Second City’s #DateMe exposes the wit — and heart — in online dating

by LisaG · Published May 18, 2016 · Updated May 18, 2016

Robyn Lynne Norris

It’s time you confessed: You’ve met someone online and very possibly, dated them. But you’re not alone; 40 million Americans are online dating, according to Match.com.

So, sooner or later, you know that the Second City would bring it to the stage in a hilarious (and surprisingly thoughtful) show.

#DateMe: An OkCupid Experiment returns to Second City, after successful runs in LA and Chicago. This fun, semi-autobiographical show marries improv with script: The creator, Robyn Lynn Norris, created 38 fake, ‘undateable’ profiles on OkCupid, and we’re witness to the, ahem, results.

(L-R) Stacey Smith, Randall Harr, Robyn Lynne Norris, Peter Collins, Joel Boyd, Dana Robie

Norris’ narrative of a single woman looking for love in a new city (even though she’d never do online dating) comes across as relatable, as it could just as easily make fun of the ‘crazy cat ladies,’ ‘must-marry’ men and others created. At the end, you may feel hopeful (if single) or glad (if you’re attached). Interspersed with stats on online dating, it’s hard to miss how huge it really is, and what a diverse audience it attracts.

The ensemble of Norris, Joel Boyd, Peter Collins, Randall Harr, Dana Robie and Stacey Smith bring their uniqueness to each ‘profile’ — after all, they’re real people, at least to the people responding. Their improv chops come out as they try to bring out their audience members’ best bits. Overall, it’s a more complex show than I’m used to with typical Second City improv, with an engaging story. Think girls’ night out or date night — for your next ‘match,’ perhaps?

Joel Boyd

You can see #DateMe Thursdays at 8pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm & 11 pm, and Sundays at 7pm in the UP Comedy Club in Piper’s Alley. Runs through July 24. A menu and bar service is available.

I attended this event free of charge; all opinions are my own.