Chicago’s Famed Second City Comedy Troupe Coming To Hayes Center May 18-19

Who would have thought that a converted Chinese laundry on Chicago’s north side in 1959 would give way to what the New York Times has hailed “A comedy empire.” But that humble yet hallowed abode did indeed produce The Second City, irrefutably the country’s most crisply pressed comedy institution. And on May 18 and 19 at 8pm, Blowing Rock, NC, gets a little piece of the Windy City giggles, as Chicago’s legendary comedy theatre troupe The Second City will appear at the Hayes Performing Arts Center (off HWY 321) to perform its current show, Truth, Justice, or the American Way. Directed by David Pompeii, the performances will feature some of the best sketches, songs and improvisations from Second City’s 45- plus-year history.
The Second City is the premier training ground for the comedy world’s best and brightest. Indeed, the alumni list reads like a Who’s Who of American comedy: Mike Nichols, Elaine 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.
An evening with The Second City will provide audiences with the chance to see comedy stars who may be included in that esteemed list in the future, as well as the opportunity to see hilarious satire, cutting-edge improv and cleverly ridiculous musical numbers. No topic or subject matter is off-limits for The Second City — in fact, 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.
The Second City cast for Truth, Justice, or the American Way includes Laura Grey, Sarah Haskins, Jordan Klepper, Michael Lehrer, Aimee McKay and Tim Sniffen.
Performances for The Second City’s Truth, Justice, or the American Way are May 18 and 19 at 8pm. Tickets are $35 and are currently available by calling the box office at 828-295-9627. You may pay by credit card or online at www.hayescenter.org. Group and student rates are also available.
The mission of the Hayes Performing Arts Center is to serve as a community gathering place for active exchange about culture and creativity through programming and superior services for audiences of diverse ages, cultures and economic backgrounds.
The Hayes Performing Arts Center, 152 Jamie Fort Road (off HWY 321), Blowing Rock, NC, 28605, 828-295-9627, www.hayescenter.org.