Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Monday, February 2, 2015
SC Alum Punam Patel Cast in ABC Family Pilot
A huge congratulations to SC alum, Punam Patel, on getting cast in one of ABC Family's newest pilots, Kevin at Work, which also guest-stars SC alum, Amy Sedaris!
Sunday, February 1, 2015
"Panic on Cloud 9" Cancelled Tonight (Sun, 2/1)
Due to the severe weather forecast, we have cancelled tonight's performance of "Panic on Cloud 9." Ticket holders will receive an email from our box office and can call 312-337-3992 for more information. Sorry for any inconvenience! Stay warm and we'll see you after the blizzard.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Vanity Fair Boasts About "Yes, And"
Michael Lewis wrote a wonderful article for Vanity Fair magazine in which he talks about the difficulties of improv and how it can affect daily life. He also goes as far to say "It sounds crazy that a comedy troupe should have anything to say about how you should lead your life. Trust me: it isn't."
Read more here.
Read more here.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
"Yes, And" Sits Down with Chicago Sun-Times
Chicagoans are rightfully proud to boast that the city’s renowned improv and sketch-comedy theater, The Second City, birthed the careers of John Belushi, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Mike Myers, Stephen Colbert and Tina Fey — to name just a few.
Behind the scenes, The Second City is equally successful as a growing and thriving business, with $50 million in yearly revenue. The 55-year-old theater company and its business-to-business unit, Second City Works, together employ 1,000 people. In addition to running the Main Stage, the operation has four touring companies, year-round road shows, a thriving theater in Toronto, training centers in Chicago, Toronto and Hollywood, and custom-designed shows and leadership training sessions for businesses. The company is expanding its square footage by nearly one-third at its Pipers Alley headquarters in Old Town, taking over a former movie theater space to accommodate more offices and classrooms.
The men who oversee these operations noticed that the keys to improv’s success were dovetailing more and more with the ways that people achieve success in today’s knowledge and innovation economy. So they’ve written a book, in stores Feb. 3 and online for pre-ordering, explaining the seven principles of The Second City’s success and incorporating specific examples of how readers can boost their so-called “soft skills” to improve their ability to be smart listeners, team players and adaptable innovators.
Kelly Leonard, 48, executive vice president of The Second City and the son of Roy Leonard, the late WGN-TV and radio icon and entertainment critic, and Tom Yorton, 51, CEO of Second City Works, played out their own advice as they joked and bantered while telling Sun-Times reporter Sandra Guy about the two years of work they put into the book, “Yes, And . . . How Improvisation Reverses ‘No, But’ Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration.”
Read the full interview here.
Behind the scenes, The Second City is equally successful as a growing and thriving business, with $50 million in yearly revenue. The 55-year-old theater company and its business-to-business unit, Second City Works, together employ 1,000 people. In addition to running the Main Stage, the operation has four touring companies, year-round road shows, a thriving theater in Toronto, training centers in Chicago, Toronto and Hollywood, and custom-designed shows and leadership training sessions for businesses. The company is expanding its square footage by nearly one-third at its Pipers Alley headquarters in Old Town, taking over a former movie theater space to accommodate more offices and classrooms.
The men who oversee these operations noticed that the keys to improv’s success were dovetailing more and more with the ways that people achieve success in today’s knowledge and innovation economy. So they’ve written a book, in stores Feb. 3 and online for pre-ordering, explaining the seven principles of The Second City’s success and incorporating specific examples of how readers can boost their so-called “soft skills” to improve their ability to be smart listeners, team players and adaptable innovators.
Kelly Leonard, 48, executive vice president of The Second City and the son of Roy Leonard, the late WGN-TV and radio icon and entertainment critic, and Tom Yorton, 51, CEO of Second City Works, played out their own advice as they joked and bantered while telling Sun-Times reporter Sandra Guy about the two years of work they put into the book, “Yes, And . . . How Improvisation Reverses ‘No, But’ Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration.”
Read the full interview here.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Youth & Teen Summer Comedy Camps Open House - March 1st
Join us Sunday, March 1st from 9am-12pm for our 1st Annual Youth & Teen Comedy Camps Open House. Kids in grades 2-12 and their parents are invited to join us for a morning of FUN!
Take one or our FREE beginner drop-in improv workshops, check out a hilarious interactive show and fill up on yummy snacks. Get a tour of our Training Centre and see pictures of our expansion (set to open spring of 2015). Also you can meet the camp staff and pick up cool swag & info sheets. Plus we're having a draw to win a FREE week of camp for anyone that registers that day!
Workshop & Show Schedule:
9:30am - Drop-in Workshop
10:00am - Show and Q&A
10:30am - Drop-in Workshop
11:30am - Drop-in Workshop
12:00pm - Show and Q&A
Spend the whole morning with us or just an hour. No need to register ahead of time just show up and get ready to laugh!
See you soon!
Take one or our FREE beginner drop-in improv workshops, check out a hilarious interactive show and fill up on yummy snacks. Get a tour of our Training Centre and see pictures of our expansion (set to open spring of 2015). Also you can meet the camp staff and pick up cool swag & info sheets. Plus we're having a draw to win a FREE week of camp for anyone that registers that day!
