Man-Oh-Mammoliti!

Last night mayoral candidate Giorgio Mammoliti joined the cast of Second City for Mayor, and he was hilarious! The Councillor joined the cast onstage for an interview and improv set, answering questions about his platform, his history and his vision for the city of Toronto. The cast improvised based upon his answers. Councillor Mammoliti was funny, warm and engaging – getting laughs even from the crowd of reporters seated at the front.

A number of other mayoral candidates have already agreed to appear, so look for announcements as their dates are confirmed.

ArtsVote Sundays at The Second City Toronto

There's only one mayoral candidate that truly supports the arts! The Second City is inviting all artists and arts workers to catch our new hit show Second City for Mayor any Sunday night until May 30th and support Artsvote 2010.

Use the promo code ARTSVOTE to purchase $15 tickets and $5 from every ticket purchase will be donated to Artsvote 2010, a coalition of arts workers and artists working to elect candidates who support the arts in the 2010 municipal election.

Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.secondcity.com or 416-343-0011, and proof of your arts worker status is required when you pick up your ticket (Equity card, recent show program, business card, for example). Offer is valid for 7:00 pm shows on Sunday May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.

"****smart, sassy, sexy and spectacularly funny" - Toronto Star

"early returns show [Melody A.] Johnson and her comedy troupe winning in a laugher" - Globe and Mail

Artsvote 2010 is a coalition of arts workers and artists, working to elect candidates who support the arts in the October 25, 2010 municipal election. Our goals are to communicate the value of our contribution to Toronto, and mobilize all of us who earn our living in the arts to vote for candidates who are committed to building a vibrant and cultured community.

Check Out Alum Ron West on Good Luck Charlie

Ron West

Ron West, a long-time teacher and performer at The Second City Hollywood, will appear in an upcoming episode of the TV show Good Luck Charlie on the Disney Channel. Ron appears in episode #122, "Love is in the Air, Part 2."

In addition to numerous TV & Film appearances, Ron was a regular on the improvised show Who's Line is it Anyway? and the long running hit show, Third Rock from the Sun.

In addition to acting, Ron has also found a great deal of success as a writer. The People Vs. Friar Laurence, by Ron West and Phil Swann, is now available at Samuel French. This musical comedy spoof starring the Friar of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet! Friar Laurence is behind bars, charged for the ‘murder' of the lovers. As the trial progresses, mayhem and silliness are abound with bits, songs, and scenes equal parts Vaudeville and Bard.

The Musical received rave reviews including, "Hysterical-West and Swann have shrouded the tale with witty story devices and a bright cloak of catchy songs that add to the ribald humor while moving the story along in the best traditions of musical theatre." -Chicago Sun Times

Second City Alumni Reunion Show – One Night Only!

We are pleased to announce "The Second City Alumni Reunion Show – Class of '79" featuring George Wendt, Tim Kazurinsky, Nancy McCabe Kelly, Bruce Jarchow, Danny Breen and more as part of TBS presents a very funny festival Just For Laughs Chicago for a very special performance on Thursday, June 17 at 8:00p at The Second City e.t.c. (1608 N. Wells, 2nd Floor of Piper's Alley). Tickets will be available on Monday, May 3, 2010 at The Second City Box Office at 312-337-3992 or online.

For more information about the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, visit www.justforlaughschicago.com.

Meet the Next Mayor?

On Thursday, April 29th, Toronto Mayoral Candidate Giorgio Mammoliti joins the cast of Second City for Mayor for a special candidates forum. Councillor Mammoliti will be the first in a series of mayoral frontrunners to grace our stage and take questions from our cast and the audience. Over the next several weeks, we’ll also meet Rocco Rossi, Susan Thompson, Joe Pantalone and even currently-serving mayor David Miller. Read all about it in the Globe and Mail.

Meet Our Newest Cast Members!

Allow us to introduce you to some very nice (and funny) folks - check out interviews with our newest cast members @ TimeOut's blog at chicago.timeout.com. Tim Baltz, Brendan Jennings and Mary Sohn can be seen this weekend as they open their new show "The Absolute Best Friggin' Time of Your Life."

Training Center Spotlighted on Chicago Magazine Blog

The Second City Training Center's performances of "Wait, It Gets Better" in Donny's Skybox and a recent performance by our ImaginAction students (4-6 years old) were highlighted in a recent post by Gina Bazer on the Chicago Magazine Blog. Check it out at www.chicagomag.com.

For more info on training classes and shows, visit our Training Center.

