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The Second City

Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

1616 N. Wells St.

Chicago, IL 60614

312-337-3992

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If Chicago is famous for improvisational comedy, The Second City is the ongoing reason. Originally called the Compass Players when the group started at the University of Chicago in 1955, this world-class comedy troupe has become Wells Street's irreplaceable comic institution since 1959. An incubator for celebrities, it's famous for encouraging the talents of Mike Myers, Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Ed Asner, Betty Thomas, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, George Wendt, Tim Kazurinsky, Chris Farley, Shelley Long and Alan Arkin; young alumni include Tim Meadows of "Saturday Night Live," Richard Kind and Bonnie Hunt. Future greats are no doubt on stage right now, performing the kind of hit-and-run sketch comedy that tries to stay both topical and universal. The two-tiered cabaret-style theater is comfortable and air conditioned, with excellent sight lines and acoustics. Free improvisation sessions follow the regular shows except on Friday nights.

Want to take part in the action? Contact the Training Center: 312-664-3959.

Getting There

Cross Streets:: Wells and North.

Parking:: Paid Lot and Street Parking Difficult. Paid Lot: adjacent Piper's Alley garage.

Public Transportation:: CTA Bus: 72-North, 156-LaSalle. Brown Line Train: Sedgwick 3 blocks west. Purple Line Train: Sedgwick 3 blocks west.

Wheelchair Access:: Yes

The Basics

Hours:: Show times vary. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Alcohol:: Full Bar. Bar service is available (no drink minimum).

Smoking:: No

Bar Style:: Comedy

Theater Genre:: Musical, Offbeat, and Play

Features

Food:: Basic pizza, finger foods, stuffed foccacia, desserts; dinner packages with with several area restaurants.

Internet Access:: Tickets available at www.tickets.com - service charge will apply.

Features:: On-site Merchandise. Logo souvenirs.

Payment Methods:: American Express, Discover Card, Mastercard, and Visa

Seating :: 340

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Rate The Second City

"I almost wet myself it was so funny"

chi22345 from andersonville - September 20, 2007

My husband and I had the best time last week at The Second City. We got there really early and the man at the door seated us up on the elevated sec...

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"One of the best shows ever!"

Bob from Forest Park - September 20, 2007

The Second City Rocks! I'm not sure what show or theatre some of these other reviewers have been to... but the Second City revue I saw with my fami...

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"This place used to be..."

MM from Chicago, IL - June 1, 2007

This place used to be good, before they made every show about politics and world affairs and trying to push their opinions on you. If i wanted wor...

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