Hello From Chicago - Part 4 - Chinatown And Second City
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Vacations.
Hello From Chicago - Part 4: Exploring Chinatown and Comedy at Second City
Discovering Chinatown
Chicago, Arlington House, Sunday, October 23, 2005, 6:30 am
After a delightful day at the Pullman Historic District, we decided to explore another of Chicago's vibrant neighborhoods: Chinatown. Unfortunately, the weather turned dreary and cold, with rain replacing the occasional sunshine. Opting for comfort, we chose to have an early dinner at a local spot, the Lobster King.
Linda and I ordered vegetarian dishes but were surprised when the waiter informed us of a $2 surcharge due to the higher cost of vegetables in winter. I pointed out that both the dine-in and takeout menus listed the same price, so it seemed unfair to charge extra based on a verbal notice. Eventually, the manager agreed to honor the menu prices, and we enjoyed a delicious meal.
Wandering and Second City
Feeling refreshed, we decided to venture to Little Italy. We took the Blue Line towards the UIC Campus and wandered southward. The persistent rain and cold dampened our spirits, and after a fruitless 40-minute search, we abandoned our quest for Little Italy to focus on the night's main event: a performance at Second City, Chicago's legendary comedy club.
Initially, our subway journey back was a comedy of errors. We mistakenly waited for the Purple Line, only to learn it runs only during rush hours. Realizing our mistake, we sought guidance and discovered the Brown Line would take us to our destination. After waiting on the wrong side of the platform for 45 minutes, a CTA employee kindly directed us to the correct one. Despite the dreary weather, we kept our spirits up with inside jokes in our native Austrian dialects.
Finally, our Brown Line train arrived, whisking us to North Wells Street in Old Town, home to the iconic Second City Comedy Club.
A Night of Laughter
Since its founding in 1959, Second City has been a Chicago institution, launching the careers of comedy legends like John Belushi, Mike Myers, and Bill Murray. The venue offers nightly comedy shows and various programs.
With the main stages sold out, we opted for Donny’s Skybox Studio Theatre on the fourth floor, where tickets were a steal at $10 each. This theater hosts a mix of student productions and alternative shows.
We attended the 9 pm show "Six Degrees of Reparation," a lively, multicultural comedy revue featuring improv and original sketches by a talented troupe of comedians. The diverse group included five Black and one Asian performer, bringing fresh perspectives and humor.
The sketches were both hilarious and thought-provoking. A standout piece involved a comedian popping up in mundane situations as Osama bin Laden, complete with a fake beard. Another sketch cleverly played on racial stereotypes, while the "Black Black Awards" humorously mocked celebrities like Whitney Houston and Maya Angelou.
A poignant moment came during a sketch set in an imaginary Office Depot, where underpaid employees provided lackluster service. The young Black shopkeeper poignantly highlighted her financial struggles, explaining that her low wage left no room for smiles.
We thoroughly enjoyed the performance, marveling at the skill of these comedians. Chicago truly offers cultural experiences for everyone.
Final Day in Chicago
Today marks our last day in this vibrant city. Despite forecasts of cold and rainy weather, we're excited to explore Chicago's many indoor attractions. Rest assured, there's no chance of boredom in this dynamic metropolis.
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