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Comedy Fri Oct 25 2013
"Chicago Dating Scene": Lives, Loves & Laughs
Dating in a big city is hard. And, as six comedians proved last night at The Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark, it is also hilarious.
"Chicago Dating Scene," directed by Timmy Mays, is a sketch comedy written and performed by six actor friends who met while training in the city. A delightful hodge-podge of romantic situations flickered across stage through heartfelt monologues and uproarious scenes. How do you keep the romance alive in long-term relationships? How do you break up with somebody? How do you survive a brutal Brazilian wax after a stint of singleness? The show was also infused with absurdist humor reminiscent of vintage "Saturday Night Live" skits, the humor that has you rolling on the floor gasping for breath, although you're not sure why. A man who falls in love with his hawk? Cyrano de Bergerac presiding over a couple's quiet evening at home? The intimate venue added to the feeling that this was simply a merry "Tell me everything!" between friends over dinner.
Just as you'd hesitate to laugh at a friend's romantic misfortunes, you could only watch these comedians with a generous dose of empathy. To stand outside your personal relationships and to perform them for others is to realize their sometimes bizarre, sometimes poignant energy. It turns the audience members simultaneously into voyeurs and companions.
My only regret is that I caught the performance on its tail end. The comedy, which opened on Oct. 3 and played Thursdays at 8pm, ended its run last night. Visit the Public House Theatre's website to learn more about current and upcoming shows; they're guaranteed to be a treat.
