though he gets kicked out right away for the obvious faux pas of touching someone's hair). 

The cast also goes beyond the hyperbolized funny moments of the working world they craft through these scenarios and find the humor in touching moments interspersed as well. They find those moments in more serious situations like an estranged brother and sister on a long car ride or a dad reminiscing about his old jobs back in the day.

Crowd Work And Other Improv Standards

In addition to the prepared sketches, the ensemble also doesn't leave traditional improv exercises out. As we reach the end of the first act, Kiley Fitzgerald becomes a ghost medium. They sense spirits in the house and we speak these spirits manifesting themselves as audience members tapping into them for suggestions for the skit.

We also find ourselves in stitches as Andy Bolduc shows himself in a not so typical job as Snakeworth, evil advisor to the king. He comes out in a greasy black wig, snake cane, and black cloak interviewing members of the audience, positing that we are his army of minion spies. 

Each member of the cast brings the what if to regular jobs and fantasy jobs that has the audience laughing at each turn. For those looking for a standard comedy revue with a comedic social commentary on today’s job industry, this would be a good fit for you. 

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WHEN:

Open Run

Tuesdays-Thursdays at 8PM
Fridays – Saturdays at 7PM and 10PM
Sundays at 7PM

WHERE:

Mainstage
1616 N Wells St.
Chicago IL, 60614

TICKETS:

$59+

For more information and tickets visit the Second City website.

Photos: Joe Mazza

Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago.

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Alexis Bugajski

About the Author: Alexis Bugajski

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

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