Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...The "Madness" cast is notably adept at playing ordinary Americans; it was not long ago here that everyone in these shows looked like a more polished John Oliver (and you did not have to be white and male to make that your brand). That's gone, which really means a return to classic Second City, where a strange but ordinary kid named John Belushi could find a home. Dell'Amico, who is one half of a risky but clever sketch about a daughter taking her mother for an abortion ("it's my first one, so, yes, you're welcome"), has some Gilda Radner in her DNA. The downside, of course, is that you sometimes have to write about the powerful, chattering classes, and those moments are what need the most work here. Except for the Russians. The wonky Schreck, playing a Facebook job-interviewee with a special interest in security, has that down."
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"..."Do You Believe in Madness?" - the mainstage revue that opened Thursday - marks a low point in recent Second City history. It's an aggressive but ultimately insipid jumble of underdeveloped ideas and played-out concepts, delivered in broad, sitcommy rhythms."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...But maybe the best sign of how exhausting and crazy-making these times are comes in a Hee Haw-esque number whose lyrics are composed entirely of the names of everyone who has resigned from the Trump administration. It's funny, but it seems to go on forever, with no sign of when the insanity will stop."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended
"...Do You Believe In Madness? also paid homage to mid-1960's improv sitcoms, Laugh-In and Hee Haw, and does hit on several hot topics that might offend, but comedy is known to touch the nerve. This revue is an excellent way to unwind, relax, and have some laughs. If you don't get too serious about life, you can leave having an enjoyable evening."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The 108th Revue, "Do You Believe in Madness" opened on the original stage, the MAINSTAGE, last night. Last night, we sat away from our usual "on the rail" vantage point. When you sit in the general area, several things change. If you eat ( and they have some tasty food) you are sharing a small table with others ( our "others" were from Oregon and Libertyville and were more than cordial as "dinner guests") and you find yourself making new friends. If you sit close you also take the risk of being IN the show as the comics do use the audience to play off."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...So, Second City is firmly back on the comic rails, passing out cynicism and ridicule with an even hand. The new cast goes six-for-six in the qualities that make a Second City performer so special. And lest we forget, the cast collectively is responsible for writing all the material in the revue. They have cast a critical eye on the world around us and identified our perilous situation with humor and insight. A demanding assignment done well!"
The Fourth Walsh - Recommended
"...DO YOU BELIEVE IN MADNESS? mirrors real life buffoonery. The wit and talent of the ensemble is solid. But if you are currently on a steady diet of CNN and Politico -like I am, some of the shtick will be hard to laugh at. The lunacy is too fresh and still being made daily. I'm hoping this show ages into pure madness aided by the ending of this buffoonery-heavy era. Hindsight is 20/20... and I'm hoping it's 2020!"
The Hawk Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...The material just doesn’t do justice to its incredible new ensemble. The women in particular are a dynamic trio--Sarah Dell-Amico is reminiscent of Gilda Radner, with vocal changes and facial expressions that instantly generate laughs, while Asia Martin and Mary Catherine Curran each bring down the house with their respective songs."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Recommended
"...Even though the production features several different scenes the format works because the transition is so smooth. One scene takes place in a high school where a teacher tells her most misbehaved students that they are the reason that all of the teachers went on strike."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...A hilarious celebration and send-up of the insanity of Trump-era America, Second City's 108th Main Stage revue asks the rhetorical question Do You Believe in Madness? before answering it (of course we do!) in a series of nicely crafted sketches brilliantly performed by a hugely talented young cast. The sketches and one-off jokes satirize everything from Russian Facebook hackers to legalized weed in a fast-paced, side-splitting evening of laughter."
Picture This Post - Recommended
"...While this revue sticks to a tried and true mix of comedic formats, DO YOU BELIEVE IN MADNESS keeps things surprising by not revealing too much at the start. Instead they draw us in for the big comedic reveal. If you’re not looking for topical comedy, you can sit this one out at home. But if you’re always a fan of improv shows with a variety of comedic bits, this is a good fit for you."
