The world’s most influential name in live comedy, The Second City is thrilled to announce the cast and crew of The Second City Toronto’s 89th Mainstage Revue. Digital comedy pioneer and Picnicface member, Kyle Dooley directs returning ensemble members Coko Galore, and Devon Henderson with Matt Keevins as Stage Manager and Shane O’Regan as Music Director. Joining the cast are Touring Company alumni Conor Bradbury, Christian Smith, Tiyawnda, and Scott Yamamura. In the time-honoured tradition of The Second City, for a select few weeks, audiences are invited to the exciting and unique experience of watching and participating in the creative process. During this time, while the cast is creating and honing new material, the audience has the unique opportunity to witness new sketches and songs being developed and even plays a part in determining the ultimate title of the 89th revue. This rare opportunity allows ticket holders a special glimpse into the artistry and improvisation that has defined The Second City’s legacy worldwide for 65 years.
The producing team includes Elizabeth Howard (VP of Production), Jen Ellison (Artistic Director, Chicago), Susan Waycik (Producer), and Ed Wells (CEO). The Second City Mainstage Revue plays Tuesday – Thursday 8pm, Friday – Sunday 7pm and Saturdays 10pm. Located at ONE YORK STREET. Tickets, starting at $39, are available at The Second City Box Office, by phone at 416-343-0011, or online at www.secondcity.com. An official press opening will be announced at a later date.
Canada’s comedy institution, The Second City, proudly announces its 88th Mainstage Revue, Chaos Menu: Disorder Up! Glimmering with the country’s best comedic performers, including PHATT al, Andy Assaf, Ron Pederson, Coko Galore, Liz Johnston and Devon Henderson. Second City Alum and cast member of the legendary Royal Canadian Air Farce Darryl Hinds directs his first resident stage revue with Shane O’Regan joining as Music Director and Matt Keevins as Stage Manager. Kyle Dooley serves as Assistant Director, and Tricia Black collaborates as Creative Consultant.
Chaos Menu: Disorder Up serves hilarity! Making light of the absurdity of the world around us, the show promises to deliver the music, mischief, and mayhem that The Second City is known for. Audiences can anticipate an unforgettable production that will entertain and leave you laughing for weeks afterward.
The Second City’s signature restaurant The Bentwood, operated by Canadian restaurant legends Oliver and Bonacini, is open for dinner and celebrates Happy Hour from 5pm to 7pm daily, featuring $5 mixed drinks, $6 beers, $7 glasses of wine, and specially priced snacks. A three-course prix fixe is also available for $45 (excluding tax and gratuity). Guests booking a dinner-and-a-show package ahead of time can access the prix fixe for a reduced price of $40.
The Second City producing team includes Ed Wells (CEO), Parisa Jalili (COO), Carly Heffernan (Artistic Consultant), Elizabeth Howard (VP of Production), and Susan Waycik (Producer). Tickets start at $30 and are available by phone at 416-343-0011 or online at secondcity.com. The show schedule begins November 9, 2023: Tuesday – Thursday at 8pm; Friday – Saturday at 7pm & 10pm; and Sundays at 7pm.
The Second City Toronto is a fully accessible facility.
The Second City Toronto is thrilled to announce a grand celebration of its golden anniversary commemorating 50 years of laughter and entertainment from August 10 – 13, 2023.
Having first graced Toronto with its unique and unforgettable sketch and improv comedy at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in 1963, The Second City officially made a home in Toronto a decade later opening “The Old Firehall” on Adelaide Street in 1973. In 1976 The Second City Toronto created the seminal television show SCTV.
Since putting roots in Toronto 50 years ago The Second City has grown to become the most influential name in comedy launching the careers of countless Canadian comedy legends. Our illustrious alumni list includes names such as Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levey, Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Dan Akroyd, John Candy, Mike Myers, Colin Mochrie, Bob Martin, Jerry Minor, Gavin Crawford, Lauren Ash, Ann Pornel, Alan Shane Lewis and so many more.
The four-day celebration will include The Alumni Show on August 11 and 12 at 10pm. A wild and unforgettable two-act sketch show celebrating the past, present, and future of Canadian comedy. Featuring members of The Second City’s illustrious alumni returning to perform their favourite archive scenes and hosted by the best and brightest stars from our current casts. You never know who might show up for this rare comedy extravaganza!
The celebration will continue on Sunday August 13 with a special presentation of the hit show Improv Brunch, with an all star line-up of alumni cast members.
But that’s not all! The Second City Toronto will also host a series of panels and workshops, providing an opportunity for comedy enthusiasts to soak up knowledge and wisdom from some of the most renowned comedic minds in the industry.
…and for those who are curious about comedy and want to dip their toes in, The Second City Training Centre is offering FREE drop-in classes all through August!
Toronto, join us as we celebrate 50 years of laughter, creativity, and unforgettable memories. Here’s to the next 50!
The Second City is thrilled to announce that its new home at One York Street will officially open November 30, 2022, with the first public performances to begin December 1. The new flagship home will be The Second City’s largest, most state-of- the-art venue since the world class comedy company first opened its doors in Canada in 1973. Featuring three theatres, nine Training Centre studios for student classes and partner workshops, and a full service restaurant and bar with food by Canadian hospitality leaders Oliver & Bonacini, the new location is a one stop shop for all things entertainment.
First announced in 2019, construction of the new, instantly iconic Second City location has been a true labour of love. In addition to the Mainstage Theatre, with a seating capacity of 244, and Theatre ’73, seating 170, the John Candy Box Theatre will feature a portion of the original stage from The Second City’s home circa 1974, The Old Firehall which held legends such as John Candy, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, Gilda Radner, Colin Mochrie and Mike Myers.
“Comedy is coming home to Toronto! It is fitting that The Second City Toronto celebrates its upcoming 50th anniversary in 2023 with a brand-new, custom built entertainment and educational complex. We are ecstatic to share this amazing new space and a new show featuring our award-nominated cast with our audiences, students, talent, and community,” said The Second City Creative Director, Carly Heffernan.
The new 28,700-square-foot space is located on the third floor of One York, a 35-floor mixed-use Class AAA building located at York and Harbour in Toronto’s vibrant South Core Business District. Built in 2016, One York offers direct PATH access to TTC, GO Transit, VIA Rail, and the Union-Pearson Express as well as close proximity to some of the city’s landmark entertainment venues, such as Scotiabank Arena, the Rogers Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and the CN Tower. Tickets to shows at the One York Street location are now on sale at secondcity.com.
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