It has been said that a shared sense of humor is key to a happy relationship. That is why the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) believes there is no better way of celebrating Valentine’s Day than with “The Best of Second City” Saturday, Feb. 12, at 5 and 8 p.m. Special Valentine’s-themed drink specials will be available.
This show features the best sketches and songs from The Second City’s 60-year history made famous by superstars like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Bill Murray, Keegan-Michael Key, Aidy Bryant and more. As a special treat to MAC audiences, The Second City will end each show with an improv set allowing patrons to interact with the cast and marvel at the comedic geniuses at work. It is the perfect date night or evening to enjoy with friends.
The cast will include Jillian Ebanks, Kiley Fitzgerald, Leila Gorstein, Jordan Stafford and another cast member to be announced. Music Director/Keyboardist is John Love. Stage Manager is Sara Stock.
L-R Claudia Martinez, Julia Morales, Jenelle Cheyne. Photo by Tim Schmid
Rooted in the groundbreaking improvisational games of Viola Spolin, The Second City opened its doors in 1959. The small cabaret theater has grown to become the most influential and prolific comedy empire in the world, developing an entirely unique way of creating art and fostering generation after generation of superstars. Co-founded by Spolin’s son, Paul Sills, along with Howard Alk and Bernie Sahlins, The Second City was experimental and unconventional in its approach to both theater and comedy. Almost immediately, alumni of The Second City, including Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, Fred Willard, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, launched the theater into the international spotlight.
In 1976, The Second City launched “SCTV,” which has been hailed as one of the greatest sketch comedy series of all time. The two-time Emmy winner featured an all-star cast made up of Martin Short, Andrea Martin, Catherine O’Hara, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Dave Thomas, Joe Flaherty, and Rick Moranis. Today, The Second City is a world-class entertainment company, continuing to produce premier talent. In addition to its stages, Second City Touring Companies perform electrifying revues and original productions across North America and abroad. The Second City has Training Centers in Chicago, Toronto, Hollywood, and online teaches thousands of students a year. The Second City Works is an industry leader in bringing improv-based methodologies to businesses and organizations of all types.
Tickets
“The Best of The Second City” returns to the McAninch Arts Center, located at 425 Fawell Blvd. on the campus of College of DuPage, Saturday, Feb. 12, with performances at 5 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $38-$48. For tickets or more information, visit www.AtTheMAC.org or call the MAC Box Office at 630.942.4000. The Box Office is open Tuesday through Sunday, 12 noon to 6 p.m. and one hour prior to performance.
MAC COVID-19 Policy for Seated Events |Effective Jan. 1, 2022
- Masking is required for all attendees
Masks should cover both the nose and mouth. - Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination OR Negative Test (regardless of age) is required
For the safety of audiences, as well as artists and staff, the MAC will not admit any guests to seated events who do not provide documentation of vaccination as required. Full refunds will be made available to any parties wishing to cancel their tickets for any reason.
All policies, including ticketing and attendance, are subject to change based on evolving guidance from the College, DuPage County Health Department, the State of Illinois and the CDC. As this guidance is rapidly evolving, so may MAC protocols. Everyone should feel free to contact the MAC Box Office by email at themac@cod.edu or by phone at 630.942.4000 with any questions. Box Office hours are 12-6 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday.
About the MAC
McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage is located at 425 Fawell Blvd., 25 miles west of Chicago near I-88 and I-355. It houses three indoor performance spaces (780-seat proscenium Belushi Performance Hall; 186-seat soft-thrust Playhouse Theatre; versatile black box Studio Theatre), and outdoor Lakeside Pavilion, plus the Cleve Carney Museum of Art and classrooms for the college’s academic programs. The MAC has presented theater, music, dance and visual art to more than 1.5 million people since its opening in 1986 and typically welcomes more than 100,000 patrons from the greater Chicago area to more than 230 performances each season. The mission of the MAC is to foster enlightened
educational and performance opportunities, which encourage artistic expression, establish a lasting relationship between people and art, and enrich the cultural vitality of the community. Visit www.AtTheMAC.org or www.facebook.com/AtTheMAC for more information.
Support for the McAninch Arts Center is provided in part by the G. Carl Ball Family Foundation; DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle/Naperville; Arts Midwest; The National Endowment for the Arts; the Illinois Arts Council Agency; WDCB 90.9 FM and the College of DuPage Foundation.
Established as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization in 1967, the College of DuPage Foundation raises monetary and in-kind gifts to increase access to education and to enhance cultural opportunities for the surrounding community. For more information about the College of DuPage Foundation, visit www.foundation.cod.edu or call 630.942.2462.
The 2021-2022 MAC Season celebrates the memory of Joan Frank, for a lifetime of service, thanks to the support of family and friends.