Second City tour makes stop at WSC for improv performance

Maddie Genoways, Staff Writer

The touring troupe from the legendary Second City Comedy Club will make a stop at WSC on April 13 for an audience-inclusive improv comedy performance on love, relationships and everything in between. 

The show, which will be featured as part of the Black and Gold Performing Arts Series, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Ramsey Theater, and will be completely free and open to the public. The 90-minute show is titled “Swipes Right: An Incomplete Guide to the Ultimate Date Night,” and invites attendees to come ready to laugh as much at themselves as the actors. Because of the theme, the show may contain some mature themes. 

Dylan Hackworth, touring actor with The Second City, will be a member of the “Swipes Right” cast here in Wayne.  

Hackworth describes the show as a cross between the chaos of live television and romcom satire.  

“Think Saturday Night Live, but without the pretext, and the actors can rope you into the action,” Hackworth said. “Every show is different, but we try to bring in our observations on everyday life- romance, work, family, the supernatural, whatever really resonates with that particular audience.” 

Since opening their doors as a small Chicago club in 1959, The Second City has grown into one of leading names in comedy, hosting countless shows across the globe and with many familiar alumni, such as Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and many others. 

The Second City troupe welcomes folks from all walks of life to give their show a try, even those uncomfortable with involved audience participation.  

“Even as a performer on stage, I still feel those nerves when I’m not sure what I’m being pulled into, I can just feel myself shrinking down in my chair,” Hackworth said. “When we ask for audience participation, we want people to feel good about themselves after they sit back down. We work to turn their ideas into scenes, we do micro-interviews about couples’ stories, people’s jobs or majors, anything. We keep everything very light and fun.” 

For a night of romance, frenetic comedy, minor embarrassment and above all, laughs, join The Second City comedians in the Ramsey Theater in the newly renovated Lied Performing Arts Center.