Pittsburgh’s political scene, our distinctive accent and sports are just some of the subjects that The Second City Improv Troupe’s “N’Ats All Folks” show.
“It’s a customized sketch improv show geared toward Pittsburgh,” explained The Second City member Lisa Beasley. “Some of the scenes are scripted and some of them are unscripted and based on the audience suggestions.”
This is the troupe’s second appearance in the Steel City. The first time was with its sold-out “Three Rivers Run Through It” show in 2008.
“Pittsburgh welcomes Second City really well,” said Beasley who has been with the troupe for two and a half years. “We have a really good, high-energy group.”
The Second City Theater Troupe got its start more than 50 years ago and has resident companies in Chicago and Toronto as well as national touring companies and casts on NCL Cruises. The Second City Theater Troupe launched the careers of Bill Murray, Gilda Radnor, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and many others.
But Beasley isn’t daunted by that A-list of comics.
“When I first started at Second City I thought I would feel the pressure of that,” she said. “But I think it’s cool that they all got their start here.”
The troupe played the O’Reilly Theater from Jan. 6-10.
To prepare for performances, Beasley and the Second City cast take photos of the city and try to learn what makes a city tick.
“Every time we touch down, I look up hash tags to see what people are talking about. It’s so magical sometimes. You’ll come up with a story and you’ll be on stage and totally improvise that. It’s kind of cool and it only happens once,” she said.
Beasley always knew she was funny. In middle school and high school she was quiet but could crack a joke about a person.
When she was voted most humorous in high school and then began getting comedic acting roles when she moved to Chicago in pursuit of her acting career, Beasley knew she was on to something.
“I tell people not to quit and don’t stop believing in yourself and your funny and your point-of-view. Someone has done what you’re trying to do. Comedy is still a very powerful art form that has become another news source,” she said. “People find out about things through comedy.”
(To find out more about Beasley or The Second City Theater, visit LisaBexperience.com.)
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