The Second City announced plans on Tuesday to open a physical location in New York in November, alongside its first slate of shows and cast.
The improv comedy company, which supports live theater and training, will house its new nearly 12,000-square-foot entertainment complex at 64 N. 9th St. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Opening on November 16, the venue will feature two live cabaret-style theatres, seven Training Center classrooms and a full-service restaurant and bar.
The Second City currently has two other physical locations, with the Toronto location celebrating its 50th year, followed by a 65th anniversary for The Second City Chicago in 2024. The New York location’s opening comes as the comedy brand looks to expand its content offering to new platforms beyond the live stage, the company said.
“There is no better way to celebrate our 65th anniversary than by opening the doors of The Second City New York in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. As a center of global culture and entertainment, New York represents an exciting opportunity for us to showcase our world-renowned brand of comedy-based entertainment with an incredible New York cast, and to deliver our very own Yes, And… improv training . ,” said Ed Wells, CEO of The Second City. “Building on our storied history and decades of success in Chicago and Toronto, we are excited to improvise an all-new adventure with the New York City community.”
The venue’s inaugural slate includes The first city revueinteractive holiday themed comedy show Jack Frost roasts on an open fire And Enhanced holiday brunch. The first-ever cast of The Second City in New York includes EJ Cameron, Ashley Leisten, Ben Rameaka, Yazmin Ramos, Drew Reilly and Jacklyn Uweh.
Jen Ellison will direct The Second City Mainstage 1 revue, with Alan Kliffer as NYC Artistic Director and Matt Prigge as a producer. Jeff Bouthiette is musical director, with Kayla Freeman as director, and technical direction is in the hands of Kurt Cruz.
The Second City opened in 1959 as a small comedy cabaret and is credited with helping launch and cement the careers of comedy and entertainment greats such as Jordan Peele, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Amy Poehler, Bill Murray, Eugene Levy , Aidy Bryant, Dan Aykroyd, Catherine O’Hara, Mike Myers, Tim Meadows, Cecily Strong, Alan Alda, Keegan-Michael Key and the late Alan Arkin, John Belushi, Chris Farley, John Candy and Gilda Radner.
