The Second City Does Arizona

From sagebrush to Sheriff Joe, and Green Valley to kokopelli – nothing is out of bounds when the famous Second City Theatre Company brings their brand of comedy to the desert. 

This talented bunch has created an original revue (fueled by refried beans and Sonoran hot dogs) for the Arizona Theatre Company.  THE SECOND CITY DOES ARIZONA, OR CLOSE, BUT NO SAGUARO filled with comic sketches and songs is a comedy aimed at skewering everything and everyone that is unique, ridiculous and wonderful about the land of rising temperatures and falling real estate.  They’ve even coined a new phrase to replace a tired old one – As we like to say here in the Southwest: “It’s a dry wit.”

A Chicago institution and must-see event when in The Windy City, The Second City Theatre Company is celebrating their 50th year as a mecca for improv comedians.  Considered “A Comedy Empire” by the New York Times, The Second City has a long, rich tradition of cultivating comedic greats like John Belushi, Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray, Steve Carell and Tina Fey.  You may be surprised by the extensive list of grads and recognize a few, like Alan Alda and Ed Asner, and others you never thought got their start in sketch comedy.

With theatres and training centers in Chicago and Toronto, as well as Hollywood and 11 full time touring ensembles this has been a down and dirty training ground for young comedians who have gone on to Saturday Night Live and other television shows and movies. 

Known for creative and topical show titles, some of my favorites include Truth, Justice or the American Way, If the White House is a Rockin, Don’t Come A-Knockin’ and Kuwait Until Dark or Bright Lights, Night Baseball which refers to the first Iraq War and the equally frustrating battle of putting lights in Wrigley Field. 

I’ll never forget my first show at Second City, Kukla, Fawn & Ollie or Contra Hear Me Knocking.  I’m showing my age, but this show was popular during the Iran Contra Scandal featuring Oliver North and his sexy secretary Fawn Hall who was caught shredding slanderous documents.  The gags were endless and even though I knew nothing about politics at the time, I couldn’t help but admire the creativity and the humor necessary for creating such an entertaining show.  I’ve also had the privilege of seeing on their stage Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Tim Meadows and a host of others that have made names for themselves in Hollywood.

So if you enjoy a good laugh and don’t mind having a little fun poked at your home state then you’ll love this Second City comedy.  Of course it’s a bit mature and not a good fit for the kids, but as long as you’re not a snowbird or currently running for political office you’ll have a great time.

Show Dates
The show plays in Tucson at the Temple of Music and Art (map) from April 3 through April 24 and continues its run in Phoenix at the Herberger Theater Center (map) from April 29 through May 16.

Ticket Information
Tickets start at $26, depending on date and section choice and are available at www.arizonatheatre.org or by calling the box office at (520) 622-2823. Discounts are available for students, seniors and active military on specific performance days. Half-price rush tickets are available for balcony seating for all performances one hour prior to curtain at the ATC box office (subject to availability).

Ten Dollar Tuesday for THE SECOND CITY DOES ARIZONA is April 6 at 7:30 PM. Balcony seats for this preview performance are available for a suggested $10 donation. (Tickets must be purchased at the ATC Box Office starting at 11 AM on April 6. Seating is ‘first-come, first served’ and is not guaranteed. Cash only, please. Two tickets per person maximum.)