My Night On Stage With Second City

I have no idea how good or bad I did, but I do know at one point I was on my hands and knees sticking my head between one of the women’s legs.

Have you ever agreed to do something before realizing maybe you bit off more than you could chew? That was my predicament tonight. I’d agreed to go on-stage with the world famous Second City troupe at New Haven’s equally famous Long Wharf Theater.

The Second City cast are pros. They improvise every night. I am just a medium market weatherboy.

Helaine and I showed up early. An intern took me up, over and down through the bowels of Long Wharf to briefly meet the cast and get my instructions. I’d join them on-stage at the very end for their “Freeze” routine.

“Freeze” is 100% improv. Actors just riff until another member of the company taps one on the shoulder and says, “freeze.” The action stops until the tapper restarts the scene–usually in a totally new direction.

It was nerve wracking.

I have no idea how good or bad I did, but I do know at one point I was on my hands and knees sticking my head between one of the women’s legs. Later I played a Don Knottsesque detective wannabe.

You can’t stop and say “I’ve got nothing here,” though I did feel that would have been appropriate more than once.

When I rejoined Helaine and our friends Dennis and Sue they asked how much prep there had been. None! They were surprised.

My job has certain perks. This is one. I got to join Second City for a few minutes. I think I had fun though I’m still not sure!

I’m Appearing With Second City

I’ll be appearing with Second City Saturday night. In that one sentence I’ve made what I’m doing a much bigger deal than it is!

I’ll be appearing with Second City Saturday night. In that one sentence I’ve made what I’m doing a much bigger deal than it is! I’m still looking forward to it.

It all started with an email from my boss who’d gotten an email from the Long Wharf Theater in New Haven. She asked if I’d like to do this:

As part of the evening, the company does 20 minutes of straight up improv to conclude the evening. They are willing to have a local celebrity appear in the show during this segment of the event. The celebrity would participate in about 5 minutes worth of improv games (the company has assured me that the actors do everything in their power to make sure that the celeb comes off funny and successful).

If you’re there Saturday please be generous in your response. Any laughter will be appreciated.