Workshop & Show Schedule:
9:30am - Drop-in Workshop
10:00am - Show and Q&A
10:30am - Drop-in Workshop
11:30am - Drop-in Workshop
12:00pm - Show and Q&A
Spend the whole morning with us or just an hour. No need to register ahead of time just show up and get ready to laugh!
See you soon!
6 SC People Named in Newcity's "Top 50"
Newcity just released their "Top 50 People Who Really Perform for Chicago" and SC CEO, Andrew Alexander made the #1 spot, followed by SC EVP, Kelly Leonard, UP Manager, JB Winkin and SC alums TJ Jagodowski, Dave Pasquesi and Mick Napier. Congrats to all!
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Panic on Cloud 9 Cast Speaks to the RedEye
The face of sketch comedy stumbled into a merciless, bloodthirsty bar fight late last year. But the thrashing—dealt by the six tenacious comedians behind The Second City Mainstage's 103rd Revue, "Panic on Cloud 9"—provided a rugged and seasoned look to its otherwise pure appearance.
The result? Chicago sketch comedy is handsomer than ever.
Chelsea Devantez, John Hartman, Paul Jurewicz, Daniel Strauss, Christine Tawfik and Emily Walker deserve our applause for refusing to blend into the comedy mold. Instead, they've punched the industry directly in the face—and done so gleefully.
"Our director [Ryan Bernier] brought in a white board on day one and asked us what we wanted to accomplish," said Walker, a Mainstage regular. "We wanted to make the audience feel encapsulated by our emotions; make this show dark, scary and funny in the most uncomfortable way, and play with silence in scenes. We tested ourselves and said, 'What can we do that hasn't been done before? What boundaries can we push?' "
Goal attained. Sketches intricately tear your emotions from one side of the historic theater to the other. One minute you're cackling so hard your whiskey and Coke nearly flings off the table, the next, your face is concerningly stagnant as tears begin to build...
Read the full interview here.
The result? Chicago sketch comedy is handsomer than ever.
Chelsea Devantez, John Hartman, Paul Jurewicz, Daniel Strauss, Christine Tawfik and Emily Walker deserve our applause for refusing to blend into the comedy mold. Instead, they've punched the industry directly in the face—and done so gleefully.
"Our director [Ryan Bernier] brought in a white board on day one and asked us what we wanted to accomplish," said Walker, a Mainstage regular. "We wanted to make the audience feel encapsulated by our emotions; make this show dark, scary and funny in the most uncomfortable way, and play with silence in scenes. We tested ourselves and said, 'What can we do that hasn't been done before? What boundaries can we push?' "
Goal attained. Sketches intricately tear your emotions from one side of the historic theater to the other. One minute you're cackling so hard your whiskey and Coke nearly flings off the table, the next, your face is concerningly stagnant as tears begin to build...
Read the full interview here.
Friday, January 16, 2015
SC Alums To Star In and Produce New Comedy Central Pilot
Comedy Central is heading to Detroit with their latest comedy pilot. "Detroiters" stars SC alums Tim Robinson and Sam Richardson and is produced by Jason Sudeikis. Robinson and Richardson are both Detroit natives and also performed together at Second City in Chicago. For more information, click here.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
The Second City Released "Yes, And"
"An excellent guide to the lessons that have bubbled up in Second City's improv workshops. It sounds crazy that a comedy troupe should have anything to say about how you should lead your life. Trust me: it isn't." – Michael Lewis, Vanity Fair
The Second City and HarperCollins are excited to announce the release of YES, AND: How Improvisation Reverses “No, But” Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration (HarperBusiness; February 3, 2015) co-written by veteran Second City executives Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton.
In addition to 55 years of entertaining audiences and producing a legion of top comedic talent and influencers, The Second City has also been a training ground for teachers, managers, marketers, lawyers, advertising executives, politicians and even daytime television hosts (yes, Oprah has studied with them, too).
More and more people are recognizing what The Second City has known for a long time: personal and professional success often rests on the same pillars that form the foundation of great comedy improv – eradicate fear, embrace failure, and foster ensemble work. Whether you’re on the famous NBC stage or simply dealing with demanding colleagues at work, knowing how to pivot out of tight and uncomfortable spaces helps you become both a more compelling leader and a more collaborative follower.
YES, AND: How Improvisation Reverses “No, But” Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration offers specific improvisational methods and techniques (re-capped in a helpful Appendix) that have been proven to enable groups and organizations to find fresh, unconventional and inspiring ways to:
Generate ideas more quickly
Communicate more effectively
Create ensembles that rise to every occasion
Break down organizational silos that threaten collaborative success
Make something out of nothing
The rules of improvisation may sound a little like a recipe for disaster (“dare to offend” “fail in public,” “relinquish power”); in fact, the basic tenets of improv are also those that help groups like nonprofits, schools, apartment coops, and political campaigns communicate and create more effectively and confidently.
Throughout Yes, And, and with the sense of humor you’d expect from The Second City, Leonard and Yorton offer a unique look into their innovation laboratory where individuals and organizations routinely churn out the unexpected and unusual connections that lead to creative breakthroughs and paradigm shifts.
Click here for pre-order information. YES, AND: How Improvisation Reverses “No, But” Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration will be released on February 3, 2015 by Harper Business.
