Second City Unveils New Production Company, Expanded Roles

Andrew Alexander, Executive Producer/CEO of The Second City, is pleased to announce the launch of a new production venture with veteran Second City producer and executive, Kelly Leonard to develop new theatrical works. In addition, Erica Daniels has been promoted to President, Second City Theatricals.

"We are fortunate to have such an incredible creative and strategic leadership team," states Andrew Alexander. "This structure allows everyone to play to their strengths, find new collaborators, partners and venues, and continue to develop new opportunities for our writers, performers and directors."

Kelly Leonard Productions (KLP) will continue to develop original plays, musicals and unique collaborations that have resulted in such ground breaking work as The Art of Falling with Hubbard Street Dance, The Second City Guide to Opera with Lyric Opera Chicago and Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf launching next year with Writer's Theatre. A new slate of shows are currently in development and set to be launched nationally in partnership with The Road Company, an independent theatrical booking agency, distributing award-winning musicals, plays and special attractions such as Wicked, Kinky Boots and Once.

Kelly will also provide ongoing creative and business consulting for The Second City in all areas of the company, including overseeing Second City's launch in Japan with Yoshimoto Entertainment. Additionally, Kelly will continue to provide speaking and workshop engagements such as recent appearances at The Aspen Ideas Festival and The Broadway League Road Conference in New York City.

"I feel extremely blessed to be able to seek out new opportunities for myself and Second City, while still staying connected to the day to day work at the theatre," states Kelly Leonard.

Recent addition to The Second City, Erica Daniels, will assume the title of President, Second City Theatricals. She will oversee The Second City's international touring companies which include ensembles aboard Norwegian Cruise Line as well as a diverse array of theatrical productions at Performing Arts Centers and Regional Theatres all over the world.

"I am honored to take on this role at Second City and work with this creative and producing team in these many areas," Erica Daniels states. "The team here is simply among the best with whom I've ever worked. I am also thrilled to continue to work with Kelly on developing new theatrical works. It is an extremely exciting time here at Second City and we are poised to do great work."