1st Place: Second City Touring Company
2nd Place: Kinsey Sicks
3rd Place: Optical Delusions

We must like our comedy around these parts, because three hysterical acts swept the touring stage production category. With a historical cast list riddled with Saturday Night Live alums and some of the best improv and sketch comedy talents the world has ever seen, it’s no surprise that the Chicago-based Second City Touring Company’s visit to The State Theatre back in May topped the list. They’re closely followed by The Kinsey Sicks, a State Theatre show from a few months before with a fake morning show act featuring cheeky cross-dressing vocalists booked as a “Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet.” Former local “Magic Ben” was one third of the amazing Grand Little Theater presentation of Optical Delusions back in January. The Las Vegas acts included a magician, mind reader, and juggling unicyclist that impeccably combined their jaw-dropping talents with comedy. – Trevor Kupfer