Second City

What a wonderful place for a comedian to launch their career. This infamous place started many a successful career including the late, great John Belushi, who is one of my all time favorites. The techers here are a big part of why so many of these students of comedy went on to be so famous. If you look at their website you will see how many went on to SNL fame or movies or both. Improv is not easy, and sometimes some of these people choke live in front of a crowd, but that is the best training ground for a comedian. A fun place to enjoy an evening. more

If you need to take out-of-towners somewhere, Second City is it. The improv is not as improvised as some shows in Chicago, although it depends on the show. For those of you who like to mix deserts with drinking, they serve Grasshoppers. Second City also has classes for writing and improv acting. Definitely fun to see your friends perform their sketches after completing a class. more

I lived in Chicago for a total of four years. Every 6 months or so, I'd make a point to check out a show at Second City. Every so often, it's a little off the mark but most of the time hilarity ensues. If you live in the Windy City or are planning a visit, find out what about the current show and get tickets. If you're a night owl, they also have free improv starting at midnights on Saturdays (I think). more

If you are only going to visit one Chicago theater when visiting, this would be a good choice. Second City has produced more actors and comedians than anyplace; come and see the new batch starting out here. Bill Murray, the late John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Alan Arkin, Mike Myers, the list of Second City alums is long and distinguished. And it somehow manages to maintain its vitality, now having survived serveral changes in ownership, managment, etc. It is exciting to sit at the cramped tables and hear the piano player start up and watch the actors come out on a naked stage with minimal props. Next thing you know you are falling off your seat laughing and trying to remember the great lines so you can tell your friends. http://secondcity.com/ more

Good fun evening, with plenty of laughs. They have no drink minimum,take in dinner, or just a show. They are located in the heart of the historic old town neighborhood. After the winter months are over, take in a show, than enjoy walking the neighborhood. Their are plenty of good restaurants surrounding the theater.They even have group rates, so get a bunch of your co-workers together for a fun night out. more

Yes, you know it as the place where alums (such as the great SNL John Belushi) got their start, but this comedy club is as fresh a training ground today as it ever was. And they're still drawing them from Second City...I saw Rachel Dratsch of SNL there one hot summer evening (pre-SNL days). The comedy and topics remain fresh and timely. They continue to offer workshops for those aspiring to comedic fame, but it's just a great place to laugh and drink with your friends on a Saturday (or any) night. more

This is the feeder for Saturday Night Live.. this comedy club is hysterical and they've got good improv. I went one night and was cracking up the whole time! There's really no bad seat in the house because its not an enormous theater. Its a great place to catch a show! more

I went and saw an improv comedy show at Second City about a year ago. I was a bit skeptical about this type of comedy, but everyone had said it was good and that many Saturday Night Live characters got there start there. I'm not sure I've ever had so much fun. We watched two "troops" do an improv and it was just incredible - so well acted and so clever. If I were ever back in Chicago, I would definitely want to visit this place again. It makes sitcoms look like utter crap. more

Since 1959, The Second City has established itself as a Chicago landmark and a national treasure. The theatre that launched the careers of such comic greats as John Belushi, Mike Myers, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, and more offers nightly comedy shows, as well as a variety of other programs and services. Second City is known for improvistation…OUTSTANDING! more

Second City is the Chicago version of Saturday Night Live. Or rather, several Second City stand-outs have gone on to become SNL stars. The skits are not just funny but very clever, and the comedians are all clearly very talented. Both the cast and the skits change frequently, but the quality rarely diminishes, if every. Always be prepared to laugh...and a lot. more

The Chicago entertainment scene is SO not complete without checking out this live comedy sketch club! Lorne Michaels from Saturday Night Live comes here to find new talent. There is free improv taken from suggestions from the audience, as well as themed sketches on the events of the day, such as an election or 9/11. I really helps to keep an open mind, not for the easily offended, but it can appeal to a diverse crowd. more

Second City is one the the gems in Chicago. This is the stage where many famous Hollywood actors started out. I have been here a few times, and i have to admit that it is one of the funniest shows i have ever seen. On Monday nights or tues they do the best of show which features their classic bits on their secondary stage. The show on their center satge changes every few months. Also in the end of the show, they do about an hour or impromptu standup comedies where nothing is rehersed and they take suggestions from the audience. you must see it if you are in chicago. more