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 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.
Best of Chicago voting is live now. Vote for your favorites »
From December 16 through 19 Second City marks its 40th anniversary with a long weekend of performances and auxiliary events, including the openings of two new revues, a festival of archival films and videos of performances dating back to the early 60s, and reunion shows and panel discussions featuring notable Second City alums. Following is a complete anniversary celebration schedule; a few performances are already sold-out, but tickets are still available in most cases. Several events are benefits for Gilda’s Club Chicago, a cancer support center named in honor of Second City alum Gilda Radner. All activities (unless noted below) take place at the Second City main stage, 1616 N. Wells, or at the theater’s two smaller spaces next door in Piper’s Alley, 1608 N. Wells: the Second City E.T.C. and the fourth-floor Donny’s Skybox Studio. For information and reservations, call 312-337-3992 unless otherwise specified in the following listings.
Second City 4.0
Channel 11/WTTW broadcasts the premiere of HMS Media’s hour-long documentary on Second City. Hosted by onetime Second City cast member Jim Belushi, the video follows the creation of one of the company’s shows, Paradigm Lost, from the first rehearsal to opening night. Channel 11/WTTW, 8 PM.
See Thursday listing. This is the first of two opening nights. Second City E.T.C., 7 PM; call 312-642-8189. $15.
Sunshine and Lollipops
Second City Film Festival
