Dysfunctional Holiday Revue puts spin on treacly traditions
If annoying holiday films, dreaded family gatherings and overplayed Christmas songs don’t get you in the holiday spirit, The Second City certainly will when they bring their Dysfunctional Holiday Revue performance and additional New Year’s Eve show to Pheasant Run Resort, presented by Fox Valley Repertory at Pheasant Run Resort.
Founded in Chicago in 1959, The Second City has become the premier training ground for the comedy world’s best and brightest. Their alumni list reads like a who’s who of American comedy, as it includes: Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, George Wendt, Martin Short, John Candy, Bonnie Hunt, Tim Meadows, Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Horatio Sanz, Ryan Stiles and countless others.
St. Charles native and Second City actor Chris Witaske will perform in his hometown. Touring for The Second City is a dream come true for Chris. Originally from St. Charles and a University of Iowa alum, his credits include original productions at The Annoyance, iO, Baby Wants Candy, SC at Sea, Chicago Sketchfest, TBS Just for Laughs, Comedy Central Stage and UCB. He was assistant to director Mick Napier for the 50th Anniversary Second City revue, Taming of the Flu. He is proud of his sketch groups Buffet Shark, Gentlemen’s Club with Bob Odenkirk, and his video group Sad on Vacation.
Other cast members include Lyndsay Hailey, Nicole C. Hastings, Barry Hite, Nick Stoltenberg, Barry Hite and Tim Stoltenberg. Director is Ryan Bernier, Music Director is Ben Harris, and Stage Manager is Barry Branford.
Not only will an evening with The Second City provide audiences with the chance to see comedy stars in the making, but they also will have the opportunity to see hilarious satire and cutting-edge improvisation — all with a special holiday slant. It’s a fast-paced, interactive comedy revue filled with style and wit — where even Rudolph is fair game. Strong adult language and themes. Not recommended for children or young teens.
The Second City’s Dysfunctional Holiday Revue performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 9 and 16. Tickets are at $39. Dinner and overnight packages are available.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with The Second City’s Dysfunctional Holiday Revue at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $50 and include show tickets, party favors and champagne. Overnight party packages also are available.
Ample free parking and valet services are available at Pheasant Run Resort. The resort and theaters are wheelchair accessible and hearing amplification systems are available. Ask the box office about dinner packages with Pheasant Run Resort’s Harvest Steak & Seafood Restaurant and the newly remodeled Garden Atrium Buffet.
Pheasant Run Resort is at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. For tickets, call the Pheasant Run box office at (630) 584-6342 or visit ticketmaster.com. Additional performance information can be obtained at foxvalleyrep.org.