This review was written by Mackenzie Sinta.
It’s Hard to Be Hot, directed by Jess Rogers, returns to the stage for its third iteration — and it’s sharper than ever. The sketch comedy troupe, led by Erin Ryan and Olivia Tennison, explores the trials and tribulations of womanhood through situational comedy, interpretive dance and playful original songs. The result is charming, witty and deeply relatable.
At its core, the show examines the dynamics of female friendship and the outsized emotions that accompany feeling “less hot” than your friends. Some days you’re the hot friend landing the lead in a Hollywood blockbuster; other days, you’re the speck of dust on your best friend’s shoulder. Classic womanhood.
Ryan and Tennison excel at world-building. The two performers complement each other seamlessly, understanding the delicate rhythm required to grow a scene. Each sketch drops the audience squarely into the center of the drama, with the stakes immediately clear. The evening becomes a roller coaster of emotions and laughs, showcasing the versatility of every cast member.
Ryan lights up the stage with her physical comedy. Playing the “less hot” friend is no easy feat, but she infuses the role with humility and silliness that makes her irresistibly lovable. Her characters are thoughtfully crafted and believable. Over the course of the evening, she transforms into a sock, a maid of honor and even a slightly lopsided breast—truly, a woman of many talents.
Tennison is a powerhouse soloist and magnetic scene partner. Fully present and delightfully bold, she embodies the “hot” friend who appears to have it all. She charms the audience with confident character choices and explosive reactions. A skilled choreographer, Tennison also delivers precise lyricism and fluidity in a zany “Pre-Pre-Natal Yoga” session gone wrong.
The ensemble additions elevate the production’s energy. Lockne Andreoni shines as the perennial fifth wheel at a couple’s game night — yes, she takes the group photo again. Sharp and inventive, Andreoni delivers a master class in comedic timing.
Spencer LaMountain offers an accurate portrayal of a white male anchorman reporting on the very serious “Trader Joe’s Protest.” His dry quips and understated reactions provide a perfect counterbalance to the show’s heightened absurdity.
Keiter Liriano, affectionately dubbed the “Master of Wigs,” keeps the audience off-balance. His explosive character work—particularly in “Ze Artiste”—captivates Ryan and Tennison’s French painters with a surprising muse: a creatine-fueled frat guy. While the Louvre may not be acquiring the exhibit any time soon, Liriano’s performance is a resounding oui.
The crowd favorite of the evening is the musical number “Sourdough Hoe,” a parody that compares the trials of Valentine’s Day as a single woman to baking a loaf of sourdough bread. Both relatable and absurd, the full cast commits to a high-energy routine that leaves the audience wiping away tears of laughter.
The fast-paced show runs 50 minutes. It’s Hard to Be Hot has one remaining performance Friday, February 20, at Judy’s Beat Lounge, 230 W. North Ave. Tickets are $25 and available at secondcity.com. The show is intended for age 13+. Follow @ih2bh on Instagram for more information.
Mackenzie Sinta is a media executive with a background in theater directing and arts education; she chases the city’s best shows and culinary experiences.
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