Second City at Woolly Mammoth was ?

Peter Marks must have seen another Second City performance from the one at Woolly Mammoth I saw which only referenced Chicago in political scenes;  Barack Obama is not local. 

Do WE care that much about Chicago? No.

Do WE care what Chicago eats?  No.

Do WE care about television furniture ads in Chicago?  No.

Its baseball teams' rivalry? No.

Was I expecting some political comedy?  Yes.

Really, is coarse language the de rigueur of contemporary theater? It grows tiresome. I guess to be hip with the younger set, it's a requirement. (But it was not a younger audience at the performance I attended.)

Years ago when I saw the troupe in Chicago on two occasions, they were much funnier, and years ago, I was much younger and don't recall constant, explicit "f's" and "s's" every 30 seconds.  But those were the days, my friend, when things and language were not frequently vulgar and base which are contributing factors to the erosion of today's society.

Anyway, the acting in Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies was superb (Jessica Frances Dukes and Aaron Bliden are Woolly Company members who participated), and the music (Matthew Loren Cohen), spot-on. The props were minimal, and they (accessories, chairs) worked well with solitary lighting  (Colin Bills and Jennifer Sheetz). 

Audience participation was the best scene (sic; sorry) anywhere and quite effective.  Do you think it is going to become an award since it grows more frequent?   

Was the production worth $50? (Saturday's matinee prices.) Probably not. If you're looking for political comedy, the Capitol Steps are much better.

What:  Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies

When: Now through January 8, 2012

Where: Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D Street NW

Tickets: 202-393-3939

Metro stations: Gallery Place-China Town, Archives-Navy Memorial, or a short walk from Metro Center or ride the Circulator bus up 7th Street, NW

patricialesliexam@gmail.com

"Measure for Pleasure" at Woolly Mammoth Theatre

The best part? The scene changes: Lots of quick action, movement, cute costumes, new props and frills.

After that, the costume design and hair-dos. Live! On stage! Marge Simpson!.

The sets were outstanding: so many and varied, the color! The lighting was effective.

Which leaves the content. Yes, the content. Ahim (intentional). Not! Boorish, sophomorish, and just plain dull. Written by a male for a male audience only. Or, at least, that was the first act, since that's all we saw, leaving at intermission.

Thank goodness I was there for "pay what you can." Towards the end of the first act the audience laughter was minimal and what could be heard was stilted. Woolly can't win them all.