Days and nights at the Second City

"On December 1, 1959, in Chicago, a small band of classically trained actors, directors, and musicians came together to create a new twist on an old idea. The Second City opened its doors to reveal a comedy review that hit the country like a fresh breeze." "Drawing upon new talents and traditional methods of theatre, it very quickly achieved a national and international reputation as a center of comedic performance. Generations later, The Second City remains a legendary home of comedy.". "In this book Bernard Sahlins, a founder and the longtime director and producer of The Second City, tells the fascinating story of this remarkable institution, from its earliest beginnings as an idea, through its successes and hard times and pioneering productions, to the present day. In the Notes following his memoir, Mr. Sahlins offers a detailed guide to the staging of review theatre, including sage advice for directors and actors.". "The Second City has served as the training ground for hundreds of important writers, actors, and directors: Bill Murray, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Alan Arkin, Mike Nichols and Elaine May, John Candy, Martin Short, Harold Ramis, George Wendt, Mike Myers, Gilda Radner, Barbara Harris - the list is a long one. Many of them play a role in Days and Nights at The Second City. Anyone interested in theatre and comedy will find engaging and useful insights on every page."--BOOK JACKET.