Thank you, Ruby Streak! We will miss you

Last night, our long-time Musical Director, Ruby Streak, performed her final show in The Second City Mainstage. Please join us in wishing her all the best in her next endeavor. Ruby has had a powerful artistic voice at The Second City for over 20 years and she will be missed. Check out this nice piece from Mike Thomas in the Chicago Sun Times.

Image courtesy of Chicago Sun-Times

Second City Joins Theater on the Lake Line-up

The Second City is pleased to join the Chicago Park District's 58th annual Theater on the Lake season featuring reprisals of eight artistically diverse Chicago theater companies June 16 - Aug. 8, 2010. The season opens with The Second City's 50th Anniversary Revue (June 16-20) and continues with popular productions by Bohemian Theatre Ensemble (June 23-27), A Red Orchid Theatre (June 30-July 4), Baby Wants Candy (July 7-11), Strawdog Theatre Company (July 14-18), Rivendell Theatre Company (July 21-25), The Gift Theatre Company (July 28 - Aug. 1), and Caffeine Theatre (Aug. 4-8). Each production will be performed for five evenings only at the theater at Fullerton Avenue and Lake Michigan.

For more information on Theater on the Lake, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Remembering Alumni Raul Moncada

It is with much sadness that we learned of the passing of Alumni Raul Moncada on Monday, April 5. Raul Moncada was a Stage Manager for The Second City for three years and also served as Director for the one of the first Second City Touring Companies. Raul worked extensively with San Diego's Old Globe Theater as a Literary Associate, Stage Manager and Multicultural Associate. Luckily, we were able to spend some time with Raul in Chicago during the 50th anniversary festivities this past December. A memorial for Raul Moncada has been planned for Monday, May 3, from 6:00-8:00pm at The Old Globe’s Hattox Hall (1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA). If you are able to attend, please RSVP to rwells-famula@TheOldGlobe.org.

Second City Hollywood Teacher Headlines Disaster Date on MTV

Monika Smith

Monika Smith, a teacher at The Second City Hollywood, has landed a regular gig on MTV's Disaster Date - a hilarious new hidden camera dating show that puts unsuspecting singles on the worst blind date of their lives. And it all comes courtesy of a best friend looking for payback.

The daters are unwittingly set up with a comedic improv actor (Monika) whose only job is to turn the date into a complete mess by breaking all of the dating rules. But the actor won't do it alone because the friend directs all the action from the control room feeding personal information about the dater to the actor. After all, who knows how to push the dater's buttons better than a best friend?

You can catch Disaster Dates every weekday on MTV!

In addition to Disaster Dates, Monika can be seen as a recurring character on Spike TV's Players, as a recurring character on Comedy Central's Rich Dicks, and most recently on Apples to Apples.

The Second City Does Arizona pulls more kudos

Everyone loves kudos, and they are pouring in for The Second City Does Arizona, playing at The Arizona Theatre Company now through April 24th in Phoenix and from Apr 29 - May 16 in Tucson. To check out the latest great review please visit: svherald.com and to learn more about the show, please visit secondcity.com.

North Side and South Side Teens perform in a unique Improv Exchange

The Second City Outreach and Diversity presented "The After School Matters Teen Improv Exchange" on Friday, April 16 4:30 -6:00pm. Talented teens from Kenwood, Sullivan, Clark, Uplift, Schurz, Tilden and Taft High Schools have been honing their improv skills for the past 10 weeks in After School Matters programs. On Friday, they had their chance to make Chicago laugh at one of the most renowned improv theaters in the world. Check out these behind the scenes pics from this event where up to 180 teens improvised.

After School Matters is one of the nation's largest providers of out-of-school-time activities for teens in underserved communities, emphasizing the fields of arts, sports, science, technology and communications. The Second City Outreach & Diversity has been a partner with After School Matters for seven years teaching improvisation and writing to teens on the South Side.

For more information on how to become an Outreach & Diversity sponsor and make a difference in a young adult's life, e-mail dgriffin-irons@secondcity.com.

College Night @ The Second City

You've almost made it through this semester - you deserve a study break! Celebrate midterms at The Second City e.t.c.'s new show, The Absolute Best Friggin' Time of Your Life on Thursday, May 6. College students receive half priced tickets (regular tickets $22). To reserve your tickets, call The Second City Box Office at 312-337-3992 and give them the code "Midterms." For show information, visit us online. Limit 4 tickets per order. Limited availability. Students must present a current school ID when picking up tickets.

