What’s cooler than being invited to Second City once? Being invited back a second time. Thanks, fam, for making me legit enough to be on the list of people you call when you need a seat filler.

Spotlight at The Second City is a monthly showcase featuring two up-and-coming sketch comedy troupes. You could see the next Catherine O’Hara or Eugene Levy – or perhaps a future podcast host with a show about how hard it is to make it as a comedian. You never know what you’ll get.

The show is co-hosted and produced by Gabe Meacher and Taylor Hreljac, except this month, short king Hreljac wasn’t there. I heard he steals baseballs from kids at sports games, kicks dogs, and unironically listens to Nickelback. Not a big loss.

Our two acts for the evening were Janelle McGuinness and a trio called DEBIT-CASH-OR-CREDIT (Mike Jankovich, Emma Friedman & Paul Smith). I’ll provide a brief summary of each act.

What, you may be wondering, is a one-woman sketch comedy act? It’s sort of what I’d imagine an extended SNL audition to be. McGuinness cycles through a number of characters and costumes in brief scenes, while also incorporating some audience participation. Her act has a handful of memorable one-liners, but overall, it feels a little under-rehearsed. Maybe it just wasn’t my sense of humour. Onto the second act…

DEBIT-CASH-OR-CREDIT is bloody fantastic. My husband and I both enjoyed it more than the Mainstage Revue we (accidentally) saw twice. We were absolutely howling, and the trio of Mike, Emma & Paul are little stars.

• Their routine is polished, rehearsed, well thought-out, and just the right amount of silly.
• Their skit premises are fresh and unique. It doesn’t feel like they’re copying anyone.
• The three performers are all quite strong individually. I saw Paul Smith in the weird-but-fun play A Mirror a couple of months ago (not a comedy), and he was great in that. But all three performers are grounded, which makes the absurdity of the scenes even funnier. Not a weak link in the group.
• They nail the physical comedy. Emma rolling around on the ground, the “puppet,” dance moves, foot work…I could go on.
• The Mr. Rogers sketch (!!), the poker sketch, the date sketch…so many standout moments.
• I liked the little printed receipts they placed at every table. Cute.

Special mention must also be given to the unannounced third act of the evening: the new Second City menu. It deserves its flowers. The drinks menu was always great, but the food was just fine. Not bad, but not great. It’s much better now. (RIP jerk chicken skewers, though).

If you want to catch either act, they’re doing it all again tonight (May 13), and you can grab tickets here. Thanks to Damien from Want & Able for the invite!

Featured image: Second City website