Bristol Riverside Theatre presents the next generation of comedy superstars in a brand-new revue featuring side-splitting sketch comedy, songs, and trademark improvisation. The Second City: Comedian Rhapsody features the Chicago-based ground-breaking improvisational theater troupe, The Second City, an assembly of the country’s most prolific up-and-coming comedic talents.
Tickets are on sale now for the six-person ensemble cast starring Rich Alfonso, Kennedy Baldwin, Anna Bortnick, Karl Bradley, Claire Favret, and Ross Taylor. Anne Libera directs the production, with Bree Bartman (Stage Manager) and Tony Belsito (Music Director) on the BRT stage from May 14 to June 2.
The Second City players, known for their cutting-edge brand of cabaret theatre comedy, solicit impromptu audience participation during one hour and forty-five minutes of satire and social commentary with one 15-minute intermission. To bring the show to the stage, the cast constructs a two-act comedy sketch show over a 12-week rehearsal process, culminating in a comedic critique of pop culture, politics, and society. This spring, the cast of characters brings their comic relief to BRT to close the 37th season.
Founded in December 1959 by Paul Sillis, Bernie Sahlins, and Howard Alk, Chicago’s oldest continuously running improv theatre group is known for catapulting the careers of marquee comedians, directors, and award-winning actors. Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, and Jordan Peele, among several other noted performers and Saturday Night Live (NBC) alums, cut their comedic teeth as part of The Second City. The company debuted its musical revue on Broadway in 1961, growing throughout the decades to tour cities across America and Canada, including Atlanta, Boston, Denver, San Diego, and, annually, Washington, D.C. The Second City opened an additional 12,000-square-foot entertainment and training complex in Brooklyn, New York, welcoming new audiences in November 2023.
“The Second City is legendary to me as someone who grew up in the Midwest and spent my early career in Chicago, said Co-Producing Director Ken Kaissar. “They are the epitome of fearless comedy, and they end up improvising at every show, so no two performances are the same. I’m so honored to bring this national treasure to Bristol.”
If You Go:
Tickets for The Second City: Comedian Rhapsody are available online and by phone at 215-785-0100 for audiences aged 13 and over.
BRT’s productions offer special pre- and post-show engagements, which are included with the ticket price, for guests to create a special night out.
- May 16 opening night performance is followed by a reception where patrons can revel over the night’s show.
- May 17 ‘Friday Festival’ features drinks courtesy of Pat Deon Beverages and Dad’s Hat, pasta provided by Cesare’s Ristorante, and desserts.
- ‘Wine Down’ midweek on May 22 with complimentary wine from Chaddsford Winery Lahaska and desserts by Donna’s Delicious Delights
- ‘Thirsty Thursday’ on May 30 with beer courtesy of Broad Street Brewing and Naked Brewing Company with snacks courtesy of Dog & Bull Brew & Music House and Philly Style Soft Pretzel.
Find more information, including a season production schedule, at brtstage.org.