Combine the sharp news parody of The Daily Show with the jokey shtick of any late-night interview program and you get something like Second City E.T.C.’s Talk Show, a successful mix of social and political commentary and comedy. T.J. Shanoff and Peter Grosz host this melange of improvised material–including set pieces like “Good Week, Bad Week,” where they riff on news events–and conversation with three “local experts,” who change with each performance. Shanoff hadn’t found his legs yet on opening night: he wavered between naive straight man and sharp political commentator. Grosz is a more fluid improviser, delivering snappy wisecracks and interacting with the audience. Together with their guests–a radio reporter, a recording engineer, and a political activist on the night I attended–they make the show insightful and very funny. Through 11/23: Tue 8:30 PM. Second City E.T.C., Piper’s Alley, 1608 N. Wells, 312-337-3992 or 877-778-4707. $8.
