What happens when six young adults sing an ode to their suburban upbringings and the quirky practices of white antiseptic suburbs? You get the send up "NaperVegas," a musical sketch comedy that riffs on nearly all of Chicago's far-flung suburbs.
We're introduced to this mythical cookie-cutter town when recent Chicago emigres relocate and quickly find what awaits them. A pepped up, polo shirt wearing posse come barreling through their door, plying the transplants to join their flock by bearing gifts such as coupons for car washes and rug installation. When that tactic falls flat, the NaperVegans begin to openly mock the couple concerning their decision not to have children (unspeakable!) as well as the simple idea of driving into the city once a week for, you know, "cultural events." Sure, like that'll ever happen.
They're not just told, but warned, "this is your life now" by the khaki-wearing clan who burst out in a spirited song that explains that, "while in NaperVegas assimilation is how to survive, so just get in your SUV and drive, drive, drive!"
If "Viva NaperVegas" were ever filmed, you could forget about a jaunty Elvis Pressley-style theme song, because without a doubt you'd be forced to endure some Dave Matthews warbled drivel romanticizing the suburb. It's clear that this city has no bright lights to set anyone's soul on fire.
Written by veteran Second City players Larry Majewski and Hanna LoPatin, this tight show captures the essence of suburban living, zany characters, and strange proclivities, such as the media frenzy that erupts when a homeless man is spotted on a street corner. What to do? Send out an on the spot reporter to investigate the incident, of course.
The comedy's sketches of bored suburbanites take many comic twists, including a chance run-in of two swinging couples at a high school choral event. The skit is spiced up with some hilarious spotlighted flashbacks of just what transpired the previous evening. NaperVegas precisely exposes the brutal, yet comical truth of suburban living with acerbic wit, tremendous cast spirit and catchy tunes. It gently reminds city dwellers that even though they may live in a happening city, there's a little bit of NaperVegas in everyone. So get in your SUV and drive, drive, drive!
At Donny's Skybox Studio; 1616 N. Wells; (773) 337-3992; $8, $5 for students. Through Feb. 24; 10:30 p.m. Thursday.
