Doppleganger

Tina, I can't believe it. You're writing for SNL this year! Well not you, but Shelly Gossman, your other doppleganger is. How incredible is that? Lorne Michaels gives the nod, and within a few weeks, after years of Chicago improv, she's off to SNL. Why am I telling you this? This was you 13 years ago. And I'm so excited, I'm so excited, I'm so scared. (Ask anyone what they remember from Saved By the Bell, and I guarantee they will know that line.) But I really am so excited, because Shelly Gossman was in the very first Second City show I ever saw, Taming of the Flu. Not going to lie, I have a pretty good eye for picking out talent, and Shelly and Emily Wilson both stood out to me. But more importantly, I couldn't help but notice how much Shelly looked like you. Maybe not in the picture here, but when you see her on stage you can't help but think if they made another Mean Girls, she could write it. I find it ridiculously funny that of all the people who could potentially follow your career trajectory, it's someone who looks like you. The best part is she has a Minnesota accent (aka the go to Palin voice), so imagine the sketch possibilities. How awesome would it be if she pulled a Felicity Huffman, and did an impression of you doing an impression of Palin? Now I know how you felt Tina when you were a student watching Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, and Amy Sedaris on the Mainstage. Not only thinking to yourself, I can't wait to be up there, but I'm a witness to someone's "before" story. Why am I telling you this? I'm in your place 18 years later.

Congratulations Shelly! It's only the beginning. First writer, then repertory player.