‘Second City’ settles in nicely at Flamingo Las Vegas’ showroom

Joe Delaney

Friday, March 16, 2001 | 9:03 a.m.

The Second City was born in Chicago in December 1959. Its first and present home is in a shuttered Chinese laundry on the outskirts of the Windy City's Old Town section.

Dan Aykroyd, Jim and John Belushi, John Candy, Chris Farley, Robert Klein, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Gilda Radner, Joan Rivers, Martin Short, George Wendt and Fred Willard are a few of the stars who were part of the growth of the Second City, with permanent companies in Chicago, Detroit and Toronto.

"The Second City," ensconced in Bugsy's Celebrity Theatre at the Flamingo Las Vegas, has a total of nine performers, plus musical director Mike Watkins at the piano. Jean Augustyn, Dan Bakkedahl, Jennifer Estlin, Mike Lukas and Seamus McCarthy were the principals at the show caught.

Mary Pat Farrell, Sarah Gee, Jason Sudelkis and Marc Warzecha complete the roster. Award-winning Mick Napier directs the very able company that will rotate as a five-member cast on a weekly basis.

The format differs from the stand-up approach at area comedy clubs. At the Flamingo one will find sketch comedy, original songs, true improvisation and spontaneous funny and, at times, irreverent vignettes. By rotating the principals, no two shows will ever play alike. With the freedom given, sketches will change from show to show each evening as well.

"Susan Wanted To Be a Lawyer," "Frank and Bob's Motel and Casino," a spelling bee, game-playing and a political debate, all building up to a hilarious finale, made for 70 prime comedic minutes.

Audience involvement is another feature. The audience was appreciative and responsive throughout. This is the second week of preview performances but at the regular price, $24.95 plus tax. The official opening date is Tuesday.

With "The Second City's" proven track record and distinguished alumni list, chances are very good that Bugsy's Celebrity Theatre could become the home of its fourth permanent company.