CHICAGO (CBS) -- The upcoming show at The Second City this month, in honor of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, will showcase an all-AAPI cast and crew.
This marks the second year that the renowned improv and sketch comedy company has presented a show featuring an all-AAPI team as part of the Victor Wong Fellows program.
Although the name of the show is not yet displayed on the marquee, behind the curtains of The Second City, the cast and crew have been diligently preparing for "Youth in Asia (Are You Proud of Me Yet?)" – a production they believe will be a hit.
The director, Evan Mills, described the show as a delightful blend of silly sketches, personal narratives, and heartfelt moments.
"I eagerly embraced the opportunity to be involved because I felt it was incredibly significant. Representation of AAPI communities on stage is still quite rare," Mills shared.
This production is a part of the Victor Wong Fellows program, established in honor of The Second City's first Asian American performer, aimed at nurturing and guiding emerging AAPI talent.
Reflecting on his early days at The Second City in 2012 when he started as a host, Mills recalled that there was only one Asian performer on stage back then.
For the past three months, a group of 10 AAPI comedians has been collaborating on a new show.
One of the contributors, Johanna Medrano, shared a piece about her personal journey as the eldest daughter striving to meet her parents' high expectations for her future.
"The pressure is immense for us to fulfill their wildest dreams, and pursuing a career as an actor/comedian was not what they had in mind," she expressed.
Medrano mentioned that acting has brought new possibilities into her life.
"When I first joined Second City, I enrolled in the writing program because I couldn't see myself on stage. I was very reserved. I was more inclined towards writing than performing," she explained.
Through this show, Medrano aims to increase AAPI representation on stage and hopes that amidst the humor, the audience can connect with the stories being told.
"As the lights dim, I might shed a tear, but it will be tears of joy from witnessing AAPI individuals on stage together, doing what they love. I'm truly looking forward to that moment," Mills expressed.
The Youth in Asia production will be running every Tuesday in May at UP Comedy Club at The Second City.