Boston Gets Ready for The Second City

In preparation for The Second City’s run in Boston with our customized show, One If By Land, Late If by T, Boston Globe reporter Joan Anderman spent some time with the writers, cast and crew in Chicago during rehearsals. Check out the article here.

To learn more about the show and purchase tickets, visit www.improvasylum.com.

Alum Tina Fey: Producer, Writer, Star and One Funny Mama

The New York Times recently wrote about Tina Fey's career and life as a mother.

Second City's CEO Andrew Alexander is quoted in the story and shared his insight into what makes Tina Fey unique.

Read the full article in the New York Times

Go Live with Anthony LeBlanc @ C2E2

Second City Mainstage cast member, Anthony LeBlanc is reporting live from C2E2, Chicago’s Comic & Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place all weekend. Follow him on Twitter at SCatC2E2 or check for updates at our Facebook page.

The Second City Does Arizona collects more accolades

The Second City Does Arizona, or, Close But No Saguaro continues to collect accolades from the Tucson press. Sherilyn Forrester of the Tucson Weekly reports the show to be "Clever, energetic and good-natured, it's one big inside joke, the punch line of which will easily be identified and enjoyed by all those who have spent time here—even part-timers." Full interview here.

The Second City Hosts CIF Awards Night – April 21

The Second City is proud to host the 2010 Chicago Improv Festival's Awards Night on Wednesday, April 21st, from 6:30-8:30p in The Second City e.t.c. Theater (1608 N. Wells, 2nd Floor of Piper's Alley). This year's recipients include Lifetime Achievement Awards for Second City alums Harold Ramis, Dick Schaal and Severn Darden. Additionally, The Improvised Shakespeare Comedy will receive the Ensemble of the Year Award and Second City alum Susan Messing will receive the Performer of the Year Award.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com.

For more information on the Chicago Improv Festival, visit www.chicagoimprovfestival.org.

A Timeline for Last Minute Tax Filers

Second City Communications Producer John Cates constructed a (very funny) timeline for last minute tax filers in today's Chicago Tribune. Click here to see how you compare.

Second City for Mayor makes it to city hall!

Last night in the Member's Lounge of City Hall the talk was all about sister cities, baseball and a lot of laughs. Toronto Mayor David Miller welcomed U.S. Ambassador David Jacobson in a reception for city council members and local business and civic leaders. The reception was sponsored by the Sisters Cities committee, and there were many mutual declarations of affection between the cities of Toronto and Chicago which Mayor Miller described as "the two capitol cities of the great lakes."

The talk then turned to baseball, with Ambassador Jacobson conflicted about whom to root for in that evening's Blue Jays-White Sox game (the ambassador is a die-hard Cubs fan). The Ambassador quoted the sentiments of late columnist Mike Royko regarding the hierarchy of Chicago Baseball fans — with Cubs fans at the top, followed by White Sox fans, then those who don't care about baseball and, at the bottom, those who root for both.

The evening also featured a performance by the Toronto troupe of The Second City, an institution in both of the sister cities. As Ambassador Jacobson entered the reception, he was handed a Second City for Mayor lapel pin. While he's not supposed to get involved in local politics, he said "this is one campaign I can support." As the ambassador reminisced in his remarks "(The Second City)...was the place I saved up for when I had a special date. So tonight feels like I'm on a special date again."

Second City Receives Rave Reviews in Arizona

Second City Theatricals opened The Second City Does Arizona, or, Close But No Saguaro to rave reviews. Chuck Graham notes, "The opening night audience...loved every minute it...They were so enthusiastically received, they got a second curtain call plus a standing ovation." To check out the complete review, visit www.tucsonstage.com.

The Second City opens new show in Tucson, AZ!

The Second City Does Arizona or Close But No Saguaro has opened in Tucson, AZ and will run through April 24 before moving to Phoenix on May 1. Here's a photo of the cast and crew.

Don't Miss Second City Alumni in "Celebrity Autobiography"

Second City alumni Scott Adsit, Andrea Martin, Harold Ramis and Tim Kazurinsky are appearing in "Celebrity Autobiography" for two nights only at the Royal George Theatre. If you are in Chicago, check it out at theroyalgerogetheatre.com.

Second City Gets Ready For: The Absolute Best Friggin' Time of Your Life

The Second City e.t.c. is proud to announce the opening of its 34th revue The Absolute Best Friggin' Time of Your Life on Sunday, May 2nd, 2010 at 7:00pm at The Second City e.t.c. Theatre (1608 North Wells Street, 2nd Floor of Piper's Alley).

