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Second City improvisationlacks reputed spontaneityBy Bonnie ChaikindSTAFF WRITERImprovisational comedy, when done successfully, can be stimulating. irreverant and wildly funny. When it fails, however, it is dull, tiring and ridiculous.‘•Second City/* the granddad-dy of ail improvisational groups, tottered somewhere in the paradoxical middle Monday night at the Lindy Opera House.Ironically the Chicago-based group lacked the one quality that is intrinsic to improvisation— spontaneity. Staged effectively and lit appropriately, the production presented safe, well-worn pieces that, for the most part, came off like rehearsed and polished speeches.David Steinberg, who directed the effort and appeared in it, is a brilliant, unique satirist. Incomprehensible, though, is the necessity for selecting sketches that are familiar and have been seen on national television.“Moses and Job/' which was recently cut by Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour censors, is a clever, interesting divergence fromtypical biblical tales, eA**The problem arises, however, when people know the piece well enough to recite it along with Steinberg. It would seem to be the appropriate time to reevaluate its effectiveness.Similarly “How to Win a Friend'* is an old Second City standard. Paul Sand attempted to recreate Steinberg’s interpretation but was unable to match the latter *s sensitivity.But all was not lost. “Second City'* did have a few moments when the lack of spontaneity could be overlooked.“The Ted Mack Amateur Hour, with Richard Schaal as the harassed commentator who had to deal with catatonic trances and pillow-wielding impressionists, was an amusing parody on talent shows. * iJ ^ iMina Kolb (her Excedrin commercials have almost become subliminal) is a fine comedienne who should have been given more to do. Her portrayal of a frustrated wife trying to excite her placid husband, hypnotized bytelevision, was executed with a deft touch and sensitivity.The psychiatrist skit, an in. credible piece that had a simulated trip, had Steinberg as the insane doctor, and Schaal as the frustrated, unnerved patient.J.J. Barry and Valerie Harper rounded out the cast but for the most part, they were guiltyof o ver indicating. JHThe finale, a camp take-off on musicals, was so incredulousthat it was funny. Steinberg, Schaal, Sand and Barry pranced around like drunken gazelles, while iMiss Harper sang “Girls in Summer Dresses,” like Ethel Merman.1* flBThe potentiality of “Second City” is unlimited. It is a tragic shame that it was not used to its fullest capacity. Perhaps the selection of the Lindy Opera House was wrong. Maybe a dark, dank basement with chairs closely assembled and a small, intimate stage would have created the proper mood required.The production is scheduled for a three week run.
Newspaper Details
Los Angeles Daily Sundial
Los Angeles, California, US
Fri, Dec 20, 1968
Page 4
Full Page
Clipped by
Loyola U.
IL, USA 30 Mar 2020
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