By Eva Trieger
SAN DIEGO — A recent telephone interview with actor/writer/director Carly Heffernan thrummed with high voltage and intensity. One of the youngest directors of The Second City troupe and creator of She the People shared her enthusiasm about the upcoming San Diego engagement. This cutting-edge comedy has been delighting audiences in Toronto, Boston, Washington DC, and Chicago over the past three years, and now the Lyceum will host this group of world-famous comedic stars. The Washington Post described this show as a “funny, fiercely political comedy-sketch show.” This script is written and performed by an all-female troupe and pokes fun at the female experience, attendant stereotypes, and common experiences.
When asked for examples of some of these shared phenomena, Heffernan offered, “being catcalled, to what you’re wearing, or becoming your mother, as it’s unstoppable.” The show is a collection of “exploding the myths and misrepresentations surrounding bachelorettes, Beyonce, and the 2020 election.” Underneath the humor are truths we recognize, and through the comedy, Heffernan explained that “the more you shine a light on what’s uncomfortable, the greater the chance to improve the outcome.”
The Second City was launched in Chicago in 1959, and by 1973, had spread to Toronto and beyond. Familiar laugh makers include Eugene Levy, Gilda Radner, Steven Colbert and so many others who’ve set the bar high for those who’ve followed.
Heffernan explained that each iteration of She the People features different casts, all incredibly gifted, often tapping into local community comedians. The director effused that she is constantly amazed at the multi-talented woman on stage. Not only are they funny, but many can sing, dance, and improvise. Women have stepped out of the wings of comedic theater and now are encouraged to “take up space” and assume their rightful positions at center stage.
Thanks to the Me Too movement, Heffernan commented on the increased liberty to talk about experiences that were previously taboo. When women feared retaliation or being seen as disagreeable, they were banished or shunned into silence. No more! She the People invites all people to stand up and be heard. To this end, the all-female troupe writes material that engages everyone, not just women, but is all-inclusive regardless of gender identification, ethnicity, age or politics. The messages are important and shared through resonating humor to which everyone can relate.
She the People is written by The Second City members Carissa Barreca, Katie Caussin, Calry Heffernan, Marla Caseres, Tien Tran, and Lauren Walker and additional performances include Lexi Alioto, Kennedy Baldwin, Yasmin Ramos, Kazi Jones, and Laurel Zoff Pelton.
Next on this dynamo’s agenda? Heffernan told me that teaming up with Carissa Barecca, a musical Second City show is in the works. Keep your eyes peeled for more information about this new show in a special venue in Chicago. Hopefully, it’s just a matter of time before it arrives here in San Diego!
Second City: She the People will run Nov. 18 through Dec. 4. Proof of full vaccination or negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of show time required. Masks are also required indoors. For tickets, call (619) 544-1000 or access sdrep.org.
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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com