About the Authors
Kelly Leonard is executive vice president of The Second City and has produced shows with Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers and Keegan-Michael Key to name a few. He has worked at The Second City since 1988 (when he was both a dish washer and audience-seater there), and lives in Chicago with his family.
Tom Yorton is CEO of Second City Works, which provides improv- based training, content marketing, and conference support services to 400+ corporate clients annually. He has formerly held positions at 3Com, Sears, and Ogilvy & Mather. He writes and speaks widely on the power of improvisation and humor to improve individual performance and transform organizations. Tom and his family live in Barrington, Illinois.
Tom truly understands the clients that Second City Works serves. He was one before he came to run the company, having hired The Second City to humorously depict the promise and the perils of the “digital home” when he was a VP of marketing for 3Com.
About The Second City
Beginning as a small cabaret theater on Chicago's north side in 1959, The Second City has grown to become a comedy empire, building a robust $40+ million business based on its core improvisational methodologies. Resident theaters in Chicago and Toronto create topical sketch comedy revues that satirize politics, culture and news of the day. Additionally, Second City performs thousands of shows each year in regional theaters, colleges, performing arts centers and through an exclusive partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line. Beyond its stages, The Second City created the foremost school of improvisation-based arts in the world with training facilities in Chicago, Toronto and Los Angeles that currently enroll over 11,000 students annually; a corporate division that works with hundreds of Fortune 500 companies in areas of training, marketing, entertainment and brand services; and The Second City's forays into television and new media include the classic, Emmy Award-winning comedy series SCTV and continues to produce new content and programming originating from The Second City Entertainment's offices in Los Angeles.
About Harper Business
The gold standard in business book publishing for more than half a century, Harper Business is home to classics that form the cornerstone of every businessperson's library and to cutting-edge new releases that redefine business, management, economics, AND business narrative.
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Wednesday, January 14, 2015
SC Alum Harold Ramis Honored with Screen Laurel Award
It has been announced that SC alum, Harold Ramis, will be honored by Writers' Guild with Screen Laurel Award. What an incredible honor for such an incredible man. More details here.
Register for Live Q&A with Authors of "Yes, And"
The Second City’s Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton have spent decades helping businesses succeed by using the principles of improvisation. Their work has helped countless companies elevate strategy and improve teamwork, and it all starts with the deceptively ordinary phrase, “yes, and.” Joined by Chicago Tribune chief theater critic and Sunday columnist Chris Jones, Leonard and Yorton will discuss their experiences in helping unleash creativity in the corporate setting as well as their new book, “Yes, And: How Improvisation Reverses ‘No, But’ Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration.”
Audience Q&A and a book signing will follow the discussion and copies of "Yes, And" will be available for purchase.
More information here.
Event Details
Date and time: Wednesday, Feb. 4; doors, 6 p.m., program 6:30 p.m.
Location: Virgin Hotels Chicago, 203 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago
Tickets: $15. To register click here.
Advance registration required. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
Audience Q&A and a book signing will follow the discussion and copies of "Yes, And" will be available for purchase.
More information here.
Event Details
Date and time: Wednesday, Feb. 4; doors, 6 p.m., program 6:30 p.m.
Location: Virgin Hotels Chicago, 203 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago
Tickets: $15. To register click here.
Advance registration required. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
The Second City Announces Auditions for Bob Curry Fellowship
After a successful program launch in 2014, The Second City is proud to announce the 2015 Bob Curry Fellowship program. Headshot and resume submissions will be accepted January 13-16, 2015. The program runs from March 31 – June 2.
The Bob Curry Fellowship program offers actors of color a unique eight week mentoring and development opportunity that includes training in improv, sketch comedy writing and acting. The program is funded by The Second City’s Outreach & Diversity program and named for Second City alumni, Bob Curry.
Many of the 2014 program graduates have been hired by The Second City. Contracts include The Second City e.t.c. (Lisa Beasley and Rashawn Nadine Scott), The Second City Touring Company (members Chucho Perez; understudies Ali Barthwell, Peter Kim, Dewayne Perkins, Rashawn Nadine Scott), Theatricals (Torian Miller, Niccole Thurman and Travis Turner) and Norwegian Cruise Lines (Lauren Malara and Patrick Rowland). Rashawn Nadine Scott and Travis Turner were also featured in this fall’s collaboration with Hubbard Street Dance, The Art of Falling.
The 2015 Fellowship class will work with acclaimed Second City directors and instructors including Matt Hovde (Artistic Director of The Second City Training Center; Jeff Award winning Second City Resident Stage Director), Anthony LeBlanc (Director for The Second City Touring Company), Dionna Griffin-Irons (Director of Outreach & Diversity, Second City Alumni), Andy Eninger (The Second City Training Center - Head of Writing Program), and Rachael Mason (The Second City Training Center - Head of Advanced Improvisation).
Auditions for qualified actors of color will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 by appointment only at The Second City Training Center. Headshots can be submitted by emailing outreach@secondcity.com for consideration January 13-16. Auditions are by appointment only. Audition candidates should have completed a conservatory level improv program, have a degree in theater, or extensive stage experience.
The Fellowship program begins Tuesday, March 31 with master classes starting Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-7:00pm at The Second City Training Center. The program will culminate in a showcase performance at The Second City e.t.c. stage.
