Second City alum Abby Sher Book Release Event – Friday, February 26!

Abby Sher, Second City alum and acclaimed author of Amen, Amen, Amen: Memoir of a Girl who Couldn't Stop Praying, will host a free event at Flourish Studios (3020 N Lincoln Avenue, Chicago) on Friday, February 26th at 7:00pm. Abby will be joined by fellow alums from The Second City who will improvise using parts of Abby's book for inspiration. This performance is part of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and is being sponsored by Erasing the Distance and Flourish Studios. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres served, and fun and interesting prizes will be raffled off to support mental health education.

Reserve your seat.

Check out our fun new ad for Rush Limbaugh! The Musical

Check out our fun new ad for Rush Limbaugh! The Musical in this week's issue of TimeOut Magazine.

To check out a reasonable review of Rush Limbaugh! The Musical, check out Jason Heidemann's review.

Book your tickets for this alleged "torrent of venom".

Three-Day Adult Improv & Writing Intensive – Space Still Available!

Want to immerse yourself in some Second City Training, but don't have eight weeks? Intensive classes are three days of fast-paced improvisation and/or writing training for those who can't take a weeklong program or want a quick brush up on skills. Choose a schedule of all-improv, all-writing or improv-writing combination of classes. The next intensive being offered is Improv & Writing Intensive - 10 AM - 4 PM March 31st-April 2nd. Morning principles and processes of improvisation class and afternoon introduction to sketch comedy technique class. Tuition includes a Second City show. LKearn more or register.

Rush Receives More Rave Reviews

The great reviews keep coming for "Rush Limbaugh! The Musical." Larry Bommer with Chicago Free Press calls it "raunchy and irrepressible...the not so guilty pleasure here is to watch six brave souls stand up to the country’s biggest bully and emerge triumphant." Check out the entire review.

Dear Diary, I Want to Read More about Lauren Ash

Well now you can! Every day this week, Second City Mainstage cast member, Lauren Ash, reports back to her home country about her musings and happenings in her adopted hometown of Chicago. Read all about what she has to say.

Lauren can be seen in The Second City Mainstage's latest show, "Taming of the Flu." More information

THE SECOND CITY MARCH BREAK CAMP!

Check out our March break camp, MARCH 15-19TH; AGES 10-17

Dive into the fundamentals of improvisation. Explore character, storytelling and fun!

Our workshops help develop spontaneity and creativity while building communication and listening skills.

All campers get a tour of The Second City Mainstage and see the Education Company's revue Teacher Will This Be on the Test featuring our Ed Co's resident cast. Our March Break Camp is perfect for new comers or experienced improvisers. Campers are divided up according to age.

$380.00 +GST REGISTRATION ON NOW! 416.340.7270

Second City Theatricals nominated for MECCA Award.

Second City Theatricals created an original physical theatre production in Montreal this past summer called "Reverie." Directed by Dexter Bullard, the piece blended physical scenes from Second City’s archives with new work developed by the director and cast. The show has been nominated for an award for Best Visiting Production for the Montreal English Critics Circle Awards. The company is looking to remount the production in 2010.

Second City Toronto Announces Latest Revue

The Second City, North America's premiere comedy institution, is proud to announce their new revue, Second City for Mayor! Hey, why not us? We're well known, popular, good looking and have lots of secret girlfriends. Second City for Mayor is a fast-paced, hilarious revue of comic sketches, songs and improvisation featuring up-to-the-minute social and political satire. It's the funniest night you can spend in Toronto...well, at least until the city council starts serving beer.

It's time we had a city government we can laugh at for the right reasons. And Second City for Mayor delivers the laughs by blending The Second City's famous sketch comedy with director Melody A. Johnson's playful and artistic theatrical style. Returning to the stage in Second City for Mayor are Rob Baker, Dale Boyer, Adam Cawley, Caitlin Howden and Reid Janisse. Joining the cast is a two time Canadian Comedy Award nominee (Dreadwood, Battleawesome Awesomestar) and member of the Second City Touring Company Mr. Kris Siddiqi.

To purchase tickets visit www.secondcity.com/toronto or call 416.343.0011 now!

