When the Second City cabaret theater was opened by Paul Sills, Bernie Sahlins, and Howard Alk on December 16, 1959, its name was its founders’ way of thumbing their noses at Chicago’s bicoastal image as a cultural also-ran. That image was soon laid to rest thanks in large part to Second City’s international influence, with its innovative comedy revues developed through improvisation by the performers. The legion of celebrities who got their start at Second City is legendary; but just as important is the troupe’s role in encouraging and defining what came to be known as off-Loop theater–a movement committed to ensemble-oriented, neighborhood-based, low-cost work that was youthful, unpretentious, and yet often smarter and hipper than the supposedly sophisticated product emanating from New York and LA. Despite an expansion program that included the establishment of sister companies in other cities and forays into television and, more recently, onto the Internet, Second City remains uniquely and vitally a Chicago institution.
The company’s 85th main-stage revue is directed by Mick Napier; this is the first of two opening nights. Second City main stage, 7 PM. $15.
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The 21st revue on Second City’s second stage is directed by Jeff Richmond. This is its final preview. Second City E.T.C., 7 PM. $15; call 312-642-8189.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17
The Return of the Hip Messiah
Graduates of the Second City’s advanced writing program penned this two-act sketch comedy revue. Donny’s Skybox Studio, 10 PM. $10.
See Critic’s Choice. Second City E.T.C., 10 AM. $5 (proceeds benefit Gilda’s Club Chicago).
