BEST FRIENDS VARIETY HOUR Shines at CSz Philadelphia!

One of the most amazing things in life is finding that person who is not only your best friend; but also your soulmate, a sister, and a person who will shower you after a major surgery. She might be the same one you giggled with in middle school, your high school or college bestie, or someone you met as an adult, and everything just clicked.

Kris & Alli are comedians and best friends who have been performing together for almost 20 years. We chatted with them about their journey through the joys and laughter of their own friendship, and the way that has evolved into a show about the joy of all friendship. They will perform Best Friends Variety Hour on April 17 and April 24 at CSz Philadelphia.

Alli Soowal recollects some of their history of being friends onstage and offstasge together: “We have been through so much together, good and bad.  We have had the privilege to travel to many locations to perform or just vacation, we have grieved together over the loss of pets, helped each other through surgeries, and just been there for each other whenever needed.  Our former CSz Artistic Director Dave Jadico rarely put us on the same team together because he knew it would be trouble!  But he also knew we had a great connection - when we would play Dr. Doublespeak, it would freak people out because we just know each other so well that we would talk in such unison it was crazy!”

How did this history evolve into the singing, dancing, joyous comedy show that fans can see this April?

Kristin Finger says, “About 10 years ago we had performed a variety like show that was mostly improv one time and I’ve always kept that joy in my mind. So when an organization called AAUW (American Association of University Women) called me in the Spring of 2025 asking if I had a one-woman show I would come down to Vero Beach Florida to perform at their annual fundraiser, I said, ‘how about a two-woman show?’” Alli Soowal adds: “Our goal is for the audience to see or be reminded of their own friendships and to want to call their besties immediately after the show. (if they haven’t brought them with them of course). We have mixed together song, improv, sketch, and some audience engagement. Think The Carol Burnett show meets The Restless Leg Tour with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.”

The show evolved through all of the delightful parts of getting to collaborate with your bestie. Finger recalls, “Alli and I booked a 3-night stay at an Air BnB in the Pconos as a writing retreat and got to work. A bottle of wine, lots of snacks and almost 20 years of memories allowed the writing process to flow right out of us. We workshopped the show with some very talented friends here in Philly who helped us shape it into what it is today.”  Some of those very talented friends they’d like to thank include Karen Getz (who helped choreograph our opening number), David Dritsas (who helped us shape that opening song), Dave Jadico (who has been amazing with tech support and insight), and Shannon DeVido and Don Montrey (who gave us direct critique/feedback on our sketches_. In addition, their dear friends Jon Colby and Kevin Regan gave their voices for certain parts of the show. Already, their friendship extends into an entire friendship circle that showcases the power of being with people who lift you up!

After nearly two decades of performing together, audiences can’t help but pick up on their closeness and glee being onstage together. Coming to the show means audiences can witness a duo of performers dealing with a spontaneous moment in real time, which people never get by watching a movie or scripted television. Finger reflects, “So coming to see live improv is basically a whole hour of spontaneous moments of joy!!!! It allows the audience to be with us in the moment. To tune out from their outside world and just laugh.”

Spend an hour with Kris & Alli as they take you on a journey through the joys and laughter of their own friendship, your own friendships, and even some famous friendships like Lucy and Ethel, Dorothy and Sophia, and Betty and Judy. Kris and Alli’s variety hour will feature comedy sketches, improv, storytelling, and song & dance.

CSz Philadelphia is delighted to have Best Friends Variety Hour for two weekends this April - April 17 and April 24 at 7 PM. Tickets can be purchased online HERE AT THIS LINK.

Kristin Finger is a Philadelphia based performer, director, artist and cat lover. Recent theater credits include; Sarah Jane Moore in Assassins (City Theater Company); All Adult Women in Spring Awakening (City Theater Company); U/S Smee/Mrs. Bumbreak/Teacher in Peter and the StarCatcher, US/Carol/Irene in Spinner, (Delaware Theatre Company); U/S Bernedette in POTUS (Arden Theatre). Director of POTUS (City Theater Company), Assistant Director for The Stinky Cheese Man (Arden Theatre). She's been a company member with CSz Philadelphia, home of ComedySportz since 2007 where she created/directed/performed in numerous shows including; Murder Manor, Hallmarkable, and Improvised Golden Girls. Kristin moderates celebrity panels with FanEXPO across the US and Canada. You can also see her as Hildegard on WHYY/PBS's The Infinite Art Hunt/The Good Neighbor Club and the voice on the animated series, Art Regards from Hildegard! Love and thanks to Schmidt and Conan!

Alli Soowal is a Philadelphia based performer (improv and sketch) and improv instructor.  She has been performing in Philadelphia and around the country since 2005, primarily with CSz Philadelphia, home of ComedySportz since 2007.  Alli is also Kristin's best friend.  Like a low-budget version of Michelle Williams and Busy Phillips, Kristin is the accomplished one and Alli is thrilled to be nearby.  When Alli is not supporting Kristin's many endeavours, she is earning a living as a leader in the healthcare sector.  She is also an avid wildlife photographer with several pieces sold or on display. Shout out to One Ton - one of the last remaining Super Tusker elephants in the world and the most impressive celebrity Alli has ever met.

Kristin Finger

Alli Soowal