Second city’s 94th revue, Between Barack and a Hard Place, has led them to reclaim their throne as King of Chicago’s comedy circuit once again. Kiss the sky they haven’t lost their politically incorrect sense of humor just yet. Derisively witty and chalk full of satire, the six-person main stage cast, directed by Matt Hovde, takes a jab at a nation divided. Whether it’s trying to appeal to a culture that prides itself in diversity, smokers versus non-smokers, or the war on drugs, one thing is clear — terrorists have learned how to bypass our nation’s security by watching the nightly news. This bit was by far the cleverest thing I have seen in a long while.
The beauty of this revue is that there is virtually no down time. Spoofed up and ready to rip on every thing from vitamin water to Irish terrorists, no one is safe from this bombardment of droll satire.
What’s funnier than Hillary Rodham Clinton hiring a terrorist to assassinate Barack Obama? Possibly a rap battle between spouses on a really uncomfortable double date.
Even though every sketch isn’t performed with complete and utter commitment by the actors, the ideas are hilarious enough to carry the jokes through. And there are gems to be had! A whole song about being socially awkward is just that. Add ASD (attention surplus disorder) on a walking tour through the Art Institute and a “Bi-raki” (bisexuals for Barack) and you have got yourself one hell of a show.
Joe Canale is wonderful throughout. He puts himself full into every sketch and changes on a dime. Sarcastically mordant during his Art Institute tour, he stumbles upon different paintings of wheat by Monet at half-hour intervals. It’s hilarious. Equally remarkable is two-time Joseph Jefferson Award Nominee Brian Gallivan who makes putting on characters look easy as breathing. He is literary flawless in performance. Truthful and always aware of his stage partner(s); Gallivan’s improv post-show must be stayed for. And Molly Erdman is one comedy queen who knows what’s up. Never one to overindulge, she gives the jokes exactly what they need — a little punch.
Ithamar Enriquez also is a force reckon with. His physical comedy takes no prisoners.
Impudently satirical and downright witty, the tension of being stuck Between Barack and a Hard Place is now tangible. Check it out.
