Margarita Madness At The Purple People Bridge : May 17th

Stage Door: Laughing through a Holiday Weekend

Current and upcoming festive selections include The Second City's 'Holidazed & Confused Revue,' 'The Naughty List' and 'Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!).'

Dec 9, 2016 at 10:14 am

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Photo: Mikki Schaffner

"The Naughty List" by OTRimprov

On the Playhouse’s Shelterhouse stage is The Second City’s Holidazed & Confused Revue, an evening of blackout skits rooted in improv (a few scenes actually rely on audience suggestions or interaction). The talent from the Chicago troupe is first-rate, and the buzz is clearly on in terms of people enjoying the show: It’s been extended a week beyond its original closing date. You now have until Jan. 7 to catch a performance. Nate DuFort, producing director of Second City’s touring companies, says, “The holidays are ripe for mocking because of the high anxiety of the season that is just compounded by the close proximity to family, the insanely high expectations and wonder with what uncle is going to have just enough eggnog to share those unpopular political beliefs. Making light of these things can be a release for performers and audiences alike, and we try not to leave any holiday or tradition on the table.” I’ve seen a performance, and I can attest to the truth of DuFort’s observation. Playhouse Box Office: 513-421-3888.

The Second City folks aren’t the only ones adept at winging it, by the way. Starting Monday evening, if you show up at Arnold’s Bar & Grill (210 E. Eighth St., Downtown), you’ll be entertained by Cincinnati’s own OTRimprov troupe. They take over Arnold’s unique courtyard for The Naughty List and invite audience suggestions to inspire games and scenes that change nightly, making every show a unique experience. They might rewrite a beloved carol, act out how they would handle gift requests as Santa or re-imagine a beloved holiday movie in a totally unexpected way. Whatever they do, you can be sure this show offers an evening of sidesplitting laughs. Performances commence at 7:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Dec. 27. Make a reservation with Arnold’s for dinner (513-421-6234), which is served between 6 and 7 p.m. on show nights. Tickets (which do not include dinner): 513-300-5669.

CityBeat’s Erica Reid enjoyed Cincinnati Shakespeare’s production of Much Ado About Nothing, especially praising comic actor Miranda McGee’s performance as Beatrice in one of Shakespeare’s funniest comedies. She’s paired with another veteran, Jeremy Dubin. As Beatrice and Benedick, Reid says, they are “word-perfect and snappy, with an Abbott and Costello-like banter and a surprising amount of chemistry.” This production wraps up on Saturday evening to make way for Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!), opening next Wednesday. Cincy Shakes Box Office: 513-381-2273, x1.

This is also the final weekend for Northern Kentucky University’s production of the high-spirited musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. It’s about a small-town girl who travels to New York City in search of a wealthy guy to marry. Of course, she finds love instead. This show, a Tony Award winner, is a showcase of musical theater dance moves, especially thunderous tap routines. Final performance is Sunday. NKU Box Office: 859-572-5464.

Rick Pender’s STAGE DOOR blog appears here every Friday. Find more theater reviews and feature stories here.

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About The Author

Rick Pender

RICK PENDER has written about theater for CityBeat since its first issues in 1994. Before that he wrote for EveryBody’s News. From 1998 to 2006 he was CityBeat’s arts & entertainment editor. Retired from a long career in public relations, he’s still a local arts fan, providing readers (and public radio listeners)...