Second performance by Second City added at Lied Center

An additional performance by Second City has been scheduled Jan. 28 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Lied Center for Performing Arts.

The comedy-improv group, boasting a list of alumni that rank among comedy's finest, was already scheduled to bring its "50th Anniversary: Best of Second City" show to the Lied Center, 301 N. 12th St., Jan. 29. That show is nearly sold out and the Jan. 28 performance was added to meet the high demand. Each performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

Leaving audiences rolling in the aisles since 1959, Second City began as a comedy theater in Chicago and through the decades ushered through those who would go on to become the legends of stand-up and silver screen comedy. With alumni like Alan Alda, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, John Candy, Jim Belushi, Chris Farley, Steve Carell, Steven Colbert and Tina Fey, the once small-scale troupe of satire and slapstick is now one of the most famous comedy theaters in the world. In 1967, the Second City Touring Co. was formed, allowing the ensemble to bring their hilarious improv and sketch comedy to locations across the United States.

Second City TV was formed in 1976 and during its seven-year run garnered 13 Emmy nominations, winning two for Best Writing. The company has also produced several feature films as well as television specials and series on HBO, ABC and CBC. In addition to their successful touring company, Second City operates resident live theaters that create original comedy revues in Chicago, Toronto, Las Vegas and Detroit.

Tickets for this performance are $29 and $19. UNL students and those from other participating colleges with a valid ID, and youths age 18 and younger, may purchase tickets for half price. Call the Lied Ticket Office at (402) 472-4747 or (800) 432-3231 for availability. Regular ticket office hours are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. For weekday evening performances, Lied Center Ticket Office hours are from 11 a.m. until 30 minutes after show time. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.liedcenter.org.

This performance is possible in part by generous support from Whitehead Oil Co.

As part of the Lied Center's ongoing education programming, a pre-performance talk by Beth Muehling, member and co-founder of the Lyp-Schtick Improv Troupe, will be in the Lied Center's Steinhart Room. Seating is limited in the Steinhart, and the pre-talk will begin a half hour before curtain or when the room is full.

The Lied Center's 20th season is supported by Friends of Lied and Union Bank. All events in the Lied Center are made possible entirely or in part by the Lied Performance Fund, which has been established in memory of Ernst F. Lied and his parents, Ernst M. and Ida K. Lied. The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported the programs of this organization through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature; the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency; and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.

For more information about Second City, visit www.secondcity.com.