Second City said Friday that its e.t.c. space will reopen for shows Friday night.
The renaissance follows the emotional reopening of the famed comedy theater’s mainstage last month. Demand for tickets to the mainstage production, “Happy to be Here,” which has been subject to reduced audience capacity, has been high with most shows selling out.
As was the case with the hourlong “Happy to Be Here,” the e.t.c. space will open with a mix of archival sketches and improv with a more traditional revue to follow later in the year. Although e.t.c. has a smaller capacity and was conceived as a more experience venue, in recent years there has been little difference between the two stages.
Many former e.t.c. cast members, such as Keegan-Michael Key, have moved on to prominent careers.
The new e.t.c. show title is “Out of the House Party.” Most of the pre-pandemic cast and crew is returning.
Second City, which has opted to reopen relatively quietly, is emerging from the pandemic under new ownership, following its sale in February to the private equity group ZMC.