Meet New Cast Member - Mary Sohn

The cast and crew in the The Second City e.t.c. have just started writing a new show and in the process have welcomed new cast members Tim Baltz, Brendan Jennings and Mary Sohn. Mary Sohn, a former Champaign, IL resident, was featured in yesterday's issue of the Champaign Gazette. Check out the feature.

Now, you can catch Mary Sohn in "Studs Terkel's Not Working" through the end of March. For tickets, visit our box office. Their new show will open towards the end of April.

Ithamar Enriquez to appear in upcoming episode of Hawthorne!

Last week Ithamar Enriquez spent six days on the set of TNT's smash hit "Hawthorne", starring Jada Pinkett Smith. In the second episode of Season 2, "Road Narrows", Ithamar plays a survivor of a multi-vehicle car accident who struggles to get his young daughter medical attention. His frustration grows as they continue to wait because more seriously injured patients are being seen first. Ithamar said of the experience, "I had a bloody face and I did a lot of screaming at famous people playing nurses and doctors."

TNT has not announced the air dates for Season 2 yet. But you can check out the official website to find out when Ithamar's episode will air.

Ithamar, a current instructor and performer at The Second City Hollywood, moved to Los Angeles in the fall of 2008 and continues to find success on both the small and large screen. In addition to Hawthorne he has recently appeared on The E! Networks, "Reality Hell" and the critically acclaimed show, "Better Off Ted" on ABC.

In Chicago, Ithamar performed in The Second City Mainstage shows; War! Now in its 4th Smash Year, Between Barack and a Hard Place, and No Country for Old White Men. In addition to teaching at The Second City Hollywood, he performs on a regular basis with his very popular show "Delicious Moments" every Tuesday night at 10pm. He does this hilarious two-man improvised show with Second City Alumni, Brian Shortall.

Can't wait until Ithamar's episode of Hawthorne comes out to see him perform? You are in luck! Sunday, February 28th The Second City Hollywood will have a free screening of "War! Now In Its 4th Smash Year." (Cast: Brian Gallivan, Molly Erdman, Joe Canale, Claudia Michelle Wallace, Ithamar Enriquez and Maribeth Monroe. Directed by Marc Warzecha.)

Rush Limbaugh! The Musical: Watch this video of an overzealous fan!

Rush Limbaugh! The Musical: This video proves Second City's new musical may cause Liberals to act out in an overzealous "Lefty" manner:

Buy tickets now
www.secondcity.com/rush
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Read "Rush's" blog! Mark Sutton will be writing about his experiences playing as the title character throughout the performance's run.

Second City Planner: Couples Night in Old Town

Second City Planner: Couples Night in Old Town
Recommendation: Parties of 4-8
Best Night: Thursday

Here's our recommendation for a fun Couples Night in Old Town:

• 6:00p: Corcoran's (1615 N. Wells St) Meet up after work for a quick pint @ Old Town's official pub. Say hi to John and get warmed up with a quick brew for the evening.
• 6:30p: Dinner @ Dinotto's (215 W. North Ave) - Enjoy a delicious Italian dinner at one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants. The atmosphere is warm and the staff is super friendly and attentive.
• 8:00p: Watch "Studs Terkel's Not Working" (The Second City e.t.c. Theater - 1608 N. Wells) - A winner of three Jeff Awards including Best Revue, this is a perfect show for anyone who loves Chicago. Book your tickets now - performances run through March.

We can help you with your reservations! To book your dinner and show reservations, contact our friendly Box Office staff at 312-337-3992.

We'll see you soon!

"Rush Limbaugh! The Musical" brings in more rave reviews!

"Acting is superb...cast is rock solid"
Chicago Theater Blog

"balancing outrageous whimsy with harsh truth"
Steve Heisler, Chicago Reader

Click here for tickets
Click here for the Rush Page
Become a fan on Facebook
Read "Rush's" blog! Mark Sutton is writing about his experiences playing as the title character throughout the performance's run.

Second City gets in Scott Brown's truck!

Newly seated Senator Scott Brown caught The Second City's "Barack Stars" at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre in Washington DC last night - where the company is playing for 3 weeks. He even let the cast hop into the back of his pick up truck!

Second City Co-Founder Bernie Sahlins interviewed in New City Magazine

Second City Co-Founder Bernie Sahlins was interviewed yesterday in New City Magazine. In the interview, he discusses everything from Greek drama to the founding of The Second City. Bernie is directing a production of "Lysistrata" at the Victory Gardens Studio Theatre on February 21st and 22nd.

