The Second City engaged with DC audiences at Woolly Mammoth in 2016 after Trump’s first election. Behold, here we are again. Who woulda thunk? If laughter is the “best” medicine, when it comes to the health of the city of Washington, DC, and the nation, The Second City has earned the medical label of “PRN” (pro re nata: to be administered as the situation demands or as needed). Ah, but is the prescription a soothing balm or a gut-wrenching emetic? From the first moments of this show, it is like the audience is being doused in a pool of ice-cold water. The music, dancing, and exclamations from the performers are loud, profane, unrepentant, and shockingly alive. And it is screamingly funny. Breon Arzell, Arlietta Hall, and Tamieka Chavis in The Second City’s ‘Dance Like There’s Black People Watching’ at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 2024. Photo by Teresa Castracane. This show takes the audience by the scruff of the neck, shakes us awake, out of our numbness, despair, and inaction. Neither self-pity nor isolation was part of this production’s prescription. The call-and-response rituals that Black Americans are known for are central to the way this show works. If you know the song, you will be expected to sing along, by the time the first three notes have sounded. More than likely, you will find yourself surrounded by a congregation of people who will already be doing so, especially when strains from songs such as the recently deceased Frankie Beverly’s Before I Let Go are heard from the sound system. What is most urgently embodied in this production is the practice of recognizing, being grateful for, and celebrating the gifts that the lives of the ancestors have given us and that will help us confront what we have to confront: rather than collapsing under the pain of the shock of the loss. This show uses the blackout sketch format we’re familiar with from Laugh-In, Saturday Night Live, and most pointedly In Living Color, the show that brought the Wayan Brothers comedy franchise with its African American–centered sensibility to American television audiences. Dance Like There’s Black People Watching has the brash, late-night feeling of activities that are delayed until the children have gone to bed. From the abundant use of profanity to the ambiguity of moral and cultural choices the show addresses, I am tempted to say this is not a show for children. But remembering that James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time (a writing that also addresses moral and cultural choices for Black Americans) begins with a letter to his 13-year-old nephew, I’ll just say: be advised. Dance Like There’s Black People Watching a show in which you are constantly unsure whether you want to laugh or cringe, then find yourself suddenly, unexpectedly screaming with laughter. I screamed more than once over some outrageous or provocative statement or situation. Full cast of The Second City’s ‘Dance Like There’s Black People Watching’ at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 2024. Photo by Teresa Castracane. This cast is like an elite warrior class of improvisers engaging in life-and-death encounters on that stage: they commit to the premises of the sketches in a way that feels muscular. They show us what is possible if you do the work: you don’t see doubt or hesitation in anything they do no matter how challenging or absurd. And they dance and they sing with equal commitment. SEE BELOW for community events and special pricing during the run.  There are some less intense moments that approached being comforting because of their cultural familiarity. Two such moments involved that fertile ground for cultural exploration, the “church.” One skit involved the pastor’s wife, who, as a sickly choir member, is afraid of losing her position as soloist to a flirtatious and ambitious rival. The rivals trade trills and runs back and forth while the pastor-husband and a male choir member flirt with each other. In another skit, the healing of a church member is successfully undertaken by a very enthusiastic and flamboyant liturgical dancer. Another empathy-inducing segment consisted of a litany of descriptions of what heaven would be like for Black people. One poignant description was: “In Black Heaven there will be rooms where you can just be. Because Black people never have a place where they can just be.” Dance Like There’s Black People Watching opens and closes with this statement: Black people are not a monolith. This is a statement of fact. It’s also a mantra, a prayer, a plea, and a reminder. Acknowledging that the Confederacy has merely bided its time until it was ready to take back the U.S.A., how would you dance if you knew that there were Black people watching? Running Time: Varies between 90 and 100 minutes plus a 15-minute intermission. The Second City: Dance Like There’s Black People Watching plays through December 22, 2024, at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St NW, Washington, DC. Tickets ($56–$71, with discounts available) can be purchased online, by phone at 202-393-3939 (Wednesday–Sunday, 12:00–6:00 p.m.), by email ([email protected]), or in person at the Sales Office at 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC (Wednesday–Sunday, 12:00–6:00 p.m.). The program for The Second City: Dance Like There’s Black People Watching is online here. COVID Safety: Masks are optional in all public spaces at Woolly Mammoth Theatre except for a mask-required performance Sunday, December 15, at 2 p.m. Woolly’s full safety policy is available here. The Second City: Dance Like There’s