Fifty years has passed since Chicagos The Second City comedy troupe began churning out talent and laughs.
Its been the launchpad for dozens of household names in the entertainment industry, many who still have flourishing careers on stage, television and in film. Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Steve Carrell and Stephen Colbert are just a handful of the notables of The Second City alumni who have moved on to bigger things. The alumni list continues with Peter Boyle, John Belushi, John Candy, Gilda Radner and Chris Farley, among many others. If youve ever laughed at Saturday Night Live, chances are youre laughing at someone who honed their chops at The Second City.
The Second City will return to Durango on Saturday, its first performance here since the fall of 2009. Performing in this years cast will be Neal Dandade, Alex Digacinto, Chelsea Devantez, Cate Freedman and Eddie Mujica. This is one of three touring companies that hit the road under The Second City moniker.
The show coming to Durango is a best of, meaning its pulling from the archives, said Devantez last week from Chicago. Well perform sketches written by Tina Fey and Steve Carrell, alumni like that.
Along with written pieces, theres also a bit of improv.
Devantez has been performing with The Second City for a year. She always knew she wanted to perform, and high school and college awkwardness finally gave way to a realization that she had the gift to be funny and the talent to perform. But being funny is hard. Your friend who was knocking you dead last night at the bar may not be as funny on stage, especially without the benefit of tequila.
When you watch ballet, it looks very easy. Sometimes comedy can look like that, too, Devantez said. A lot is behind it. Most times, the same skill set that makes you really funny in the bar the night before is not the same skill set that works on stage.
The Second City is a storied institution. With its cast of alumni and place in worldwide comedy, it remains an aspiration for any up-and-coming entertainer. Devantezs path began with classes and training, independent shows and, finally, an appreciated regular gig with The Second City.
Its an absolute dream, she said. This is the stuff dreams are made of. Now at this point Ive made it, I can feel all the work that goes into it. Every time I take the stage, its a very hard craft but absolutely the one I wanted and really rewarding. I feel really lucky to be part of such a great institution.
Like most good comedy acts, The Second City can be a little blue. While G-rated comedy can be good for the kids, comedy works best when its a bit risqué. Richard Pryor, Bill Hicks and Redd Foxx werent successful for telling knock-knock jokes. Therefore, leave your children at home.
It is not kid-friendly, and if you do bring kids, we dont change what were doing on stage, Devantez said.
Liggett_b@fortlewis.edu. Bryant Liggett is a freelance writer and KDUR station manager.
Bryant’s Best
Saturday: The Second City will perform improv comedy, 7:30 p.m., $22/$32, Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, 247-7657.
Wednesday: The Lawn Chair Kings will play the Ska Brewing Co. Mexican Logger Beer Release Party, 5 p.m., free, 225 Girard St., 247-5792.
