Algorithm Nation or, The Static Quo at Second City

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...In fairness, the show is by no means all a bust. I think Nate Varrone is a mega-talent, too, and his Borat-like comedic persona is great, for a couple of minutes, as a Palestinian Uber driver choosing music suitable for both himself and his Jewish passenger (played by Emma Pope) on her way to Israel as part of its Birthright program. That’s one sketch with two sympathetic sides that could have stuck around. There’s a warmth and a kindness to Tyler Davis that I only wish this show knew better how to use. And both Jeffrey Murdoch and Kimberly Michelle Vaughn have their moments."

Around The Town Chicago - Recommended

"...The title of the show indicates that through our computer technology we are watched and have become somewhat predictable. While I know that ads pop up on our phones and computers based on what we are seeking, I still feel that we have some control over our brains ( at least I hope so) and that we are not being taken over by technology. These performers take us on some trips thru memory lane showing us how the times have changed. They do skits about thing that are in the news ( as always) and take a few jabs at the White House and its residents ( why not? they are perfect for comedians), we get to see Charlie Brown and his friend Lucy as Charlie kicks the football ( an oldie but goodie), and we have the antics of the White couple inviting their Black neighbors over and how they feel they must act to be accepted in today's world."

Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Somewhat Recommended

"...Still, some of the show was fun, with the improvisations, always a game of chance, coming off especially well on opening night. The cast pulled a young man out of the crowd and kept him on stage for several segments, which could have blown up in their face but turned out to be very funny, partly thanks to the cooperation of the audience member but mostly because of the comic instincts of the players, led by Nate Varrone, a performer marked for future stardom."

The Fourth Walsh - Somewhat Recommended

"...ALGORITHM NATION, STATUS QUO is aggressive, dark comedy. It jumpstarts with angst and then drives furiously into gloomy madness. And the troupe doesn’t let up on the gas until they pick up a bystander."

Third Coast Review - Recommended

"...Nothing reinvents the wheel here, but you know what, that's kind of what makes the whole thing work. I thought about the Kit-Kat Club in Cabaret, the Emcee urging us to leave our troubles at the door and forget about the world for a while. At Second City, that's just what happens. And thank heavens for that."

Chicago On Stage - Recommended

"...Even if it is not the best revue they have ever had, though, this is Second City, and uneven Second City is still more hits than misses: I suspect it will highly please its audiences over the coming months, even if, as Davis tells us before kidnapping the audience member, the algorithm is broken."

Picture This Post - Recommended

"...ALGORITHM NATION is probably the best fit for those who are more left leaning with their political views, but even if you lean more to the other side, there's still a lot of content to laugh at. It might not be the best fit for those who prefer to keep politics at the door, but this show is a fun night out for some laughs in this Facebook dominated day and age."