Second City Chicago

This evening I did something that I have wanted to do for some time now. I attended a show at Second City Chicago. I was not disappointed!

Tonight’s show was “No Country for Old White Men” and starred six up and coming performers: Joe Canale, Ithamar Enriquez, Shelly Gossman, Brad Morris, Amber Ruffin and Emily Wilson. Let me tell you these folks were very good, they were excellent together and they certainly looked like they were enjoying themselves. Some of these actors will soon be included in the ensemble of Saturday Night Live (or elsewhere in comedy world) I am sure.

The show was two acts, each being about 1 hour, and an intermission in-between. The show was a take-off on current events including some very funny teases on Obama, Hilary and McCain. After the show, the comedy troupe did about 45 minutes of improv, which was just as funny as the show.

The building is the original and still carries the charm and wit of the talented people who have yukked it up on its stage for over 40 years. It was cool as you enter the club you pass photos of John Candy, Joe Flaherty, Mike Myers and even former Winnipeggers David Steinberg and Nia Vardalos, all who got their start in Second City Chicago.

I arrived at the theatre early and was lucky enough to be seated right on the stage. I had the best seat in the house; my knees were touching the stage and the performers were close enough that I could have high-fived them… but I restrained myself.

The theater was packed. It is set up like a comedy cabaret, with tables and chairs and bar service. The tables and chairs are set very close together and when the show started there was barely any room to move.

Voyager Training

Earlier in the day I attended the first day of Voyager training at Ex-Libris Headquarters. The course is going very well, and I am learning a lot, as well as meeting some of the people who provide support to our Voyager instance at Red River College. Tomorrow we have an exam. Time to study!

All in all it was a great day!