The Legendary Second City Comedy Theatre Turns 50

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 27, 2009) - A great Canadian Company, The Second City turns 50 this December. With theatres in Chicago, Toronto, and Los Angeles, The Second City has become the world's premiere comedy theatre and an unparalleled proving ground for top comedic talent. From Joan Rivers to Tina Fey, Alan Alda to Stephen Colbert, The Second City has 50 years of unmatchable comedic star power.

Founded in 1959 in Chicago, The Second City's Toronto branch was purchased in 1974 by local entrepreneur Andrew Alexander, who expanded the company to television with SCTV, and later acquired the larger company with partner Len Stuart. This wholly Canadian-owned company continues to thrive today with theatres and conservatories in three cities, a large corporate services practice, a film & television company and touring ensembles around the world. The Toronto theatre continues to excel, creating all-new revues, drawing record crowds, and recently was rated the #1 Attraction in Toronto (out of 315 attractions) by the readers of tripadvisor.com.

As part of The Second City's 50th Anniversary celebration in December, The Second City is extremely proud to present the SCTV Reunion Show for two very special performances on Friday, December 11th inside the historical Chicago Second City theatre.

This once-in-a-lifetime performance will feature beloved characters, scenes and songs from The Second City and SCTV, performed by the comedy icons that made them famous. Joe Flaherty, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Catherine O'Hara, Harold Ramis, Martin Short and Dave Thomas will reunite for one night only to kick off The Second City 50th Anniversary festival weekend December 11th-13th. The star-studded festival includes performances from every generation of Second City alumni, panel discussions, screenings and lots of parties. Proceeds from the entire weekend will benefit The Second City Alumni Fund, a resource fund for performers, technicians, support staff and other members of the creative and production teams at The Second City and SCTV.

Tickets are priced from $175-$750 and are now on sale at The Second City Theater Box Office at 312-337-3992 in Chicago and online at www.secondcity.com.

For additional information on alumni panels, screenings and special events taking place throughout the three-day festival please visit www.secondcity.com/50.

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