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By Rama K. Ramaswamy
The New York Times recently called Chicago City Limits, New York City’s longest running show with over 10,000 performances over 30 years, "ingenious and very, very funny", and the cast "the perfect masters of improvisation."
True to the statement, their Wellesley audience was on their feet for a standing ovation when the famed improve group game to town to perform on Saturday, March 12.
According to Andrea Kaiser, Rotarian and Event Chair, “this was Chicago City Limits’ first appearance in Wellesley. The cast was extremely happy with their stay and found our audience very responsive. We are still tallying, but know so far that we sold over 600 tickets and had about 600 in the audience.”
Kaiser also said, “we are so grateful for our sponsors and a great turnout to support our programs. And everyone left happy. It was a great venue and so accessible for local residents. We did sell tickets to folks as far as Connecticut. It was a great pleasure to work with Wellesley College.”
The Chicago City Limits cast for the Wellesley College performance included Joe Degise II, Performer/Director; Assaf Gleizner, Pianist; Canedy Knowles, Performer/Producer; Malachi Nimmons, Performer; Sydney Junk is Stage Manager and Linda Gelman is Producer/Performer. Gelman did not perform this time but instead, introduced the group.
A Wellesley College English Professor said, “you have to see it to really appreciate it. It’s amazing. The performers are so quick and intelligent.”
The show is interactive and the performers ask for continuous suggestions from the audience, around which they build a musical, theatrical, improv story that, as mentioned, changed on a dime.
The Rotary Club is one of the oldest community service groups in Wellesley. Current President John F. Adams spoke about Rotary’s four-way test.
“Is it the truth, is it fair to all concerned, will it build good will and better friendships and will it be beneficial to all concerned?” Adams said.
The Wellesley Rotary Club is involved in many activities, events and causes both in Wellesley and in other neighboring communities. For more information about Wellesley Rotary, to join or to make a donation, go to www.wellesleyrotary.org.
Rama K. Ramaswamy writes for Hometown Weekly. She can be reached at [email protected].