Black People Watching Directed by Rob Wilson Ensemble: Breon Arzell, Tamieka Chavis, Jillian Ebanks, Arlieta Hall, Max Thomas, Julius Shanks II Understudies: Cynthia Davis, Joseph Griffin II, Raymond J., Pauline Lamb VP of Creative: Jen Ellison Producer: Jeremy Smith Stage Manager: Devonte E. Washington Scenic & Lighting Designer: Colin K. Bills Sound Designer: Tony Belsito Wardrobe Stylist: Chelsey Carter-Sanders COMMUNITY EVENTS AND SPECIAL PRICING   $40 HOUSE SEATS Save & sit close to the action! Every performance of Dance Like There’s Black People Watching offers a limited supply of “House Seats” in the front orchestra. These premium seats are normally between $60-$80. This non-obstructed view places audiences in direct proximity to the performers and is the perfect option for those eager to participate in call-and-response or even play a role in the performance. Select the “House Seat” option when purchasing tickets from the dropdown menu.   HERD HAPPY HOURS Raise your glass to 15 years of collaboration between Woolly Mammoth and The Second City. At these mix-and-mingle cocktail hours with happy hour specials, we will share insights on the process, fun facts about local comedy, and maybe even a sneak preview of what’s coming to the stage in 2025.  Select Happy Hours will feature local improv teams, Baggage Claim, Kinfolk and Lena Dunham, before the 8pm performance of Dance Like There’s Black People Watching. Tune in to catch the latest and greatest from Washington Improv Theater, hear about upcoming shows and classes, and learn more about our exciting new partnership. All are welcome! Price: Free Information: here Dates:  Thursday, November 14th @ 7:00 pm: Featuring guests from Washington Improv Theater! Thursday, December 5th @ 7:00 pm: Featuring Woolly Mammoth Director of Production Ben Levine and Associate Artistic Director/Director of Connectivity Kristen Jackson Thursday, December 12th @ 7:00 pm: Featuring guests from Washington Improv Theater! Thursday, December 19th @ 7:00 pm: Featuring Woolly Mammoth Director of New Work Sonia Fernandez and Associate Artistic Director/Director of Connectivity, Kristen Jackson CONNECTIVITY EVENTS Childcare Matinee Date: December 7th, 2024, Time: 2:30 pm – 4:40 pm Price: $30 child/$20 each additional sibling Limit 12 participants per section Connectivity Core Partner The Theatre Lab will provide a developmentally appropriate workshop focused on acting, improvisation and storytelling while caretakers enjoy a performance of Dance Like There’s Black People Watching. Activities will focus on cultivating creativity, building confidence, and developing an ensemble through theatre games and exercises. The lesson plan will include a hands-on craft activity and a snack break. Supervision will be provided starting 30 minutes prior to showtime and up to 10 minutes post-show. Section 1 is for ages 3-5, and Section 2 is for ages 6-10. Super-Sized Spit Dat Date: November 18, 2024, 8 pm – 10 pm Price: FREE Tickets: https://www.woollymammoth.net/productions/spit-dat-in-residency/ This special edition of Spit Dat, DC’s longest-running open mic, is inspired by The Second City’s Dance Like Black People is Watching. Co-hosts Miko Reed and Drew Anderson invite you to experience the powerfully vulnerable, irreverently wacky, intellectually stimulating Church of Spit Dat. Behind the Groove—DC Edition Date: November 23rd, 2024, 10pm – 1 am Price: FREE Woolly Mammoth and Connectivity Core Partner Miss Chief Rocka present Hip-Hop legend Rokafella’s Behind the Groove—DC Edition. This popular NYC dance party event will debut in DC and invite street and club-style dancers to freestyle and share in an exchange of moves. This electric evening includes a Fresh Fit Clothing Swap. SPOTLIGHT NIGHTS Woolly will host affinity and industry nights throughout the run via a brand new “spotlight on…” series. These nights are open to all but will celebrate unique members of our community with special ticket prices, surprise merchandise, drink specials, featured vendors, and more! Here’s what’s coming up during, Dance Like There’s Black People Watching. Student Night Date: Thursday Nov 14 Price: $25 Tickets: Use Code STUDENTNITE Currently enrolled college students can purchase tickets at $25 student rate for the November 14 performance where they are invited to mix-and-mingle with their peers in the Woolly lobby before the show. To celebrate finals week, we will feature a happy hour menu (IDs required!) and a Woolly branded merch product! Friendsgiving Date: Sunday December 1st Price: $49 Tickets: Use “Friendsgiving” Price Type Whether you’re staying home for the holidays or DC is your thanksgiving destination, join us before the 2pm AND 7pm shows on Sunday December 1st and your ticket includes one complimentary snack and an activity to connect with theatregoers. Holiday Spirits Dates: December 13 & 20 Price: $50 Tickets: Use “Holiday Spirits” Price Type Ready to ring in 2025 like we are?? Help us all bring warmth to the season, with an ugly sweater party prior to the show, along with a pre-show spirit tasting, provided by a local distillery. Plus, receive a limited-edition Woolly Mammoth ornament only available at the “Holiday Spirit” price. Neighborhood Night Date: December 6 Price: $50 Tickets: Use code NEIGHBORS Featuring pop-ups from Penn Quarter favorites, any resident of downtown DC can purchase tickets at a special rate for the December 6 performance of Dance Like There’s Black People Watching. SEE ALSO: The Second City returns to Woolly Mammoth with ‘Dance Like There’s Black People Watching’ (news story, October 24, 2024)