The Second City performs "Happily Ever Laughter" at the Theatre of Western Springs

The Theatre of Western Springs (TWS) presents Chicago’s legendary sketch comedy theatre in a show titled, “The Second City: Happily Ever Laughter,” at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 22, on the Mainstage at Theatre of Western Springs (TWS), 4384 Hampton Ave. The show is a fundraiser and part of TWS’s popular Performance Series for the public.

“Happily Ever Laughter” includes new material as well as some of the best sketches, songs and improvisations from The Second City’s 53-year history. The show puts comedy first in a wickedly funny revue that skewers and celebrates in equal doses.

The Second City provides well-needed silliness and hilarious spontaneity to a world in need of some comic relief. Whether it’s taken from the morning headlines or a classic gem from its 50-year archives, The Second City is always a laugh-out-loud hit.

“The Second City is truly a Chicago landmark and a national treasure,” said Jennifer Jermano Miller, founder and chair of the Performance Series. “You loved 'em last year, and they’re back with fresh, hilarious improvisational humor.”

Advance tickets to “Happily Ever Laughter” are $35 for TWS subscribers and $40 for non-subscribers. Tickets purchased on the day of the event will be $45. The subscriber discount is not available online, so subscribers are asked to call the TWS box office at 708-246-3380. The website is http://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com. 


The Second City – humble beginnings

The Second City opened its doors on a snowy Chicago night in December of 1959. No one could have guessed that this small cabaret theatre would become the most influential and prolific comedy theatre in the world.

With its roots in the improvisational games of Viola Spolin, The Second City developed an entirely unique way of creating and performing comedy. 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 theatre and comedy. At a time when mother-in-law jokes were more common, The Second City went against the conformist culture with scenes that spoke to a younger generation.

The Broadway success of Mike Nichols and Elaine May – members of The Second City’s predecessor, The Compass Players – put attention on the fledgling company. Soon, alumni of The Second City – such as Alan Arkin, Barbara Harris, Robert Klein, David Steinberg and Fred Willard – began to cement the theatre’s reputation for developing the finest comedic voices of each generation.

With the debut of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, populated by Second City Alums John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd and Gilda Radner, the theatre became internationally known for its ever increasing roster of comedy superstars.

Soon, Second City’s sister-theatre in Canada developed its own sketch comedy series, SCTV, hailed as one of the greatest comedy series of all time and featuring an all-star cast that included Martin Short, Andrea Martin, Catherine O’Hara, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Dave Thomas, Joe Flaherty and Rick Moranis.

By the 1980’s, The Second City had become much more than a small cabaret theatre on Chicago’s north side. Today, The Second City continues to produce the premiere comic talent in the industry. From Mike Myers to Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert to Tina Fey – The Second City imprint is felt across every entertainment medium.

In addition, The Second City has grown well beyond a single stage to become a diversified entertainment company. Second City Training Centers in Chicago, Toronto and Los Angeles teach thousands of students every week; four touring companies perform Second City revues all over North America and abroad; Second City Communications has become an industry leader in bringing improv-based methodologies to the corporate sector.


The TWS Performance Series

“The purpose of the Performance Series is to provide a deep, rich and creative environment through a variety of art forms,” said Jennifer Jermano Miller.
 
Jermano Miller’s inspiration brought about sold-out performances by American English and Jim Peterik of Ides of March and Survivor rock music fame.

“American English’s Beatles show was a huge hit on many levels,” Jermano Miller said. “New people were introduced to TWS, and the audience had a rocking good time. Last year, Second City’s show was completely sold-out, so I’d advise getting tickets sooner rather than later.”

The TWS website is http://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com.