HOPE, Ark. - Bill Murray, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy - names like that bring to mind a golden age of American comedy.
And they have something in common, those funny folks, having all performed with the Chicago-based improv group named The Second City.
Now The Second City's touring troupe is coming to Hempstead Hall for a Tuesday, Sept. 3, performance of "The Best of Second City," which pairs the laughs with dinner.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a three-course dinner served at 6 p.m prior to a 7 p.m. show time.
Second City has wielded a tremendous influence on the modern comedy scene, whether it's through the Chicago or Toronto theater locations, its offshoot TV program "SCTV" or the comedians who went on to perform on "Saturday Night Live" and find fame there and beyond.
With roots stretching back to its original North Wells Street location in the late 1950s, the illustrious Second City brought a legendary roster of comedians to the stage, including more recent jokesters like Mike Myers, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, in the six decades since Second City opened its doors.
The many memorable comedy sketches and humorous tunes once performed by the likes of Colbert, Radner and Murray, along with Steve Carell, make this Hempstead Hall show a can't-miss treat for anyone in need of laughter. In addition to reviving some of those greatest hits, expect to see the comedy troupe do what it does so well: improv.
In addition to nurturing many entertainers, Second City has for decades taught actors the art of comedy via its workshop program.
Second City now operates the Second City Training Center in Chicago. There are online classes, too, including classes on sketch writing (satirical sketch comedy, in particular). There's a class that teaches how to write for late night TV, and another that teaches writing satire for the Internet.
Famous actors who performed with Second City in the past include Keegan-Michael Key, Joan Rivers, Alan Arkin, Harold Ramis, Peter Boyle, Mary Gross, Shelley Long, George Wendt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris Farley and Fred Willard. Modern American comedy is almost unthinkable without Second City.
Amanda Lance, director of Hempstead Hall, says the venue is excited to host the comedy crew.
"We are thrilled to host The Second City at Hempstead Hall and excited to bring this high-level, unique entertainment option to Southwest Arkansas," said Lance. "The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana continues its commitment to bringing quality enhancements, such as this performance, to the region. This truly will be a night to remember and one you will regret not attending."
This show is appropriate for an 18 and older audience, the venue says.
(Tickets: $55 to $65; tables are also available for this show starting at $400. Purchase tickets via HempsteadHall.com or call 870-722-8565. More info: Contact Amanda Lance at that phone number or email [email protected].)