CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Tickets go on sale Thursday for the first new shows at Second City since the pandemic shutdowns last year.
Chicago's legendary Second City improv comedy theater will return to the stage with new shows at the Main Stage and e.t.c. stages at the theater in Piper's Alley in Old Town.
The first will be a show called Happy To Be Here, which is a 60 minute show with some new sketches, classic material, and some improve. It opens May 7.
Staging shows during a pandemic is the first order of business for new Second City Executive Producer Jon Carr.
"This will be more of a show that is a celebration of making folks laugh. A more condensed show, an hour long show," Carr said.
He said the abbreviated show will reflect the latest safety protocols.
"We want to make sure we have a show that can accommodate all the safety precautions we have to take into account, as well as do a fun show for everybody," Carr said.
The socially-distanced audience will be required to wear masks during the show and capacity limits will be in place.
A year after stages went dark, Carr said planning a show has been an emotional experience.
"Oh 100 percent. It is already an emotional moment scheduling a rehearsal, like that's where we are at at this point. We are just excited to be doing something in this world," Carr said.
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Carr also said he's taking steps to address some of the issues brought up in last year's open letter from Second City performers that accused the theater of institutional racism. That letter led to the resignation of former longtime Executive Producer Andrew Alexander. Carr said the staff has undergone bias training, has produced more online shows by people of color, and is working to make the theater more inclusive.
"And that also makes me excited, because it really does feel like some new opportunities are opening up as we move forward," he said.
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