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Comedy Culture

Second to none

Rating: NNNNN

COLIN MOCHRIE

Second City years: 1988-90

Who: The lanky improv champ with the deadpan look started off in commercials, and now you can’t turn on the tube on without seeing him sitting on a chair (Whose Line Is It Anyway?) or in front of a desk (This Hour Has 22 Minutes).

When: May 27.

DAVE THOMAS

Second City years: 1975-78

Who: He’ll forever be known as hoser Doug McKenzie, but the versatile character actor found another show worthy of his talents in the 90s as the neighbour with the crush on Brett Butler in Grace Under Fire. When Bob Hope dies, count on networks to air Thomas’s dead-on impersonation.

When: May 29.

PATRICK McKENNA

Here’s proof that SC training can make you not just a great comic actor, but an intense dramatic one, too. How else to explain McKenna’s double turn as Red Green’s nerdy nephew Harold and his no-bull stockbroker guy Marty on Traders? Fine, as long as there’s no Red Green: Duct Tape Forever sequel.

When: May 31.

TERESA PAVLINEK

Second City years: 1995-97

Who: Pavlinek’s one of the most nimble SC crossover acts. She’s a solid improviser, has created some of the funniest characters (like Jane Black, her aspiring stand-up from Thornhill) and has found collaboration nirvana with Shoshana Sperling as co-performer and director. Look for full-length plays, soon.

When: May 30 and 31.

JOE FLAHERTY

Second City years: 1973-75

Who: An underrated SCTV member, Flaherty’s never made a major bid for Hollywood. Too bad, because his crazed intensity might have translated into good character roles. Maniac Mansion paid the bills, and bless his heart, he still lives part-time in Hamilton.

When: May 29 and 31.

RON JAMES

Second City years: 1983-85

Who: One of the few alumni to pursue a stand-up career, James and his defensive little-guy act is an across-the-board crowd-pleaser. As for his TV show Blackfly, well, there’s always Off.

When: May 31.

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