The renowned Chicago sketch comedy and improv institution, The Second City, has extended its comedic reach to the bustling streets of New York by opening an outpost right in the eclectic heart of Brooklyn. With its roots anchored deeply in Chicago, known affectionately as the “Second City,” the troupe is branching out and planting itself amidst the urban charm of Williamsburg. The location, once housing an iconic record shop and club, now features a 200-seat main stage, a welcoming 60-seat secondary stage, a cluster of classrooms dedicated to the art of comedy and improv, and a restaurant that promises an ensemble of flavors as intriguing as their skits.
New York, dubbed the “First City,” has long been without this comedic gem, despite being home to celebrity alumni such as Stephen Colbert and Tina Fey, who shaped their humor within The Second City’s historical walls. However, the expansion isn’t The Second City’s maiden voyage beyond its Chicago shores; its history includes a longstanding presence in Toronto since 1973, with outposts peppered across Hollywood and Detroit and a touring company that brings laughter across America.
The opening of The Second City New York marks a pivotal chapter for the company, aligning with the city’s insatiable craving for innovative and laughter-inducing entertainment. Ed Wells, the organization’s forward-thinking CEO, has recognized the potential of weaving their distinctive brand of comedy into the fabric of New York’s vibrant scene, especially amidst the opportunity presented by the closure of several clubs during the pandemic. Wells alludes to The Second City’s inextricable link to Saturday Night Live, emphasizing a shared legacy that has propelled comedic talents from John Belushi to Gilda Radner into the limelight.
Central to its mission of nurturing creativity, The Second City in New York is a hub where talents can hone their craft. Nia Vardalos, of My Big Fat Greek Wedding fame, attributes her formative years with the company in Toronto and Chicago as a defining phase of her artistic journey, a sentiment likely shared by many emerging talents flocking to the New York auditions. These auditions, met with overwhelming response, highlight the intense desire for comedians to become part of the institution’s vibrant narrative.
Within the modern aesthetics of the Williamsburg venue, audiences can anticipate a medley of live improvisation, ingenious new material, and classic sketches tried and tested in Chicago. Cast members like Drew Riley, a conservatory graduate, inject local color into performances with skits that resonate with every New Yorker’s love-hate relationship with the subway. This localized approach ensures that The Second City’s legacy continues to evolve, mirroring the city’s eclectic panorama.
The Second City aims to not just curate a series of performances but to foster an immersive experience for guests through their stage manager, Kayla Freeman, who expertly orchestrates the transformation of spontaneous creativity into perfectly-timed comedic moments. Actors and technical crew members alike surf the unpredictable waves of improv, seeking to thrill the audience much like the finest circus acrobats.
As The Second City New York throws open its doors to a kaleidoscope of comedic possibilities, there’s an air of confident anticipation. There’s a communal aspiration for the venue to not only captivate its audience night after night but to also leave an indelible impression on Brooklyn’s cultural tapestry – crafting a legacy that, in true Second City fashion, is both humorous and heartily embraced for years to come.
