Apes of Wrath at the Second City e.t.c.
Written and performed by
Carisa Berreca
Brooks Breit
Eddie Mujica
Punam Patel
Asher Perlman
Tim Ryder
Directed by Jen Ellison
Music director Alex Kliner
At The Second City e.t.c., Chicago
The laughs keep coming at the Second City e.t.c.
The formula has been proved over the years as how to mount a comic revue: find six talented and creative performers, give them a theme, then get out of their way and let them develop a funny skit-based comic revue. This 38th revue uses the formula to keep the laughs flowing for nearly 2 hours while we imbibe a drink and consume some tastes. The Second City, over the years, has offered a terrific value night out for couples and groups seeking escapist entertainment. The latest Second City show delivers the new revue. “Apes of Wrath” showcasing several new comic talents. 
“Apes” uses more lighting, sound effects and music to create and heighten the atmosphere of the many clever sketches and bits from the six delightful loonies. The lampooning starts with a rip on Internet news where sensationalism trumps actual news or analysis. We witness a mother-son commitment to the boy staying a virgin until marriage. that get a tad incestuous. 
A terrific skit finds Carisa Barreca in a men’s room as her mates chime in with targeted remarks. Eddie Mujica does a fabulous robot imitation complete with body and head movements that were hilarious as Brooke Breit struggles to offer her love to the perplexed robot. While Punam Patel and Asher Perlam had their moments, it was the terrific Eddie Mujica wondering through the audience speaking English with a Cuban accent that reverts into Spanish as he seeks help from the audience with the questions he’ll face on his citizenship test. This was hoot. 
The revue had funny musical moments with witty lyrics and Tim Ryder performed a folksy song that lampoons conservative Christians and Roman Catholic practices and evils in a funny yet spot-on anti-establishment tone that audiences expect from a Second City Revue.
Of course, in all revue, not all the skits work and here a loud ensemble piece about who was going to be fired disintegrates with many laughs. But, I must say this revue, with its manic pace and dedicated brave cast delivers enough wit, unique bits and wonderful wackiness to make this a fun show that is well worth to trip to North and Wells street.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2014
For more info checkout Apes of Wrath page at theatreinchicago.com
At The Second City e.t.c. Theatre, 230W. North Ave. 2nd floor, Chicago, IL, www.secondcity.com, tickets $23, call 312-337-3992, Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 pm, Friday & Saturdays at 11 pm, Sundays at 7 pm, running time is 2 hours with intermission, in an open run