Chicago’s legendary comedy improv theatre The Second City will appear at Walton Arts Center at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5. Deface the Nation is The Second City’s all-political revue with customized comedy for the election year. Featuring scenes and songs that poke fun at both political parties and a variety of pundits, The Second City proves that there’s no shortage of comedy coming out of Washington D.C. Tickets for The Second City: DeFace the Nation range from $20-$32 and can be purchased by calling the Walton Arts Center Box Office at 479-443-5600 or by visiting waltonartscenter.org.
Founded in Chicago in 1959, The Second City has become the premier training ground for the comedy world’s best and brightest. Their alumni list reads like a who’s who of American comedy, as it includes: Mike Nichols, Elain May, Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, Robert Klein, Peter Boyle, Harold Ramis, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, George Wendt, Martin Short, John Candy, Bonnie Hunt, Tim Meadows, Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Horatio Sanz, Ryan Stiles and countless others.
Not only will an evening with The Second City provide audiences with the chance to see comedy stars in the making, but they will also have the opportunity to see absolutely hilarious satire and cutting-edge improvisation. From Bush to Clinton to Obama to the other Clinton, DeFace the Nation is a hilarious romp through the beltway and beyond. No topic or subject matter is off limits for The Second City. If your parents asked you not to speak about it at the dinner table, chances are it will be made fun of in an evening with The Second City.
Immediately following Second City’s a special Young Professionals (YPAS) Cast Party will be held. YPAS is Walton Arts Center’s new young professionals group, offering young professionals the opportunity to enjoy the arts in a fun atmosphere. For patrons who are YPAS VIP members (formerly Tuesday Night Broadway Club), admittance to the Cast Party is free although a ticket is needed for entry. For patrons who are not YPAS VIP members, admittance is $5. This event will run for about an hour and a half and will feature light snacks, beer and wine.
Friday’s performance will feature Rachel Miller, Joey Bland, Anthony LeBlanc, Abby McEnany, Brooke Bagnall and Seth Weitberg. These talented improv artists will entertain audiences both on the stage and off with an improv master class to be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4. New to improv or acting? No worries! The Second City improv workshop, for ages 16 and older, will introduce beginning improv concepts such as listening, ensemble, and supporting your partner. Participants will have a great time learning and playing with The Second City facilitators. The improv workshop fee is $15, and the maximum amount of students is 15. Class will take place in Starr Theatre. For more information on learning with the cast of The Second City, check out waltonartscenter.org.
For more information on this performance, the beginning improv master class or about the YPAS cast party, contact the Walton Arts Center Box Office by calling 479.443.5600 or by visiting waltonartscenter.org.
