Presidential Lecture & Performance Series to Feature The Second City Comedy Group

Written by Kate Lepard

Texas Tech University’s Presidential Lecture & Performance Series will present The Second City, Chicago’s legendary comedy theatre, at 7 p.m. March 4 in the Allen Theatre in the Student Union Building (SUB).

The group will perform “Fair and Unbalanced,” a show featuring sketches, songs and improvisations.

“The Second City will provide a humorous perspective on the troubles inherent in our everyday life,” said Jo Moore, administrator of the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Presidential Lecture & Performance Series. “No topic or subject is off limits. Patrons will delight in hilarious satire and quick-witted improvisation. If your parents asked you not to talk about a certain topic at the dinner table, chances are it will be made light of in this show.”

The comedic ensemble got its start in 1959 in Chicago at an old Chinese Laundry and has since become what the New York Times labeled “a comedy empire.”

Through its production of famous alumni such as: Joan Rivers, John Belushi, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, John Candy, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert and Tina Fey, The Second City has generated a rich comedic history. 

“The Second City is celebrating more than 50 years of presenting cutting-edge performances across the globe,” Moore said. “The performers that our patrons will see at Texas Tech March 4 will be the stars of tomorrow. Just look at the stable of famous alumni who have shared The Second City stage since the 1960s – the list reads like a who’s who of American comedy.”

Tickets are $12 for general admission and can be purchased through Select-A-Seat by calling (806) 770-2000. Prices include a $2 Select-A-Seat service charge. Student tickets are free with a valid ID at the SUB information desk outside the Allen Theatre.