BIRTHPLACE OF IMPROV
Where do the world's best comedians come from? The Second City, of course.
The Second City came out of the Compass Players (Mike Nichols and Elaine May) back in the 1950's. Alan Arkin and Ed Asner were good friends, too.
During the 1970's, John Belushi, Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray and Gilda Radner were performing skits on Wells Street. Then came John Candy, Martin Short, Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy with perhaps the funniest TV station ever, SCTV.
The Second City has been churning out famous comedians ever since, and some modern day alums include Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Sean Hayes and Tina Fey.
What's it like to see a show at The Second City? Founder Bernie Sahlins once described the place as "a theatre producing short comic scenes about contemporary events and ways of life." As you sit huddled around a cocktail table filled with drinks, you'll laugh your heart out at jabs made at today's infamous politicians and social issues. Plus, there's a good chance you will see parts of a new show being worked on while you're watching some of the nation's big comic stars of tomorrow.
The Second City also has three different stages. There's the Main Stage, e.t.c. (no second fiddle and often edgier) plus a new space, UP Comedy Club, more devoted to stand-up than blackout/skit humor. If one's sold out, then make plans to attend the other.
Be aware that it's generally first come, first served for seating. However, you're never too far from the stage, and many scenes often have cast members in different parts of the room. But the earlier you get into line, the more time you'll have to look at all the photos of previous cast members and recount all the laughs these amazingly talented people have brought into your life.
That's worth the price of admission any day.
