Chicago City Limits

This story, which interwove narration and scenes, took the audience in the magical world of Pancake Land. After cast member Jeff Scherer ate over 70 pancakes at IHOP, he was thrown into the beautiful but dangerous world of Pancake Land, where he was turned into a pancake. In full-blown “Wizard of Oz” style, the toasty on the outside, perfectly doughy on the inside Pancake Land citizens fought the Evil Toaster with great bravery and fortitude.

A regular element of every Chicago City Limits show is something called “Torture the Actor.” The audience is asked to give an obscure phrase that one of the cast members will have to guess. The phrase given last night was, “Always keep your powder dry.” The other cast members had to perform scenes to help “tortured” actor Bernie Kravitz guess his phrase.

After the show was done, the modest cast members chatted with audience members and sat down after a long night to answer questions.

Although the company does not tour consistently, they still rehearse on a constant basis. Rehearsals usually consist of vocal and acting warm-ups and improv games, which get them in the mindset of performing. Cast members discussed how it’s important to not think about being funny, but just have strong performing skills. These skills will translate into humor.

The cast members have remarkable chemistry, both on and off stage. They not only love to perform, they love to watch each other perform.