Rock Candy

Joy Ritchey got a lot of laughs out of opening night of The Second City's improv show at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. The famed Second City is in town until Oct. 8:

Opening night of The Second City's "Truth, Justice or The American Way" at the Rep was great fun. I've been going to the Rep since I was a child and this was by far the youngest crowd I've ever seen there, with the exception of Skip Rutherford and his companions.  I predict the crowds will continue to be young in response to the ireverant humor and the
Skip Ruthurford-crowd will grow as word spreads about the smart political humor.

Current events, including teen-agers' addiction to computers, a love song to Barack Obama, who's to blame for the war in Iraq, requirements for Army enlistment, the need for a black
Republican robot, current office politics, and a scene with Condi Rice riding George Bush like a mechanical bull, all will draw in crowds and amuse. While many of the skits were much too short, all were funny.  The cast of six was each talented and Julie Nichols, musical director, was a particular standout.

Owing to audience participation sprinkled throughout and a third act made up entirely of Improvisation, "Truth, Justice or The American Way" is sure to be a new and wonderful show each night of its run through Oct. 8. And, really, how can you miss a show with a caricature of a Hendrix graduate (he's legally retarded), an improvised song called "Cranberry Love" and that has a soundtrack that includes the Jackson 5? 

And, as they say, "We're smart/ Or at least/We know enough!" -- Joy Ritchey

P.S. Call the Rep at 378-0405 for tickets, and for those interested in an improv class, there are classes for youths ages 13-17 and adults on Saturday at $60, but space is limited; call 378-0445, ext. 215, or e-mali hollyg@therep.org for class information.