Chicago's Second City Improvises After Fire, Moves Offices To Tribune Tower

By: Oct. 29, 2015
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As reported by BroadwayWorld, a multi-alarm fire ripped through the offices of Chicago's renown Second City theater company on August 26th, caused by a grease fire at the neighboring Adobo Grill restaurant.

No one was seriously hurt and the fire did not reach the legendary improv troupe's theatres in the adjacent building.

The Chicago Tribune reports that Second City has found a new temporary home for their offices, in the famed newspaper's own landmark building, Tribune Tower.

"We're making the best out of a tough situation," says the troupe's CEO and co-owner Andrew Alexander.

The company's new lease is for 14 months, as a large portion of the administrative offices were gutted and will likely take more than a year to renovate.

A name that has become synonymous with improvisational comedy, and a testing ground for luminaries such as Joan Rivers, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Stephen Colbert and Tina Fey, Second City began in 1950s, as small groups of undergraduates, including young actors such as Mike Nichols and Elaine May, met at Jimmy's Woodlawn Tap, a bar on the University of Chicago campus.

The Second City Theatre opened on December 16, 1959 and has since expanded its presence to other cities, including Toronto and Los Angeles. The Second City has produced television programs in both the United States and Canada including SCTV, Second City Presents, and Next Comedy Legend. Since its debut, the Second City has consistently been a starting point for comedians, award winning actors, directors, and others in show business. Visit secondcity.com

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