The best comedy, in our opinion, combines sharp wit with keen observations, promotes talent, braves stands, and draws from the heart. It is clever, not caustic. Think Modern Family, Seinfeld, the Gilmore Girls, MASH and All in the Family, all of which relied on strong writing that addressed social issues in a way that made us both laugh and learn.
The best live comedy incorporates all of those things and takes advantage of a symbiotic energy between cast members and the audience.
We enjoyed excellent live comedy this weekend in Chicago at Second City’s Donny’s Skybox Theatre. This American Strife showcased a drunk John Hancock in one of my favorite sketches, a bullied tomato in another and a rapping Ayn Rand in one of Molly’s favorite skits. Full disclosure, our sister/daughter Katherine Biskupic is a member of the troupe and, as such, gets to sing a torchy love song to Don Draper in what was, of course, our very favorite sketch.
Kudos to the writers, Warren Arnold, David Dritsas, Carlos Freytes, Paul Hughes, Jeremy Molgaard, Katie Nixon, Mollie Reyner and Jacob Roman and to director Lauren Dowden.
We’ve been privileged to see plenty of live comedy and This American Strife ranks as one of the funniest, sweetest, bravest shows we’ve seen.
Here’s a little clip of “I Want a Don Draper”
Katherine mentioned that she wouldn’t mind if I took pictures as long as I didn’t use flash, so I went to town.
Please enjoy these show photos and, if you’re in the Chicago area, there’s still time to purchase tickets to the show, which will run November 8 and 15 at 7:30. Get tickets here.
