The Second City

Young hopefuls head to Los Angeles hoping to find their big break in Hollywood. Starry-eyed dreamers make their way to New York City looking for fame on Broadway. And what do budding performers find here in the Windy City? Chicago’s main reason for its improv-comedic fame: The Second City.

the second cityThe term “Second City” has long been a nickname for Chicago, which once was the largest urban area second to New York City. In the 1980s, Los Angeles surpassed Chicago in population and area, but the moniker remained. Now it is the name of Chicago’s long-running (and perhaps most famous) improvisational comedy troupe.

The Second City evolved from the Compass Players, a 1950s cabaret revue started by University of Chicago undergrads. Their shows feature a mix of semi-improvised and scripted scenes, poking fun at politics and pop culture. The second act consists of improv sessions where scenes are based on audience suggestions. After the show, cast members occasionally return for a late-night improv set.

A number of well-known performers began their careers with the troupe, eventually moving on to television and film. Notable alumni include:

  • Joan Rivers
  • Harold Ramis
  • John Belushi
  • Bill Murray
  • Dan Aykroyd
  • George Wendt
  • Shelley Long
  • James Belushi
  • Tim Kazurinksky
  • Richard Kind
  • Andy Dick
  • Dan Castellaneta
  • Bonnie Hunt
  • Mike Myers
  • Chris Farley
  • Tim Meadows
  • Steve Carell
  • Ian Gomez
  • Nia Vardalos
  • Amy Sedaris
  • Stephen Colbert
  • David Koechner
  • Adam McKay
  • Tina Fey
  • Horatio Sanz
  • 'and many, many more

The Second City has expanded to several other cities, including Toronto, Las Vegas, New York City, Detroit, and Los Angeles. Here in Chicago, the troupe resides on two stages, The Second City mainstage (seating 290) and The Second City e.t.c. (seating 180). The Second City Training Center operates a third theatre at Piper's Alley Mall called Donny's Skybox, which features student productions and other shows.

second cityThe mainstage theatre seats its audience at two- and four-top tables on different floor tiers. Accommodations are available for those who require special seating (wheelchairs, hearing-impaired, visually-impaired), and a full bar and appetizer menu is offered throughout all performances. Servers visit tables discreetly during the show. Of course, The Second City is recommended for mature audiences, and children under 10 will not be admitted.

If you want an evening full of fun and laughs, The Second City is second to none.

no country for old white menno country for old white menno country for old white men
Pictures from The Second City’s current revue, No Country for Old White Men.

Photo credit: Second City Press Kit, Alan Cordova

The Second City: 1616 N Wells St; 312-337-3992
Box Office Hours
Mon ' Fri: 9:00 a.m. ' 9:00 p.m.
Sat: 10:00 a.m. ' 9:00 p.m.
Sun: 11:00 a.m. ' 7:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult; pay lot available
Public trans: Bus # 11, 72, 156 or Brown/Purple Line train (Sedgwick)
http://www.secondcity.com/

4 Responses to “The Second City”

  1. April 25th, 2008 | 9:44 am

    Whenever I see an interview of some fantastic comedian, they always say, “Yeah, I started with Second City in Chicago.”

    Second City has always been on my list of “must-do” in Chicago. I would love to go see the possible next “up and coming” comic.

  2.   Kim
    April 25th, 2008 | 2:48 pm

    My youngest daughter went to second city boot camp when she was about 14 years old. it was all improv for young kids. you have to be a somewhat open minded parent to sit through the “parent’s day” production. she had a great time

  3. April 25th, 2008 | 8:35 pm

    A trip to Chicago is not complete without catching the current review.

    I’ve seen over 20 and never has one been bad.

  4.   Matt B
    April 26th, 2008 | 1:32 pm

    @Heather Yeah, I’m often surprised just how many comics emerge from here. I think, “Why didn’t I see you THEN?” lol

    @Kim I think it’s great that kids have something they WANT to do. My own camp memories are a bit… mixed. Heh. Why do you say “open-minded”?

    @Jon I have not seen NEARly that many. In fact, it’s been a while; I should check them out soon.


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