FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2/10/03 – Shirley Luna

Second City Comedy Troupe Coming to SFA

"A meeting of 'Whose Line is It Anyway?' and 'Saturday Night Live'" is how Beth Kligerman, road manager of The Second City, describes the comedy troupe that will perform in Nacogdoches at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 3. The improvisational group will appear in the Turner Auditorium on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus as a part of the College of Fine Arts' University Series.

Founded in Chicago in 1959, The Second City has become the premiere training ground for the comedy world's best and brightest, according to Max Morley, director of program and development for the University Series.

"Their alumni list reads like a who's who of American comedy as it includes

Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, Robert Klein, Peter Boyle, John Belushi, Harold Ramis, John Candy, Gilda Radner, Dan Akroyd, Martin Short, George Wendt and Mike Myers," said Morley.

The six-member cast, who will present a blend of scenes, songs and improvisations, is one of The Second City's three national touring groups. The company also maintains resident theaters in Chicago, Toronto, Detroit and Cleveland. The Second City's television series "SCTV," which aired for seven years and won two Emmy awards, can still be seen in reruns across North America.

"Our audience will have a chance to see comedy stars in the making as well as hilarious satire and cutting-edge improvisation," said Sylvia Bierschenk, director of arts information for the SFA College of Fine Arts. "Almost all Second City actors got their start in the touring companies, including Bill Murray, Bonnie Hunt, Chris Farley and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. We are in for a rare treat, indeed."

The show is recommended for mature audiences only.

Tickets are $30, $24, $18 and $12. Discounts are available for seniors and students.

For more information, please call (936) 468-6407 or 1-888-240-ARTS.

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