Fire Rages Through Offices of Chicago's SECOND CITY Comedy Troupe
By: Caryn Robbins Aug. 27, 2015
The Chicago Tribune reports that a multi-alarm fire ripped through the offices of Chicago's reknown Second City theater company in Old Town, injuring four firefighters and another person Wednesday afternoon. Fortunately, the flames did not reach the adjacent building where the troupe's theater stages are located.
According to the Office of Fire Investigations, the blaze, which began at approximately 1 pm, was caused by a grease fire at the neighboring Adobo Grill restaurant.
A Second City spokesman explained that the comedy theater maintains its institutional archives, including scripts, photos and footage from its shows, at an off-site storage facility. Said Second City CEO Andrew Alexander, "At one point, I was very anxious. It has gutted our two levels of offices. But we'll fix it... The theaters are fine. The most important thing is that no one is hurt. Thank the Lord."
The spokesperson also confirmed that Second City had canceled all of the day's performances at its theaters as well as in the UP Comedy Club in Piper's Alley.
On its official web site, Second City posted the message: "We Are Safe", adding "Thanks for all the kind words and support... The Chicago Fire Department is doing a great job handling the fire. We're just glad everyone is okay and safe."
The improvisational comedy troupe Second City began in 1950s, as small groups of undergraduates, including young actors such as Mike Nichols and Elaine May, who met at Jimmy's Woodlawn Tap, a bar on the University of Chicago campus.
The Second City Theatre opened on December 16, 1959 and has since expanded its presence to several other cities, including Toronto and Los Angeles. The Second City has produced television programs in both the United States and Canada including SCTV, Second City Presents, and Next Comedy Legend. Since its debut, the Second City has consistently been a starting point for comedians, award winning actors, directors, and others in show business.
Photo: Second City Facebook
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