The Second City’s latest revue, “Black and Highly Flavored,” opened on February 5, 2024, and has already garnered attention as a standout production for Black History Month. Featuring accomplished Black alumni from the renowned comedy institution, the show combines humor with incisive commentary on Black culture and contemporary social issues, creating a dynamic experience for audiences.
Midway through the performance, the audience is treated to a memorable sketch featuring a substitute teacher confronting a rowdy classroom. “I just got an email that DEI needs to D-I-E,” he announces with a deadpan expression. The sketch quickly spirals into chaos as the teacher suggests a whitewashed curriculum, proposing that the students learn about “the fun whites” like Warren Buffett and Helen Keller. This sharp satire received laughter and gasps, illustrating the show’s clever blend of humor and social critique.
“Black and Highly Flavored” showcases a variety of sketches that explore the Black American diaspora. The production stands in contrast to the previous revue, “Best Kept Secret: Tell Everyone,” which suffered from structural issues and repetitive themes. This new show demonstrates a marked improvement, with each skit providing a unique perspective on Black experiences in the United States.
The audience for this performance leaned predominantly Black, enhancing the sense of shared understanding and community. This cultural backdrop significantly amplified the comedic impact of the sketches. The cast brought life to foundational concepts, such as a lesbian taco truck and a character with questionable breath, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The revue also incorporates music, a staple of comedy shows that allows audiences to engage on a deeper level. The second act opens with nostalgic tracks from Black artists, inviting attendees to join in a spirited sing-along. Moments like these foster a feeling of unity, as audience members eagerly participate, creating a joyful atmosphere.
A sketch featuring comedian Jillian Ebanks, who portrays an eccentric aunt reading a risqué story to her nieces and nephews, exemplifies the show’s humor. Ebanks cleverly solicits suggestions from the audience to censor the adult content, resulting in hilarious innuendos that resonate with the crowd.
The show does not shy away from political themes, directly addressing current issues such as immigration policies. In a poignant segment, comedians E.J. Cameron and Kimberly Michelle Vaughn perform a satirical take on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), highlighting the complexities and controversies surrounding the agency. Cameron’s character boasts about joining ICE, using humor to juxtapose the darker realities of immigration enforcement.
Throughout the performance, the comedians maintained a remarkable pace, ensuring that laughter was a constant presence. A standout moment involved Cameron, dressed as a waiter, who elicited uproarious laughter from an audience that had indulged in a few drinks when he turned around to reveal he was only wearing chaps.
As the show concluded with an improvised encore, the comedians showcased their quick wit and adaptability. They took a suggestion from the audience about croquembouche and transformed a simple mispronunciation into a captivating scene involving a deadbeat father.
“Black and Highly Flavored” successfully marries entertainment with social commentary, making it a must-see production. The chemistry among the six comedians, combined with sharp writing and engaging performances, ensures that the revue resonates long after the final bow. This performance exemplifies why The Second City continues to be a powerhouse in the world of comedy, delivering humor that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.
