BWW Exclusive: A First Look at The Second City Live with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra

The Second City and the Toronto Symphony are coming together for a comedic classical collaboration that strikes the perfect chord.

But for the Second City performers taking the stage this weekend at Roy Thompson Hall, they've found working with the symphony does come with some challenges.

"I kind of just want to turn around and watch them, but then you realize you've got to work," says Marty Adams.

"It's the precision," muses Ashley Botting. "We're trained to be improvisational, where this is so precise. And sticking to very specific rhythms and very specific timing can be a challenge."

Marty agrees. "I also find that we're walking into their house, so you want to make sure you show respect and you don't want to go "oh, you just follow me through this part". You want to adjust to them because they're so amazing."

"When you collaborate like that, you find your own rhythm," says Ashley. "But it's 2 different processes, and finding the niche in that intersection is very cool."

Kevin Vidal pipes in "..but they're giving us a nice back and forth, and as much as it is very precise and we have to hit our notes at the right place, we still get to have a bit of play."

"You think of a symphony as stuffy," says Colin Mochrie, "but these guys have a great sense of humour about themselves and they're great fun to work with." The cast all agree.

"Also," adds Colin, "they're a little hammy. So my thing is just not to embarrass myself. But then if that happens, that's the comedy part. They'll do the music, and I'll do the comedy."

Where and When?

The Second City Guide to the Symphony Saturday, November 29 at 7:30pm Special Sunday, November 30 at 3:00pm Special Tickets: $29 - $99 Purchase online at TSO.CA, call 416.598.3375, or visit in-person at the TSO Customer Service Centre, 212 King St West, 1st Floor, Toronto

To post a comment, you must register and login.