The improvisational comedy theatre, which almost closed its doors this past fall due to severe rent problems, will premiere its new show Feb. 5 with an official opening set for March 11. According to production notes, "We've been ambushed — Bushwacked by our own Commander in Chief. Now it's time to push back and scream, 'We're not gonna take it anymore!'"
The 32nd comedy revue presented by Chicago City Limits will feature a collection of scenes, songs and improvisations that take aim at "the state of our union, our city, our world and ourselves." Theatregoers can expect to see a Baghdad girl group sing "Leader of Iraq"; George Bush Sr. and Jr.'s take-off of a Sonny & Cher-styled "I Got Hussein"; and a new reality show titled "Jew Eye for the Goy Guy."
Paul Zuckerman and Joe DeGise II direct a cast that features Tara Copeland, Eugene Cordero, Robert Schiffmann and DeGise. Travis Ploeger accompanies the group on keyboard.
The troupe was formed in Chicago in 1977 by George Todisco and other performers in workshop at Chicago's legendary Second City. Todisco, who died in 1981, served as artistic director and producer for the troupe during its early years. After moving to Manhattan a year later, the group began appearing in nightspots and comedy clubs, eventually moving Off- Broadway (1980) to the Jan Hus Playhouse and, currently, their own theatre (on First Ave. and 61st St. in New York). For over 15 years the troupe has also been offering workshops in improvisational theatre for both beginners and seasoned performers.
Previous Chicago City Limits titles have included CCL With Clam Sauce; He She and It; X The Roman Numeral; Scandals of '89; Saddam You're Rockin' the Boat; The Official Comedy Team of the 1992 Olympics; Lame Duck Soup, Let Loose the Dogs of Improv and @ChicagoCityLimits.comedy. Show times are Wednesday and Thursdays at 8 PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 and 10:30 PM; tickets are $20. Chicago City Limits currently performs at 1105 First Avenue at 61st Street; call (212) 888-5233 for tickets. For more information, visit www.chicagocitylimits.com.
