After two critically-acclaimed runs of She The People — the biting sketch revue created, performed, and directed by the women of The Second City — Toronto’s legendary comedy theatre is proud to announce its sequel: She The People: The Resistance Continues. The same fearless cast and the same memorable characters, yet 100-percent new material. The production kicked off at the Second City Mainstage on May 4th and continues as a limited engagement each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the spring and summer.
Director Carly Heffernan was part of the original Second City Chicago production of She The People. A co-writer and star of She The People beyond her directorial work, Heffernan has also earned tremendous acclaim for her work on the television series Second Jen, which was nominated for an Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television award. I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with Ms. Heffernan about She The People and, just as importantly, the city of Chicago.
How long has She The People been in the works for?
Carly Heffernan: Yes! I love starting with math! We started workshopping the original Chicago version of She The People in June of 2017 and opened that Fall.
Are there any major differences between the show’s Chicago and Toronto productions?
Carly Heffernan: Absolutely. The tone, energy, and essence of both shows are the same but only about half of the actual written material. Certain scenes get “Canadianized” to speak more clearly to our unique experiences and opinions as Canadians. Also, certain scenes are brought in specifically to explore the unique POV and/or talents of individual cast members.
When in life did you first become familiar with Second City?
Carly Heffernan: When I was in university, I tried to do a theatre project on Second City but the producer never got back to me!
Pardon the cliché, but who is on your Mount Rushmore when it comes to Second City?
Carly Heffernan: Catherine O’Hara, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, and Keegan-Michael Key.
Do you get to Chicago much these days? Any favorite restaurants over there?
Carly Heffernan: Since I’m living my best life, I get a deep dish pizza from a different place every time I’m in Chicago. So far my faves are Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, and Pequod’s.
She The People aside, what are you currently working on?
Carly Heffernan: Like every single other comedian in the world, I have a couple TV shows in development.
Second Jen was critically-acclaimed, as nominated for an Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television award. Did that nomination in any way change your life?
Carly Heffernan: It definitely opened more doors to me in the TV and film world. I really am lucky that my first experience as a show-runner was so joyful and fulfilling.
When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?
Carly Heffernan: I would spend all day, every day hugging my dog; that’s the dream. I also have a real thing for art galleries, television intended for teenagers, and any store that sells 40-dollar candles.
What was the last concert you attended for fun?
Carly Heffernan: Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan. LOVED Doobie Brothers, but I did not care for Steely Dan. It’s just so much on the melodica, like it’s mostly melodica.
Finally, Carly, any last words for the kids?
Carly Heffernan: Go see She The People! It’s a hilarious, cathartic release that empowers both the voices on the stage and the voices in the audience. Let’s be real, it’s the show we need right now.
Featured Image Credit: The Second City Toronto