Register now for Spring Break Intensives - ages 11-18.

Spend your Spring Break at the Second City! In this week long intensive, participating students explore the world of comedy under the direction veteran industry professionals. Classes include improv in the morning and your choice of stand-up or singprov in the afternoon. Each course has students on their feet participating in exercises that develop stage presence, creativity, communication skills, patience, self-confidence and most importantly - fun! Classes are grouped by age and run March 29th - April 2nd. Registration is currently open. Make the most of your Spring Break and don’t miss out!

Summer 2010 Adult Immersion classes NOW ENROLLING!

Want to do something different this summer? Join us in Chicago for an Immersion class! Immersions are intensive, one or two-week long programs in Improvisation and Comedic Writing. Students of all experience/skill levels are welcome! Learn the art of improv and sketch writing, take advantage of the city’s rich theatre scene, and enjoy Chicago in the summer! We also offer a number of Specialty Immersion classes for more advanced students. The Immersion sessions run from 6/14 through 8/20 and are available every week. Visit the Immersion website for more details and registration information.

Barack Stars is back in DC!

The Second City's "Barack Stars" is making a return engagement at Washington DC's Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. After a successful run last summer, the show once again descends upon the national's capital with performances through February 21st. The Washington Post gave "Barack Stars" a great review.

Happy President’s Day from The Second City!

Happy President's Day from The Second City! While this isn't generally a holiday associated with gifts, we’ve posted a special President's Day clip just for you featuring Second City alums, Brian Gallivan and Joe Canale as well as Ithamar Enriquez, Molly Erdman, Brad Morris and Amber Ruffin.

Another Valentine’s Day Tip and Video Clip From The Second City

Try a speed dating event on Valentine’s Day! Maybe you’ll end up with “the one.” Watch this video featuring Second City alums Brian Gallivan, Jean Villepique and Antoine McKay for instruction.

Or maybe you’ll end up with “the one that gave me herpes” or “the one that’s scared of commitment.” Skip it and bring a group of friends to The Second City Chicago Mainstage for “Taming of the Flu” instead!

Second City Alum Tina Fey is featured in this month's Vogue.

Second City Alum Tina Fey is featured in this month's Vogue. Check out the article and photo shoot.

Rush Limbaugh! The Musical Featured on Chicago Tonight

Second City Theatricals' new show, "Rush Limbaugh! The Musical" was featured on Wednesday's broadcast of WTTW's Chicago Tonight featuring Phil Ponce. Check it out at www.wttw.com.

Tickets for this Sunday's matinee performance are sold out! However, there are tickets available for Tuesday, February 16. For a complete schedule, visit secondcity.com.

Bill Utterback: 1931-2010

It’s with much sadness that we learned of the passing of our dear friend Bill Utterback on Monday February 8. For more than twenty five years, Bill created the signature caricatures for each resident Second City production in Chicago that line the lobby and hallways of the Wells Street theatre. We send our condolences to Bill’s wife Betty and the Utterback family. With respect to Bill and Betty’s wishes, no memorial service will be held

Today’s Valentine’s Tip From The Second City: You don’t have to be in a relationship to enjoy Valentine's Day.

Go home with a stranger. Watch this video featuring Mainstage cast members Lauren Ash and Brad Morris for instruction.

It's kind of like the lottery - you never know what you're going to get! However, maybe you should play it safe and just bring a friend to see "Shut Up and Show Us Your Tweets" on The Toronto Mainstage instead.

"Scriptless" begins Tuesday February 16th!

Catch the Second City cast in a no-holds-barred, seat of our pants, truly unscripted environment! You'll see a selection of favourite scenes from our hit show Shut Up and Show Us Your Tweets, plus brand new scenes, songs and off-the-cuff improvisation. Scriptless; is a unique comedy experience that brings today's headlines to life in a show that is literally different every night. Featuring The Second City's main stage cast Rob Baker, Dale Boyer, Adam Cawley, Caitlin Howden, Reid Janisse, and Kris Siddiqi.

Scriptless only runs until March 7th so don't miss out!

To purchase tickets visit www.secondcity.com/toronto or call 416.343.0011 now!