Bob Curry
Bob Curry was the first African American improviser to perform as a member of The Second City Mainstage in 1966. After his tenure at The Second City, he continued to develop as an artist. He was a Joseph Jefferson Award-winning actor and inspiring director who coached many actors of color in the Chicago theatre community including fellow Second City alumni Aaron Freeman on several projects and directing “Paul Robeson” at Kennedy-King College shortly before his death in 1994.
The Second City Outreach & Diversity Program
Created in 1992, the Outreach and Diversity program is Second City’s ongoing commitment to introduce the improv art form to new diverse voices, underserved communities and develop new talent by attracting exceptional performers and writers, teaching workshops to colleges and organizations and building new community partnerships.
The Second City
The Second City is the leading brand in improv-based sketch comedy. With theatres and training centers in Chicago, Toronto and Hollywood, 11 full time touring ensembles, thriving corporate communications and theatricals divisions as well as television and film operations, The Second City has been called "A Comedy Empire" by The New York Times. The Second City Training Center has a current student body of 3,500 per week and is the largest school of improvisation and sketch comedy in the world.
The Bob Curry Fellowship program offers actors of color a unique eight week mentoring and development opportunity that includes training in improv, sketch comedy writing and acting. The program is funded by The Second City’s Outreach & Diversity program and named for Second City alumni, Bob Curry.
Many of the 2014 program graduates have been hired by The Second City. Contracts include The Second City e.t.c. (Lisa Beasley and Rashawn Nadine Scott), The Second City Touring Company (members Chucho Perez; understudies Ali Barthwell, Peter Kim, Dewayne Perkins, Rashawn Nadine Scott), Theatricals (Torian Miller, Niccole Thurman and Travis Turner) and Norwegian Cruise Lines (Lauren Malara and Patrick Rowland). Rashawn Nadine Scott and Travis Turner were also featured in this fall’s collaboration with Hubbard Street Dance, The Art of Falling.
The 2015 Fellowship class will work with acclaimed Second City directors and instructors including Matt Hovde (Artistic Director of The Second City Training Center; Jeff Award winning Second City Resident Stage Director), Anthony LeBlanc (Director for The Second City Touring Company), Dionna Griffin-Irons (Director of Outreach & Diversity, Second City Alumni), Andy Eninger (The Second City Training Center - Head of Writing Program), and Rachael Mason (The Second City Training Center - Head of Advanced Improvisation).
Auditions for qualified actors of color will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 by appointment only at The Second City Training Center. Headshots can be submitted by emailing outreach@secondcity.com for consideration January 13-16. Auditions are by appointment only. Audition candidates should have completed a conservatory level improv program, have a degree in theater, or extensive stage experience.
The Fellowship program begins Tuesday, March 31 with master classes starting Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-7:00pm at The Second City Training Center. The program will culminate in a showcase performance at The Second City e.t.c. stage.
Bob Curry
Bob Curry was the first African American improviser to perform as a member of The Second City Mainstage in 1966. After his tenure at The Second City, he continued to develop as an artist. He was a Joseph Jefferson Award-winning actor and inspiring director who coached many actors of color in the Chicago theatre community including fellow Second City alumni Aaron Freeman on several projects and directing “Paul Robeson” at Kennedy-King College shortly before his death in 1994.
The Second City Outreach & Diversity Program
Created in 1992, the Outreach and Diversity program is Second City’s ongoing commitment to introduce the improv art form to new diverse voices, underserved communities and develop new talent by attracting exceptional performers and writers, teaching workshops to colleges and organizations and building new community partnerships.
The Second City
The Second City is the leading brand in improv-based sketch comedy. With theatres and training centers in Chicago, Toronto and Hollywood, 11 full time touring ensembles, thriving corporate communications and theatricals divisions as well as television and film operations, The Second City has been called "A Comedy Empire" by The New York Times. The Second City Training Center has a current student body of 3,500 per week and is the largest school of improvisation and sketch comedy in the world.
Friday, January 2, 2015
New Cast Announced for e.t.c's 39th Revue
The Second City e.t.c. is proud to announce the cast and crew for the 39th revue. Second City Touring Company director and Mainstage alumni Anthony LeBlanc directs his first resident stage revue with returning ensemble members Carisa Barreca, Eddie Mujica,Tim Ryder, Kyle Anderson (Stage Manager), and Alex Kliner (Musical Director).
They will be joined by new cast members Lisa Beasley, Scott Morehead, and Rashawn Scott.
Please join us in congratulating the cast of the 39th e.t.c. revue.
They will be joined by new cast members Lisa Beasley, Scott Morehead, and Rashawn Scott.
Please join us in congratulating the cast of the 39th e.t.c. revue.
Top L to R: Rashawn Scott, Scott Morehead, Carisa Barreca
Bottom L to R: Eddie Mujica, Lisa Beasley, Tim Ryder
Monday, December 29, 2014
"Yes And" Listed #1 on Washington Post's Leadership Books in 2015
The Second City's EVP, Kelly Leonard, and The Second City Communications' CEO, Tom Yorton, have teamed up to put together what Washington Post declares the #1 leadership book to look out for in 2015! Check out "Yes And" coming February 2015 - we have to say...we're pretty excited!
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Panic on Cloud 9 Reviews Are In...
