2008 Woodie Awards
SectionsImprov company comes to Hammons Hall
Ashley Bath
Issue date: 9/25/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
The legacy of American theater will continue a tradition of laughter for Missouri State students. The Second City Comedy Tour will be performing at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
"One Nation under Blog" is the show The Second City will perform. Jenna Altobelli, managing director of the company, said that each show has material on different topics including politics, relationships, religion, pop culture and music.
It's a "well-balanced show" with new music and material, she said.
"It should be a really fun, lively mix," Altobelli said.
Even if you think you've seen it, the shows are always different. Altobelli said that each ensemble cast that performs the piece changes the show a little by adding their own original material and personality.
"The touring company is training for the main stage. By performing their own material they are applying what they learned in improvisation classes."
The Second City Theater Company has been performing comedy since 1959 when its first theater opened in Chicago. Since then, The Second City has produced and performed comedy shows that have been seen on stage, television and in theaters, gaining popularity and influence both nationally and internationally.
The Second City has trained actors including many famous comedians like John Belushi, Chris Farley and Mike Myers.
One Second City cast member is also Missouri State alumnus.
Andy St. Clair graduated from Southwest Missouri State University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater. St. Clair took classes from the theater company after graduation and is now performing on the "e.t.c." Stage in Chicago.
St. Clair said the best thing about performing with the Second City is the legacy he is fulfilling with each show.
"I'm doing shows that were written and performed by Chris Farley," he said.
He said he even sees John Belushi's brother every now and then at the shows.
St. Clair will not be performing in Thursday's show because he doesn't tour anymore, but he said the show is a mix of "the best of The Second City" so it should be a great.
Jeff Jenkins, founder and executive director of The Skinny Improv, will introduce "One Nation under Blog" at 6:45 p.m.
This show is open to everyone. Tickets can be purchased through the Hammons Hall box office for $23 or $13.
"One Nation under Blog" is the show The Second City will perform. Jenna Altobelli, managing director of the company, said that each show has material on different topics including politics, relationships, religion, pop culture and music.
It's a "well-balanced show" with new music and material, she said.
"It should be a really fun, lively mix," Altobelli said.
Even if you think you've seen it, the shows are always different. Altobelli said that each ensemble cast that performs the piece changes the show a little by adding their own original material and personality.
"The touring company is training for the main stage. By performing their own material they are applying what they learned in improvisation classes."
The Second City Theater Company has been performing comedy since 1959 when its first theater opened in Chicago. Since then, The Second City has produced and performed comedy shows that have been seen on stage, television and in theaters, gaining popularity and influence both nationally and internationally.
The Second City has trained actors including many famous comedians like John Belushi, Chris Farley and Mike Myers.
One Second City cast member is also Missouri State alumnus.
Andy St. Clair graduated from Southwest Missouri State University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater. St. Clair took classes from the theater company after graduation and is now performing on the "e.t.c." Stage in Chicago.
St. Clair said the best thing about performing with the Second City is the legacy he is fulfilling with each show.
"I'm doing shows that were written and performed by Chris Farley," he said.
He said he even sees John Belushi's brother every now and then at the shows.
St. Clair will not be performing in Thursday's show because he doesn't tour anymore, but he said the show is a mix of "the best of The Second City" so it should be a great.
Jeff Jenkins, founder and executive director of The Skinny Improv, will introduce "One Nation under Blog" at 6:45 p.m.
This show is open to everyone. Tickets can be purchased through the Hammons Hall box office for $23 or $13.
Be the first to comment on this story