Second City brings its famous improv group to Englert Theatre in Iowa City

The comedy range will run the gamut when Second City returns to the Englert Theatre in Iowa City on Friday and Saturday while on its “Mo’ Funny, Less Problems” jaunt.

“I love this tour so much since the comedy is all over the place,” Claire Favret said while calling from her Chicago home. “You’ll experience heartfelt laughs and then there will be the dumb and the silly. I love stupid, fun comedy and then we have comedy that will appeal to theater nerds.”

Favret, 32, has been with the improv group for a decade.

“I can’t imagine doing anything else,” Favret said. “I love comedy. I went to the same college (William and Mary) as (”The Daily Show“ host) Jon Stewart. When I was in college I saw that Tina Fey did improv in Second City, I thought that was so cool.”

Fey’s sitcom vehicle “30 Rock” had quite an impact on Favret, who was a child of the aughts.

“NBC’s Thursday night lineup of ‘The Office,’ ‘Parks and Rec’ and ‘30 Rock’ were what I loved to watch,” Favret said. “And then I look back at the classic movies of that era, like ‘Shrek’ and ‘The Emperor’s New Groove.’ I have cherished memories watching those films with my parents. We used to laugh together during those movies. We bonded over our love of comedy.”

Favret’s father showcased truly classic material when he opened up his daughter’s world to the comedic brilliance of Bob Newhart.

“After my dad showed me ‘Newhart,’ I started checking out comedy from that period,” she said. “I loved ‘The Carol Burnett Show.’ That show could run today. But some things have really changed like the pacing, which is so different.”

But some elements of comedy have remained the same. Not everyone can deliver comedy without offending the audience but Second City is a comedic institution, which doesn’t pander or polarize.

“That’s such a cool thing,” Favret said. “Nate Bargatze is the same way. He’s so funny and what’s great is that everyone likes him.”

Like Bargatze, Favret is often on the road. Unlike Bargatze, Favret is not wealthy.

“This is the best job ever, but I can’t do this forever since you don’t become rich doing what I do” Favret said. “I love my career but it’s exhausting. We recently had a horrible flight delay in Wyoming. It’s beautiful in Wyoming but it’s not fun being stuck in the airport. But I can’t complain. I remember what it was like doing comedy for fun. Now I get paid to do what was once my hobby.”

When Favret isn’t doing improv or sketches with Second City, she is delivering stand-up.

“I’m all about trying new forms of comedy,” Favret said. “It’s a challenge since I’m not in my comfort zone when I do stand-up.”

She will be in her comfort zone in Iowa City, though. Favret believes she is so comfortable in Iowa since she was born and raised in Urbana, Illinois.

“I think there'’s some common denominators between Urbana and Iowa,” Favret said. “I was thinking about that when we performed in Des Moines in October and had a blast. I love the Midwest. It’s where I’m supposed to be. And the people in the Midwest love their comedy. The audiences are always fantastic. They appreciate comedy and are so responsive. We all look forward to coming back to Iowa.”

It could have been a very different story for Favret, who majored in psychology, if she didn’t take a chance on comedy.

“I'm so glad I decided to pursue what I’m so passionate about,” Favret said. “I think you have to go for it in life. I can’t imagine doing anything else than comedy right now. There really is nothing like making people laugh. I’m incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to perform.”