The Second City's 103rd Mainstage Revue, Panic on Cloud 9, opened last Thursday and the reviews are in, not too shabby...
"the cast spends the majority of this two-hour show delivering hilarious hit after hit"
- Zach Freeman
"Largely Successful, Unexpectedly Touching"
- Jim Kopeny
"a true comic experience"
- Alan Bresloff
"hot fun on a cold night"
- Lawrence Bommer
"I don’t recall when I have seen a better acted show."
- Dan Zeff
"grinding out laughs at a manic pace"
- Tom Williams
Tickets available here.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Twist Your Dickens Extends Run at Goodman Theatre
Due to high demand for tickets, Goodman Theatre extends Twist Your Dickens, Or Scrooge You!, The Second City’s version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, with seven additional performances through January 3, including a special bar package on New Year’s Eve. Tickets start at $20 for the added performances (prices are subject to change) and can be purchased at GoodmanTheatre.org/Twist, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 North Dearborn). Twist Your Dickens is appropriate for adults and savvy teens age 16+. Please be advised that the show incorporates the use of strobe lights, smoke and haze.
Additional performances include:
Monday, December 29 at 4pm and 8pm
Wednesday, December 31 at 6pm and 10pm*
Friday, January 2 at 8pm
Saturday, January 3 at 4pm and 8pm
*Additional $40 New Year’s Eve package includes beverages pre-show through intermission, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors with promo code NEWYEARS.
The seven-member cast includes Francis Guinan as Scrooge (note: Brian Boland replaces Guinan for all performances starting December 26); Frank Caeti as the Ghost of Christmas Past; Peter Gwinn as Jacob Marley; Sayjal Joshi as Tiny Tim; Beth Melewski as the Ghost of Christmas Present; Robyn Scott as Mrs. Cratchit; and Tim Stoltenberg as Bob Cratchit. The creative team includes Tom Buderwitz (sets), Rachel Lambert (costumes) and Gina Patterson (lights). Mara Filler is the Production Stage Manager. Headshots and bio information, along with rehearsal and production photos can be found in the Press Room.
Additionally, the show includes a special Chicago-based celebrity guest in a cameo role at each show, though audiences won’t know who appears in this spot from night to night. Newly confirmed appearances include chef Rick Bayless; musician JC Brooks, author Aaron Freeman; comedian Shad Kunkle; Orange is the New Black’s Adrienne C. Moore; comedian Eddie Mujica; hip-hop artist Che Smith aka “Rhymefest”; comedy duo TJ and Dave; NPR’s Peter Sagal; Windy City Live’s Ji Suk Yi; co-owner of The Hideout Tim Tuten; and actor Jonathan Weir (a former Scrooge in A Christmas Carol). As previously announced, other expected appearances include comedian and Vocalo host Brian Babylon; WBEZ’s Niala Boodhoo; WXRT’s Lin Brehmer; Senator John Cullerton; actor Allen Gilmore (Scrooge alternate in A Christmas Carol); chef Stephanie Izard; Chicago Tribune’s Candace Jordan; Chicago Cubs’ Len Kasper; WBBM-TV’s Bill Kurtis; musician Jon Langford; Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, B96’s Showbiz Shelly; and sommelier Alpana Singh.
Written by former The Colbert Report writers Peter Gwinn and Bobby Mort and directed by Artistic Director of The Second City Training Center Matt Hovde, Twist Your Dickens—a “riotous havoc” (Los Angeles Times) that blends legitimate theater, parody, sketch comedy and improvisation, including the integration of audience “misdeeds” that are written in the lobby preceding the show—finds Scrooge and Tiny Tim hopelessly mixed up with characters from the Peanuts holiday special, the Island of Misfit Toys and even Little Orphan Annie. While the set and costumes reflect The Second City’s minimalist aesthetic, audiences can expect to see backdrops of their favorite holiday television specials and the ensemble sporting “business casual Dickensian” wear inspired by ugly sweaters and other pop culture icons.
Additional performances include:
Monday, December 29 at 4pm and 8pm
Wednesday, December 31 at 6pm and 10pm*
Friday, January 2 at 8pm
Saturday, January 3 at 4pm and 8pm
*Additional $40 New Year’s Eve package includes beverages pre-show through intermission, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors with promo code NEWYEARS.
The seven-member cast includes Francis Guinan as Scrooge (note: Brian Boland replaces Guinan for all performances starting December 26); Frank Caeti as the Ghost of Christmas Past; Peter Gwinn as Jacob Marley; Sayjal Joshi as Tiny Tim; Beth Melewski as the Ghost of Christmas Present; Robyn Scott as Mrs. Cratchit; and Tim Stoltenberg as Bob Cratchit. The creative team includes Tom Buderwitz (sets), Rachel Lambert (costumes) and Gina Patterson (lights). Mara Filler is the Production Stage Manager. Headshots and bio information, along with rehearsal and production photos can be found in the Press Room.
