The Second City announced plans Tuesday to open a physical location in New York this November, alongside its first slate of shows and cast.
The improvisational comedy enterprise, 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. Set to open on Nov. 16, the venue will feature two cabaret-style live theaters, seven Training Center classrooms, and a full-service restaurant and bar.
The Second City currently has two other physical locations, with its Toronto location celebrating its 50th year, followed by a 65th anniversary for The Second City Chicago in 2024. The opening of the New York location arrives as the comedy brand looks to expand content offerings onto new platforms beyond the live stage, according to the company.
“There is no better way to kick off our 65th anniversary celebrations than by opening the doors to The Second City New York in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. As the center of global culture and entertainment, New York represents a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our world-renowned brand of comedy-based entertainment with an incredible NYC-based cast, and to deliver our proprietary Yes, And… improv-based training,” said Ed Wells, The Second City CEO. “Building upon our storied history and decades of success in Chicago and Toronto, we are thrilled to improvise a whole new adventure with the New York City community.”
The location’s inaugural slate includes The First City Revue, holiday-themed interactive comedy show Jack Frost Roasting on an Open Fire and Improv Holiday Brunch. The Second City’s first-ever New York-based cast will includes E.J. 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 serving as artistic director NYC and Matt Prigge as producer. Jeff Bouthiette is musical director, with Kayla Freeman as stage manager, and technical direction from Kurt Cruz.
The Second City opened in 1959 as a small comedy cabaret, and is credited with helping launch and bolster the careers of comedy and entertainment greats like 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 as well as the late Alan Arkin, John Belushi, Chris Farley, John Candy and Gilda Radner.