The world-renowned Second City improvisational comedy troupe performs at 7:30 p.m. March 5 at Tornstrom Auditorium in Brainerd.
The performance titled "Second City Hits Home" is presented by the Central Lakes College (CLC) Theatre Cultural Arts Series.
"I've presented Second City twice before," said series producer Patrick Spradlin, "and they've never failed to leave everyone gasping for air from laughing so hard. This show is a little different from past shows, though, which makes it even funnier."
"Second City Hits Home" includes much of the sketch comedy and improvisational fun that is the hallmark of all Second City shows. But, as Spradlin notes, there's this one special element: "The company is researching the Brainerd lakes area for material to include in the show. They're probably reading this article right now."
The show will incorporate themes, news happenings, trends, institutions, perhaps even people from the local area into the sketch comedy. Audiences will find a familiarity with the subject matter, perhaps find themselves included in the comedy.
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"Even if they came and did their regular kind of show, this is going to be an event you won't want to miss," said Spradlin. "After all, there's an excellent chance that one or more of the performers you see on stage here in Brainerd will go on to have a superstar career in comedy. You can look back and say, 'I remember seeing so-and-so perform in Brainerd when they were just getting started.'"
Spradlin is alluding to the rich 50-plus year history of Second City and of the many comic geniuses the company has produced. Best known as the first ever on-going improvisational theater troupe in the United States, it began in the 1950 with a small groups of Chicago students, including young actors such as Mike Nichols and Elaine May. The Second City Theatre opened on Dec. 16, 1959, and has since expanded its presence to several other cities, including Toronto and Los Angeles. The Second City has produced television programs in both the United States and Canada including SCTV, Second City Presents and Next Comedy Legend. Since its debut, the Second City has consistently been a starting point for comedians, award winning actors, directors and others in show business.
The roster of famous alumni is astounding. When "Saturday Night Live" was launched in 1975, three of its main performers - John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Dan Aykroyd - came directly from Second City. The TV series "Cheers" drew upon the talents of two Second City actors, George Wendt and Shelley Long. Other Second City performers who've gone on to enjoy illustrious careers reads like a who's who of comedy: Andrea Martin, John Candy, Dan Castellaneta, Mike Meyers, Harold Ramis, Martin Short, Dave Thomas, Stephen Colbert, Chris Farley, Steve Carrell, Tina Fey and Bob Odenkirk.
"This show is such a fun time, and who doesn't need a fun time in the last throes of winter?" Spradlin said.
Tickets for Second City Hits Home are available from the CLC Theatre Box Office at 855-8199, or online at clcmn.edu/arts.