Additionally, the show includes a special Chicago-based celebrity guest in a cameo role at each show, though audiences won’t know who appears in this spot from night to night. Newly confirmed appearances include chef Rick Bayless; musician JC Brooks, author Aaron Freeman; comedian Shad Kunkle; Orange is the New Black’s Adrienne C. Moore; comedian Eddie Mujica; hip-hop artist Che Smith aka “Rhymefest”; comedy duo TJ and Dave; NPR’s Peter Sagal; Windy City Live’s Ji Suk Yi; co-owner of The Hideout Tim Tuten; and actor Jonathan Weir (a former Scrooge in A Christmas Carol). As previously announced, other expected appearances include comedian and Vocalo host Brian Babylon; WBEZ’s Niala Boodhoo; WXRT’s Lin Brehmer; Senator John Cullerton; actor Allen Gilmore (Scrooge alternate in A Christmas Carol); chef Stephanie Izard; Chicago Tribune’s Candace Jordan; Chicago Cubs’ Len Kasper; WBBM-TV’s Bill Kurtis; musician Jon Langford; Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, B96’s Showbiz Shelly; and sommelier Alpana Singh.
Written by former The Colbert Report writers Peter Gwinn and Bobby Mort and directed by Artistic Director of The Second City Training Center Matt Hovde, Twist Your Dickens—a “riotous havoc” (Los Angeles Times) that blends legitimate theater, parody, sketch comedy and improvisation, including the integration of audience “misdeeds” that are written in the lobby preceding the show—finds Scrooge and Tiny Tim hopelessly mixed up with characters from the Peanuts holiday special, the Island of Misfit Toys and even Little Orphan Annie. While the set and costumes reflect The Second City’s minimalist aesthetic, audiences can expect to see backdrops of their favorite holiday television specials and the ensemble sporting “business casual Dickensian” wear inspired by ugly sweaters and other pop culture icons.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Old Town Tree Lighting - 12/2 @ 5:30pm
Old Town Merchants and Residents Association will be holding a Tree Lighting ceremony at the Burton Place park (1501 N. Wells) this year!
On Tuesday, December 2nd join your neighbors and friends at Burton Place Park for the annual tree lighting shortly after dusk (approximately 5:30pm).
Local shops are providing hot chocolate, candies and other sweets for the event.
New this year is the Old Town Storefront Stroll! Between 2pm-8pm many Old Town businesses up and down Wells, from Division to St. Paul, will hand out goodies and have GREAT DEALS!!!
Holiday decorations — as well as all 2014 street plantings and landscaping on Wells Street — are installed by Old Town Gardens, through a shared contract between SSA 48 Old Town and the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association.
On Tuesday, December 2nd join your neighbors and friends at Burton Place Park for the annual tree lighting shortly after dusk (approximately 5:30pm).
Local shops are providing hot chocolate, candies and other sweets for the event.
New this year is the Old Town Storefront Stroll! Between 2pm-8pm many Old Town businesses up and down Wells, from Division to St. Paul, will hand out goodies and have GREAT DEALS!!!
Holiday decorations — as well as all 2014 street plantings and landscaping on Wells Street — are installed by Old Town Gardens, through a shared contract between SSA 48 Old Town and the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association.
Monday, November 24, 2014
A Celebration of Sheldon Patinkin
A celebration of the life of Sheldon Patinkin will take place Monday, January 26, 2015, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, located at 9501 Skokie Blvd. in the suburb of Skokie north of Chicago. The free event starts at 7:30 PM, with guest speakers reflecting on Mr. Patinkin's enormous impact on Chicago theatre. A reception with cash bar will follow the presentation. RSVPs are encouraged. For reservations, please call 312-369-6333 to leave a message or respond via Eventbrite.
The event is presented jointly by the Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and The Second City -- three organizations with which Mr. Patinkin had close professional and personal ties for decades.
Sheldon Patinkin was Chair of the Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department from 1980 to 2009, when he assumed the title of Chair Emeritus, continuing to teach and direct at the College until his death. He was an Artistic Consultant at Steppenwolf Theatre and co-founder of The School at Steppenwolf, and taught at The School for 17 years. And he was an original member of Second City from the company's beginnings -- when it was founded in 1959 by Bernard Sahlins, Paul Sills, and Howard Alk. He served as Sills' assistant director and then succeeded Sills as artistic director of the groundbreaking comedy theatre, eventually becoming an Artistic Consultant there.
Born in Chicago on August 27, 1935, Mr. Patinkin died September 21, 2014, following a heart attack. He was an integral figure in the development of a professional, grassroots Chicago theatre scene starting in the 1950s, when he was part of the talented young group of artists who created the Playwrights Theatre Club, Compass Players, and The Second City. He directed some of Chicago theatre's most memorable productions, including the commercial Chicago premieres of several Off-Broadway hits as well as productions at Steppenwolf, The Second City, Gift Theatre, City Lit Theater, National Jewish Theatre, and other Chicago-area companies. During his tenure as Chair, the Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department educated hundreds of students who have gone on to distinguished careers in theatre, film, and television; he also mentored alumni who went on to start their own theatre companies. His books include Second City: Backstage at the World's Greatest Comedy Theater (Sourcebooks, 2000) and "No Legs, No Jokes, No Chance": A History of the American Musical Theater (Northwestern University Press, 2008). In that book, he wrote:
"We live in a time when, more and more, the response to trouble is violence; when too many individual communities have become too insular for the good of the larger community; when too much beyond one's immediate world seems to exist either to be feared to taken advantage of; when too many people try not to feel deeply or try to disguise their feelings with catch phrases, crudeness, inarticulateness, and sentimentality. It is one of the most important functions of both art and entertainment to help us transcend such times, sometimes by helping us to think things through, sometimes by helping us not to think at all."
