From left, Deshawn Mason, Faith Valerie, Samuel B. Jackson, Arlieta Hall, Breanna Ghostone and Adonis Holmes of Second City’s “Black by Popular Demand.” (Credit: Nolis Anderson)

Come on first Black History Month show at Second City written by Black actors!

That’s right, for the first time ever, “Black by Popular Demand” was written by the actors who perform it, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. 

In one of the first sketches, the packed house was met with a colloquial version of how Black folks share compliments in 2024. “Come on boots!” was met with a “Come on hair!” as a way to express interest or appreciation in one’s appearance.

As a frequent attendee of Second City, the comedy troupe always hits it on the head when it comes to the relevancy of their jokes. So I found this to be a comical invitation.  

Adding to the atmosphere was a top tier: Beenie Man’s “Who Am I (Sim Simma),” Kendrick Lamar, a Blue Ivy dance break from “Renaissance,” a timely tribute to Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” and even a recording of David Ruffin’s famous line “Ain’t nobody coming to see you, Otis” after a modern-day reenactment of that famous scene from the movie “The Temptations.”

The musical intermissions kept the audience dancing in their seats and engaged while actors set up for the next scene.

As for their sketches, well, they always managed to hit on relatable Black experiences. Whether it is coming out to your Black grandmother, or joining the church choir and witnessing a sing off between the oldest choir member and a new member trying to take her place. Or even dancing for your parents’ friends when they come over, an experience we all remember from our childhood. 

My favorites? For starters, they did a remake of the classic commercial jingle “Andriana Furs,” while wearing an actual fur coat. There was also a sketch that depicted a young Black couple who just moved to Wrigleyville. They meet an older Black couple who have been in the neighborhood for decades. It was interesting to witness, one couple playing two, literally code switching back and forth. While comical, it exhibited a realistic narrative that Black people experience while living in predominantly White neighborhoods.

From left, Deshawn Mason, Breanna Ghostone, Adonis Holmes, Samuel B. Jackson, Faith Valerie and Arlieta Hall in Second City’s “Black by Popular Demand.” (Credit: Nolis Anderson)

Another favorite was a housewarming scene in which the guest played “Shabooya (Roll Call).” It’s a call-and-response song that requires all participants to stand in a circle and stomp and clap on beat while asking and answering questions. They remixed it with “Charcoochie Roll Call,” a play on “charcuterie,” while sharing what they like to bring to housewarming parties. 

Aside from an insensitively timed Wendy Williams comment that referenced her fainting on air, the skits were both funny and familiar.

Unlike previous Black History Month shows, this one is making history with two actors serving as writers for the show for the first time.

“Black By Popular Demand” runs through May 25. 

Follow Angel Idowu on Twitter: @angelidowu3

Angel Idowu is the JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation Arts Correspondent.