Toronto’s Second City is currently presenting its 91st Mainstage Revue, titled World’s Gone Wild, with performances scheduled through July 26, 2026. The reveal features Gillian Bartolucci, Tim Blair, Antony Hall, Monica Garrido Huerta, Chelsea Larkin, Gavin Pounds, and Lance Oribello as writer/performers, and is directed by Kyle Dooley.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is World’s Gone Wild about?
World’s Gone Wild is a comedy revue that incorporates both scripted sketches and improvisational comedy, often drawing material from audience interaction. One example involves building a story around the profession of “experience design.”
Who is involved in the production?
The revue is written and performed by Gillian Bartolucci, Tim Blair, Antony Hall, Monica Garrido Huerta, Chelsea Larkin, Gavin Pounds, and Lance Oribello. Kyle Dooley directs, and the company is The Second City.
Was there any unexpected casting on the night of the review?
On the night the revue was reviewed, Antony Hall was replaced by understudy Lance Oribello, who was noted as a standout performer.
The revue’s strength lies in its cast’s ability to adapt, as demonstrated when understudy Lance Oribello seamlessly stepped into a role. The show features jokes about topics ranging from Toronto’s industrial history to current events like the Epstein files and even Easter. While some elements, like an opening musical number and certain dance sequences, were noted as less effective, the performance generally succeeds in finding humor in everyday life.
Notably, World’s Gone Wild represents a shift in tone from the Second City’s previous revue, moving away from direct satire of the United States. The show’s humor is often framed by a sense of nostalgia for the 1990s.
the revue aims to connect with a broad audience, eliciting laughter from diverse viewers, “from people like me and people like Mr. Bay Street,” over shared jokes about topics like rats and sales pitches.
What role does improvisation play in contemporary comedy, and how do audiences respond to its unpredictable nature?
Worth a look