"Sheldon was an artist, a scholar and a dear friend. He was a mentor to multiple generations and a productive and prolific leader of the Chicago theatre community until his final days. We look forward to celebrating his extraordinary life and career," said Andrew Alexander, CEO and Executive Producer of The Second City, Inc.
“Sheldon has been a part of the Steppenwolf family from the earliest days of our existence," said Martha Lavey, Artistic Director of Steppenwolf Theatre Company. "He was an artist, a teacher, a mentor, and a friend. The School at Steppenwolf will always be a part of Sheldon’s legacy. His influence lives on in the work of several generations of theatre artists.”
"At Columbia College we encourage our students to 'live what you love,' and Sheldon personified that ideal every day -- in every aspect of his teaching, directing, and mentorship," said John Green, Mr. Patinkin's successor as Chair of the Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department. "Like George in Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park With George, he awoke students to the many possibilities of their lives as theatre artists, and the extension of those lives out into the community he loved and served so well."
The event is presented jointly by the Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and The Second City -- three organizations with which Mr. Patinkin had close professional and personal ties for decades.
Sheldon Patinkin was Chair of the Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department from 1980 to 2009, when he assumed the title of Chair Emeritus, continuing to teach and direct at the College until his death. He was an Artistic Consultant at Steppenwolf Theatre and co-founder of The School at Steppenwolf, and taught at The School for 17 years. And he was an original member of Second City from the company's beginnings -- when it was founded in 1959 by Bernard Sahlins, Paul Sills, and Howard Alk. He served as Sills' assistant director and then succeeded Sills as artistic director of the groundbreaking comedy theatre, eventually becoming an Artistic Consultant there.
Born in Chicago on August 27, 1935, Mr. Patinkin died September 21, 2014, following a heart attack. He was an integral figure in the development of a professional, grassroots Chicago theatre scene starting in the 1950s, when he was part of the talented young group of artists who created the Playwrights Theatre Club, Compass Players, and The Second City. He directed some of Chicago theatre's most memorable productions, including the commercial Chicago premieres of several Off-Broadway hits as well as productions at Steppenwolf, The Second City, Gift Theatre, City Lit Theater, National Jewish Theatre, and other Chicago-area companies. During his tenure as Chair, the Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department educated hundreds of students who have gone on to distinguished careers in theatre, film, and television; he also mentored alumni who went on to start their own theatre companies. His books include Second City: Backstage at the World's Greatest Comedy Theater (Sourcebooks, 2000) and "No Legs, No Jokes, No Chance": A History of the American Musical Theater (Northwestern University Press, 2008). In that book, he wrote:
"We live in a time when, more and more, the response to trouble is violence; when too many individual communities have become too insular for the good of the larger community; when too much beyond one's immediate world seems to exist either to be feared to taken advantage of; when too many people try not to feel deeply or try to disguise their feelings with catch phrases, crudeness, inarticulateness, and sentimentality. It is one of the most important functions of both art and entertainment to help us transcend such times, sometimes by helping us to think things through, sometimes by helping us not to think at all."
"Sheldon was an artist, a scholar and a dear friend. He was a mentor to multiple generations and a productive and prolific leader of the Chicago theatre community until his final days. We look forward to celebrating his extraordinary life and career," said Andrew Alexander, CEO and Executive Producer of The Second City, Inc.
“Sheldon has been a part of the Steppenwolf family from the earliest days of our existence," said Martha Lavey, Artistic Director of Steppenwolf Theatre Company. "He was an artist, a teacher, a mentor, and a friend. The School at Steppenwolf will always be a part of Sheldon’s legacy. His influence lives on in the work of several generations of theatre artists.”
"At Columbia College we encourage our students to 'live what you love,' and Sheldon personified that ideal every day -- in every aspect of his teaching, directing, and mentorship," said John Green, Mr. Patinkin's successor as Chair of the Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department. "Like George in Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park With George, he awoke students to the many possibilities of their lives as theatre artists, and the extension of those lives out into the community he loved and served so well."
Friday, November 21, 2014
Twist Your Dickens Special Guests & Event Announced
Equal parts naughty and nice, Chicago’s famed The Second City brings our version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to the Goodman’s Owen Theatre, beginning December 5.
Titled Twist Your Dickens, Or Scrooge You!, this send-up of Dickens’ classic includes a special Chicago-based celebrity guest in a cameo role at each show; while audiences won’t know who appears in this spot from night to night, expected appearances include:
As previously announced, the seven-member cast includes Francis Guinan as Scrooge, Frank Caeti as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Peter Gwinn as Jacob Marley, Sayjal Joshi as Tiny Tim, Beth Melewski as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Robyn Scott as Mrs. Cratchit, and Tim Stoltenberg as Bob Cratchit. The creative team includes Tom Buderwitz (sets), Rachel Lambert (costumes) and Gina Patterson (lights). Mara Filler is the Production Stage Manager.
Headshots and bio information can be found in the Press Room.