We finally elected our first black president and passed our first national health care bill. It should be the best time of our lives. What happened? The cast of The Second City e.t.c.'s new show, The Absolute Best Friggin' Time of Your Life takes you back to a time when we had a budget surplus and unemployment rates were at an all-time low. Grab your daisy dukes, enjoy those nachos and attend the prom of your 1990s dream - it's The Absolute Best Friggin' Time of Your Life.

Directed by Billy Bungeroth, the cast of The Absolute Best Friggin' Time of Your Life includes Christina Anthony, Tim Baltz, Tom Flanigan, Brendan Jennings, Beth Melewski and Mary Sohn. Jesse Case is Musical Director and Joseph Ruffner is Stage Manager. Stylist is Logan Vaughn. The producing team for The Absolute Best Friggin' Time of Your Life

includes Chief Executive Officer & Executive Producer for The Second City, Andrew Alexander; Chief Operating Officer, Diana Martinez; Executive Vice President, Kelly Leonard; Producer, Alison Riley and Associate Producer, Monica Wilson.

Tickets for The Absolute Best Friggin' Time of Your Life are available by phone at 312-337-3992 or online at www.secondcity.com. The show schedule and ticket prices are as follows:

Thursday - 8:00 pm - $22.00

Friday and Saturday - 8:00 pm & 11:00 pm - $27.00

Sunday - 7:00 pm - $22.00

Overnight Packages are available at The James, our partner hotel in Chicago. Contact our The Second City Box Office at 312-337-3992 for more information.

For More Information, Contact:
Robin Hammond, Director of Marketing, Chicago Resident Stages
Phone: 312-664-4032
E-Mail: rhammond@secondcity.com

Great Review for "Date Night"

"Date Night" featuring Second City alumni Tina Fey and Steve Carell received a terrific review from Roger Ebert with a nice shout out to their training at Second City. Check out the review at suntimes.com. They also talked about their early days at Second City on The Today Show.

"Date Night" opens on Friday, April 9th.

Want to win a free cruise on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

If you sing, dance, play an instrument, juggle, or tell jokes, they want to hear from you! To celebrate the upcoming launch of Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line is searching for the next performing sensation. Visit www.epicstar.usatoday.com to learn more.

Alums Tina Fey and Steve Carell on Oprah - did you see it?

Hopefully, you were able to catch alums Tina Fey and Steve Carell on Oprah yesterday. If not, check out Oprah.com for videos and outtakes. We really like the Overseas Travel video (though the interview prep videos are pretty funny, too), but you can decide on your own favorite.

Don’t miss their new movie “Date Night” this Friday, April 9. Check out the trailer at datenight-movie.com.

Another great review for Second City Theatrical’s show in Laguna Beach, CA: Can You Be More Pacific?

Stage Scene LA is the latest to give Can You Be More Pacific? a great review.

To read the review, visit www.stagescenela.com

Click here for more details on the show playing in Laguna Beach.

For ticket information, visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

The Second City Training Center launches new web series.

The Second City Training Center is proud to launch its new web series Comedy Exposed with Jimmy Carrane! Each week, Mr. Carrane will interview all sorts of fascinating people from the Training Center community; teachers, directors, students, alums, and even some behind-the-scenes folks that keep the machine moving. This week, Jimmy interviews veteran teacher, author, director, and all-around great lady with an encyclopedic brain for everything Second City… Ms. Anne Libera.

Sara Lee gets social with The Second City

Second City Communications worked with Sara Lee to create a "Mama Saga" social media campaign (including videos) that produced amazing results. Check out this Sun-Times article to learn more.

Alum Steve Carell Talks About Dating, His New Movie, and The Second City

Alumni Steve Carell and Tina Fey star in the new film “Date Night.” Check out this feature article where Steve talks about his new movie, his past dating experiences, and his time at The Second City.

Second City For Mayor actor Kris Siddiqi aids in April Fools joke on Breakfast Television!

This morning, Kris Siddiqi aided Kevin Frankish pull an April Fools joke on Jennifer Valentyne.

Check it out!

Salon Praises "Sassy Gay Friend"

Check out Salon's take on "Sassy Gay Friend," Brian Gallivan's creation for The Second City Network on YouTube.

April Fool’s Day Advice

The Second City’s John Cates gives some April Fool’s Day advice in today’s Chicago Tribune.