Holidazed and Amused is Nice and Naughty at the Second City

The annual Holiday comedy show at the iconic Second City is a light-hearted, musical mash up of all that Second City is known for: sketch and improv, with an emphasis on parody songs.

The cast this year is particularly musical, the opening number was sung in at least a five-part harmony and an improved musical version of a typical Hallmark Christmas movie was also catchier than it had any right to be. My personal favorite musical number had to be the story of a girl who comes from a “Musical Theater” family, which led to a mash up of several Broadway Classics – turning On My Own from Les Miserable into a parent’s joy at a moment of peace, and Chicago’s Cell Block Tango a celebration of Christmas Dinner.

Some of the shorter bits were also dance numbers, and given the season, very cathartic. Like they say, when you have feelings too big to talk about, you sing, and when they are too big for singing you DANCE.

This year’s cast is particularly physically talented, and what’s more, committed to the bit. Riley Woollen carried a Sasquatch role to the bitter end, but with such boyish good humor it was more sweet than bitter. Anna Bortnick plunges into myriad dance numbers with an irresistible ferociousness. Ross Taylor’s Android is at once robotic and so creepy I couldn’t help but wonder if he was, in fact, part machine, and his version of the “Irish Goodbye” may be one I have to adopt myself. Kennedy Baldwin moves with a confidence that carries her easily from creepy Christmas Tree agent to recalcitrant child, to man-eating “Vixen.” Deb Duncan takes a turn as a “pervert ghost” that is both unfortunately and hilariously rhythmic. Rich Alfonso has a collection of expressions, from incredulous, to grumpy to suspicious, that prove the necessity of a straight-man for the really big laughs. The whole cast works together like old friends, and dances together like the understudies for a boy band you never knew you wanted.

The show stays safe, topically speaking, as is appropriate for a holiday table – it’ll only annoy that one uncle a couple of times – and those times will be worth it. The modern holiday season is often a source of stress, this show’s irreverent sendups will provide a great release valve, while keeping things light enough to laugh it all off. The whole cast is having a blast, and they bring the audience along for the ride. It’s great for visiting family and friends, and at 90 minutes, doesn’t have to take over the night. If you’re looking for a few laughs and a break from talking to your family, bring them along, especially that one uncle.

Recommended

Reviewed by Alina C. Hevia

Holidazed and Confused runs November 26 – December 31 at 1616 N. Wells St. Chicago. Tickets start at $35 and show times are available at The Second City Box Office, by phone at 312-337-3992 or online at www.secondcity.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.