Review by Neal Newman
May 22, 2024
Bristol Riverside Theatre is offering something special by presenting the touring company of THE SECOND CITY. This edition, entitled COMEDIAN RHAPSODY, directed by Anne Libera, gives those unable to visit Chicago the opportunity to see this famed ensemble. The good news is that this edition has the expected quota of very talented performer/improvisers. The training program at Second City’s home base is rigorous, and this group covered all the basics of their unique improv into sketch concoction. The company asks for suggestions from the audience and then improvises a scene on the spot. If the scene has possibilities, it is rehearsed and placed into a later performance. The cast members are Rich Alfonso, Kennedy Baldwin, Anna Bortnick, Karl Bradley, Claire Favret, and Ross Taylor. Bristol Riverside has provided an attractive theatre/front set, designed by Andrew Deppen, that is worlds ahead of the Second City’s usual black curtain or the wall of doors.
This version was light on the improv and heavy on the sketches. This was a good idea as the Bristol Theater is unsuitable for audience interaction. The stage seems far away and is designed for typical standard plays. Improv works best in a more intimate venue, preferably containing little tables with big drinks on them. Understandably, the group had to work overtime to obtain suggestions and were relieved to receive any assistance. I also made the error of visiting on Wednesday afternoon, which any improviser will tell you is never the liveliest performance.
The sketches were funny but light compared to what I was used to as a Second City visitor on my every trip to Chicago. The Chicago troupe produced extensive laughter with potentially offensive, off-color, pop-culture, and political subjects. Evidently, the tour plays it very safely, which makes sense. Our country is so polarized that what is funny to one tour stop might be brutally offensive to another. The scenes were well done, including a blind date where the lady is accompanied by her own Greek chorus (who don’t like the guy.) There was also a memorable moment where a 10-year-old girl rants her parents for being so boring. They were.
This is the final presentation in the famed playhouse. The house is set for a complete renovation. In the meantime, BRP will present two-character plays like THE GIN GAME in a much smaller venue three miles away. Bon Voyage old home, welcome new.
COMEDIAN RHAPSODY plays through June 2 at Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA. Tickets can be obtained at brtstage.org or by calling 215-785-0100.