In these politically correct, post-Don Imus days, some might feel that to attend a sketch comedy show billed as a "multi-cultural look at living in the mid-west" performed by "Chaldean, Indian and African-American actors" would be simply out of the question. Others might show up HOPING to be offended by something. Anything.
Both extremes might be a little disappointed with "My Cuzin's Comedy Show," a late night alternative production that's running Thursdays through May 10.
Originally created and staged by Spotlite Entertainment as an all-Chaldean sketch comedy, the show had successful runs last year at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle in Royal Oak and JD's House of Comedy in Southfield where it caught the attention of Second City's Producing Artistic Director Nate DuFort. Obviously intrigued by what he saw – but, I suspect, also aware of its limitations – the concept was updated to add other Metro Detroit ethnic groups – and seasoned improvisers – into the mix. The result could be what Co-Producer and Co-Creator Paul Jonna called in a recent interview in the Chaldean News: Second City's first "all-brown cast."
But, with the exception of Saurin Choksi and Sam Richardson, it's also an unpolished troupe – but more on that later.
As you might expect, SOME of the scenes within the one-hour show are ethno-focused, but they achieve what good satire is SUPPOSED to do: They make you laugh, and then they make you think.
That's certainly the case with two of the better segments in the show.
In the opening scene, a neighborhood watch meeting is held to rail about "the undesirables" moving into the area. Everyone seems to be in agreement as to who "they" are and what sins they've committed – but are they really? (The punch line didn't work, however – a frequent problem in this production.)
Later, Richardson plays a political cartoonist whose depictions of stereotypes are questioned by his boss, Choksi. Although skeptical of Richardson's excuses, he accepts them – until his own nationality is skewered!
A third piece of social commentary – a congresswoman and her advisors who come up with a plan to fund a very unique amusement park – was a bit too long and rambling, another recurring problem throughout the show. But eventually it had plenty of bite. (The punch line, however, was unfortunate. Picking on gay people is fair game; making a joke about gay bashing – no matter its intent – is not, especially to a community still in shock over the recent incident with Andrew Anthos.)
Other scenes aren't particularly exclusive of any one ethnic group; some work, while others don't – which is typical of ANY sketch comedy. But given the various shades of brown in the cast, other opportunities to explore racial and ethnic tensions and differences are missed altogether.
There IS plenty of energy and talent among the Second City newcomers, however. The gorgeous Candace Joy Dickow has great chemistry with all of her co-stars, while 17-year-old Genevieve "Vivi" Jona knows how to create a plethora of interesting and unique characters. And Paul Jonna generates plenty of laughs as the irritating mother-in-law of newscaster Dickow.
But their inexperience shows. Lines are lost during rolls of laughter, and most need to remember to always project clearly and distinctly to the back of the house.
(FOR "REVIEW BOX")
REVIEW:
'My Cuzin's Comedy Show'
A late night alternative production at The Second City, 42705 Grand River Ave., Novi. Every Thursday at 10:30 p.m. through May 10. Tickets: $15. For information: 248-348-4448 or http://www.secondcity.com
