By Michael Balderston
The holiday season is meant to be a time for family, good will and peace on earth. But if that sounds too boring for you, check out Second City’s “Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue.” The famed Chicago improv group will be performing their nationally touring holiday show for the next two weeks at the Arlington Cinema Drafthouse, starting Friday, Dec. 12.
“We just took the holiday season and we just kind of kicked it in the nuts a little bit,” says Second City player Chris Redd.
Redd and his fellow cast members will perform sketches that take aim at holiday traditions like Santa in this sketch comedy show that also features a number of chances for fan interaction and fan improv.
“I just love a show that has some great scripted material and also some great improv moments,” says Redd. “A lot of room to be able to play and make stuff up on the spot, get the crowd involved. It has a little bit of something for everybody.”
The show began its tour in Fayetteville, Ark. and is finishing it out with their performances at the Arlington Cinema Drafthouse. Redd says he has enjoyed his time on the road for the chance it has given him to learn more about the country and the people living all across it.
“Touring has really expanded my knowledge of the country and what makes people tick even more than if I just worked a desk job,” says Redd. “I don’t even own a desk.”
On the surface, Second City’s “Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue” may be a jab at the tropes and clichés of the holiday season, but what it offers is something that fits in perfectly with its subject.
“Different things make different people laugh,” says Redd. “But it really rings true when you see one joke that works at every single location. Everyone’s laughing at the same thing and you really see how comedy can bring people together.”
The Second City “Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue” will play the Arlington Cinema Drafthouse Fridays and Saturdays starting Dec. 12 and running through Dec. 27. Tickets are still available for shows, for more information click here. Catch a trailer for the “Holiday Revue” below.
