The Union
George Burns and Gracie Allen. Harry and Bess Houdini. Siegfried and Roy. Bonny and Clyde. Chicago sketch comedy pair The Union is the next in a long tradition of performing couples. Corey and Monique reached for comic brilliance in a number of skits. Sharp writing was delivered impeccably. In one skit, they’re discussing the genetic flaws in their family in anticipation of a baby. In another, they play dummy and ventriloquist in a piece that is tastefully twisted on many levels. A husband and wife comedy act runs the risk of being extremely cloying and tacky, but Corey and Monique stay a comfortable distance away from anything like that. There wasn’t a good enough rhythm to get the recurring pet homicide segments to work all that well, but the dialogue-less comedy bit featuring two nervous kids at a high school dance was delivered in a way that made it seem remarkably fresh. Again, it’s it’s the simplest stuff that ends up working the best . . . - Milwaukee Shepherd-Express Cheeky Gets Nosy With The Union Whether playing a1950’s couple, nerds at the school dance or a naughty ventriloquist and dummy, sketch comedy duo Corey Rittmaster and Monique Madrid love to find the funny in relationships. It probably doesn’t hurt that they’re both married. To each other. Corey and Monique, both veteran improvisers who moved to Chicago together from Kansas City in 2004, debuted as The Union last year with the show Ward & June Are Dead at The Annoyance. Sketches ranged from twists on everyday life (like the trials of choosing a movie together, or the frustration of female rearview mirror adjustment) to more outlandish topics (like hermaphrodites). No matter what the premise, The Union’s material benefits from the couple’s dark sense of humor, nuanced characters and, as one would expect, great on-stage chemistry. We chatted with the couple about their new show, which opens in September at Donny’s Skybox... - Alison Weiss, Cheeky Chicago | 
5 New shows to see ...The show is directed by Jeff Nominated Second City e.t.c. cast member Amanda Blake Davis and explores how the duo deals with conflict, both in life as well as within themselves. In a variety of scenes, The Union lets the audience in on how this diverse couple has to defend their race and ethnicity, takes them inside a marriage counseling session, into the ridiculous world of a late-night easy-listening DJ, a pick-up artist in the 17th century and much more... - Rachael Mason, Chicago Comedy Examiner Dallas Comedy Festival The first timeslot closed with touring Chicago sketch show The Union. The husband and wife duo put together a playful and punchy experience centered on relationships. It was a tongue and cheek sitcom brought to life on stage. - Improv Wins! |
