The Second City Announces All-Night Benefit With Special Guests

The Second City's 17th annual 24-hour improv and music marathon will take place Monday, November 19th-Tuesday, November 20th in Second City's e.t.c. Theater. 24 Hour: To the Moon and Back, Buddies is a non-stop event that will feature over 100 performers in a lineup that includes Second City alumni, current talent, and special guests from the worlds of comedy, theater, and music.

All proceeds from the event support needy families from Chicago's Onward Neighborhood House as part of its Letters to Santa program. The Second City is proud to have helped raise over $1 million for Onward Neighborhood House, an organization that opens doors to improve lives and uplift communities through educational, economic and support services.

"If you want to help people who are not able to break the cycle of poverty they live in because they hold no power-or if you have ever considered what it might feel like to be on the other side of overwhelming gratitude-we've got a space for you. It is my hope that this year will be the best 24 Hour yet," said event founder and producer Heather Whinna.

Scheduled to appear at 24 Hour include the following (subject to change):

Special Guests: Dan Bakkedahl (Veep); Caitlin Barlow, Kate Lambert and Kathryn Renée Thomas (TV Land's Teachers); Tim Meadows (SNL); Kevin Dorff (Conan); Late Night with Seth Meyers' Jenny Hagel, John Lutz and Amber Ruffin; former Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster; the minds behind Cards Against Humanity; Ashley Nicole Black (Full Frontal with Samantha Bee); Steve Albini, and more.

Improv By: TJ Jagodowski (TJ & Dave); Edgar Blackmon (Alone Together); Shantira Jackson (Busy Tonight); Brad Morris (Great News); Alan Linic (SNL); Brendan Jennings (Superstore); Ian Owens (Shrill); Emily Candini; Scott Goldstein; Anthony LeBlanc; Brett Lyons; Abby McEnany; Dana Quercioli; Seth Thomas; Ryan Asher, Tyler Davis, Jeff Murdoch and Emma Pope (Second City Mainstage); Katie Kershaw, Andrew Knox and Mark Campbell (Second City e.t.c.); the cast of She the People; and current ensemble members of The Second City Touring Company.

Music & Appearances By: Wilco's Jeff Tweedy; Veruca Salt's Nina Gordon, singer-songwriter Shannon Lay; singer-songwriter Shannon Wright; mariachi-style band (and family of nine) Cielito Lindo; Soul Spectacular: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin; Bobby, Holly & The Rickets.

Live Auction: Up for live auction at 3:00 pm. Tuesday is a private concert in your home with Grammy winner Jeff Tweedy for up to 30 guests--with a 30-song set list curated by you!

24 Hour: To the Moon and Back, Buddies

• Monday, November 19 at 5pm-Tuesday, November 20 at 5pm (Doors open at 4pm on Monday, November 19.)
• The Second City e.t.c. Theater
• Entry is $20 (cash only) as long as seats are available.
• The event will also be available via live stream at secondcity.com during the performance.

For the full schedule, updates, or to donate online, please visit secondcity.com/second-city-24-hour-improv or ltschi.com.