Special Event: “Cocktails with a Twist”
Tuesday, December 9
6pm Pre-Show Reception, 7:30pm Performance
$65 with promo code TWIST
The Goodman’s Scenemakers auxiliary board hosts a night of yuletide debauchery with pre-show cocktails and hors d’oeuvres—with a twist, and a few surprises—in the theater’s rehearsal space, followed by a performance of The Second City’s send-up of Christmas classics in their holiday revue. The party continues post-show with more holiday libations and revelry.
Goodman Theatre is grateful to Nesek Digital, the Presenting Sponsor of the Scenemakers Board 2014/2015 Season; Baird, the Event Sponsor; and Sopraffina Marketcaffe, Trattoria No. 10 and Twisted Stem, the Event Partners of “Cocktails with a Twist.”
The Scenemakers young professionals board of 37 is in its 12th season, having contributed more than $80,000 to the Goodman’s new play development initiatives and Education and Community Engagement programming in the immediate past 2013/2014 Season. Other events scheduled this Season include: “Two Trains and a Sidecar” on March 11, 2015 and the Scenemakers’ signature fundraiser, the fourth annual “Scene Soiree” on June 13, 2015. For tickets and information visit GoodmanTheatre.org/Scenemakers.
Titled Twist Your Dickens, Or Scrooge You!, this send-up of Dickens’ classic includes a special Chicago-based celebrity guest in a cameo role at each show; while audiences won’t know who appears in this spot from night to night, expected appearances include:
Comedian and Vocalo host Brian Babylon
WBEZ’s Niala Boodhoo
WXRT’s Lin Brehmer
Senator John Cullerton
Actor Allen Gilmore (Scrooge alternate in A Christmas Carol)
Chef Stephanie Izard
Chicago Tribune’s Candace Jordan
Chicago Cubs’ Len Kasper
WBBM-TV’s Bill Kurtis
Musician Jon Langford
Author Sara Paretsky
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle
B96’s Showbiz Shelly
Sommelier Alpana Singh and more.
While the set and costumes reflect The Second City’s minimalist aesthetic, audiences can expect to see backdrops of their favorite holiday television specials and the ensemble sporting “business casual Dickensian” wear inspired by ugly sweaters and other pop culture icons. Twist Your Dickens runs December 5 - 28 in the Owen Theatre (press night is December 10 and opening night is December 11) and is appropriate for adults and savvy teens age 16+.
Tickets ($15 - $45; subject to change) are on sale now, available at GoodmanTheatre.org/Twist, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 North Dearborn). Please be advised that the show incorporates the use of strobe lights, smoke and haze.
“Peter and Bobby have written a play that not only upends a classic holiday staple of the stage and screen, but lampoons a variety of other holiday farrago that has become an ingrained part of the yuletide season,” said Kelly Leonard, Executive Vice President of The Second City and President of Second City Theatricals. Added Goodman Theatre Executive Director Roche Schulfer: “The Goodman has always wanted to pair A Christmas Carol with a holiday production in the Owen. The Second City's Twist Your Dickens, Or Scrooge You! is a perfect fit and we look forward to expanding our audience now and in the future"
As previously announced, the seven-member cast includes Francis Guinan as Scrooge, Frank Caeti as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Peter Gwinn as Jacob Marley, Sayjal Joshi as Tiny Tim, Beth Melewski as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Robyn Scott as Mrs. Cratchit, and Tim Stoltenberg as Bob Cratchit. The creative team includes Tom Buderwitz (sets), Rachel Lambert (costumes) and Gina Patterson (lights). Mara Filler is the Production Stage Manager.
Headshots and bio information can be found in the Press Room.
Special Event: “Cocktails with a Twist”
Tuesday, December 9
6pm Pre-Show Reception, 7:30pm Performance
$65 with promo code TWIST
The Goodman’s Scenemakers auxiliary board hosts a night of yuletide debauchery with pre-show cocktails and hors d’oeuvres—with a twist, and a few surprises—in the theater’s rehearsal space, followed by a performance of The Second City’s send-up of Christmas classics in their holiday revue. The party continues post-show with more holiday libations and revelry.
Goodman Theatre is grateful to Nesek Digital, the Presenting Sponsor of the Scenemakers Board 2014/2015 Season; Baird, the Event Sponsor; and Sopraffina Marketcaffe, Trattoria No. 10 and Twisted Stem, the Event Partners of “Cocktails with a Twist.”
The Scenemakers young professionals board of 37 is in its 12th season, having contributed more than $80,000 to the Goodman’s new play development initiatives and Education and Community Engagement programming in the immediate past 2013/2014 Season. Other events scheduled this Season include: “Two Trains and a Sidecar” on March 11, 2015 and the Scenemakers’ signature fundraiser, the fourth annual “Scene Soiree” on June 13, 2015. For tickets and information visit GoodmanTheatre.org/Scenemakers.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
RIP Mike Nichols
"We have lost a giant. Mike Nichols was an architect of modern improvisational theater. As a member of The Playwrights Theatre Club and The Compass Players, Mike helped create the foundation for not only The Second City, but for a host of storefront theaters that eventually became the thriving theatrical community that you see today in Chicago. His work always played to the top of its intelligence, bathed in wit and infused with honesty. We mourn the loss of our esteemed forbears and offer our condolences to his family."
Andrew Alexander
CEO/Executive Producer
The Second City
For more information, click here.
Andrew Alexander
CEO/Executive Producer
The Second City
For more information, click here.
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