Second City E T C S Latest Sketch Show Gives Us The Apes Of Laughs

The six spritely, mercurial, wholly engaging performers behind Second City E.T.C.’s Apes of Wrath work overtime to make their show appear to be about something. But just what remains a mystery. And an unnecessary one at that.

So if you’re going, the best course to take through Apes of Wrath is one without trajectory. The great majority of the two-dozen skits are well observed and tightly executed, thanks to the cast’s effortless precision and director Jen Ellison‘s ferocious pacing (the few skits that meander and peter out are over in a minute or two). Apes may overstay its welcome by 30 minutes, but it’s full of isolated marvels. And that’s about all a show like this needs.

Ongoing: Tue-Thu 8 PM, Fri-Sat 8 and 11 PM, Sun 7 PM, Second City E.T.C. Piper’s Alley 1608 N. Wells 312-337-3992secondcity.com $23