Kimberly Michelle Vaughn, who has worked with The Second City sketch and improvisational comedy troupe for three years, never worries about not having a comeback while on stage.
“Mistakes happen,” said Vaughn, an ensemble member of the touring company presenting “The Second City’s Non-Denominational Christmas Show” at the Copley Theatre in Aurora. “Sometimes you’re up and sometimes you’re down. If I stress too much on the fear of ‘what if,’ then I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
“The Second City’s Non-Denominational Christmas Show” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 8 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays from Dec. 1-23 at the Copley Theatre in Aurora.
Six cast members and one musical director, who accompanies the cast on piano, present a seasonal blend of satire in scenes, songs and improvisation. “The Second City’s Non-Denominational Christmas Show” is rated R for strong adult language and content.
Although The Second City is known for its improvisation, “The Second City’s Non-Denominational Christmas Show” includes sketches from 58 years of Main Stage productions from The Second City locations in Chicago and Toronto, all with holiday themes.
“Our show is not only for people who celebrate Christmas, it’s respecting the modern family of today, which is nontraditional,” Vaughn said. “Our original scenes and songs will have audience members in tears from laughter, and people will leave the show with a greater perspective.”
Vaughn also was part of the ensemble that appeared in “The Second City’s Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue” in 2016 at the Copley Theatre.
“This year’s revue will obviously be different because of the cast and our point of view and unique talents,” she said.
Vaughn graduated from Columbia College of Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre and is trained in modern, ballet, African, hip-hop and burlesque dance. She also knows five accents and dialects.
“Unfortunately, you will not be seeing that special burlesque skill in our show,” she said, “but maybe my various dialects will come into play.”
Vaughn, who is based in Chicago, grew up in Algonquin.
“My friends and family in the area will be coming to see me, and I’m ecstatic to have them come see the show,” Vaughn said. “They have seen me make mistakes and they accept all of my flaws. Knowing that they’re in the audience does not make me feel nervous, but more supported.”
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Randall G. Mielke is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
‘The Second City’s Non-Denominational Christmas Show’
When: Dec. 1-23
Where: Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
Tickets: $39