Challenge and Change at The Second City


It has been a tumultuous time at Chicago’s legendary Second City comedy theater.

Four cast members have quit one of the company’s current shows, called “A Red Line Runs Through It.” It is e.t.c.’s 40th revue at The Second City. Several members of management left as well.

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The exodus followed what some say is an increase in crude, even racist audience comments during the shows. 

  • From left: Lisa Beasley, Katie Klein, Scott Morehead, Aasia Lashay Bullock, Peter Kim and Julie Marchiano. (Kirsten Miccoli / The Second City)

    From left: Lisa Beasley, Katie Klein, Scott Morehead, Aasia Lashay Bullock, Peter Kim and Julie Marchiano. (Kirsten Miccoli / The Second City)

  • From left: Katie Klein, Julie Marchiano, Lisa Beasley, Scott Morehead, Aasia Lashay Bullock and Peter Kim. (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

    From left: Katie Klein, Julie Marchiano, Lisa Beasley, Scott Morehead, Aasia Lashay Bullock and Peter Kim. (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

  • From left: Aasia Lashay Bullock and Lisa Beasley. (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

    From left: Aasia Lashay Bullock and Lisa Beasley. (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

  • Scott Morehead (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

    Scott Morehead (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

  • From left: Julie Marchiano, Peter Kim, Scott Morehead, Lisa Beasley, Aasia Lashay Bullock and Katie Klein. (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

    From left: Julie Marchiano, Peter Kim, Scott Morehead, Lisa Beasley, Aasia Lashay Bullock and Katie Klein. (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

  • From left: Aasia Lashay Bullock, Katie Klein and Peter Kim. (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

    From left: Aasia Lashay Bullock, Katie Klein and Peter Kim. (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

  • Peter Kim (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

    Peter Kim (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

  • Julie Marchiano, left, and Lisa Beasley. (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

    Julie Marchiano, left, and Lisa Beasley. (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

  • Peter Kim and Julie Marchiano. (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

    Peter Kim and Julie Marchiano. (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

  • Lisa Beasley (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

    Lisa Beasley (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

  • Original cast of The Second City e.t.c.’s 40th revue, “A Red Line Runs Through It.” (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

    Original cast of The Second City e.t.c.’s 40th revue, “A Red Line Runs Through It.” (Todd Rosenberg / The Second City)

Chicago Tribune chief theater critic Chris Jones, who recently wrote about the management changes and cast departure, joins Phil Ponce with the latest. 


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