Aug. 31--Second City announced Monday it is canceling this week's performances so the comedy company can continue to clean up after an extra-alarm fire destroyed its Old Town offices last week, though not the performance spaces.
"After a constructive weekend of cleaning and restoration from last week's fire, The Second City has decided to cancel this week's performances to finish work on the spaces to be sure they're operational for talent, staff and customers," Second City representatives said in a statement. "We are hopeful that performances will begin Sept. 7. We will send out updates regarding performance schedules as they're available."
Second City management opted to cancel shows after the fire that started Wednesday in the neighboring Adobo Grill restaurant spread through the upstairs Second City offices. Tyler Alexander, Second City vice president of brand and marketing, said last week that although the fire did not reach the performance stages, the company was being cautious about holding shows because of fire debris in the common areas of the venue.
Ticket holders will receive refunds for this week's performances and will have an option to book a show for a later date, Second City spokeswoman Robin Hammond said.
Most classes in the Second City Training Center are canceled Monday and Tuesday, but center officials hope to resume classes at the Piper's Alley campus Wednesday. Center representatives will notify students of updates Tuesday afternoon via email, Facebook and its website.
The Office of Fire Investigations determined that the blaze started from a grease fire at Adobo Grill. Three firefighters, a medic and a building employee suffered minor injuries, according to a Fire Department spokesman. Most Second City historical memorabilia, including production photos, are stored off-site.
A Second City spokeswoman said the company plans to host a benefit for firefighters to thank them for their service, and details will be announced this week.
Second City officials said they have seen an outpouring of support since the fire. On Friday, Second City encouraged its alumni to share memories of their time in Second City comedy troupes on social media. Dozens of photos and tweets were posted with the hashtag #SecondCityFamily.
"We've been fortunate to be surrounded by so much support and generosity," Second City CEO Andrew Alexander said in the statement. "Our neighbors at Corcoran's, O'Brien's and Starbucks have provided us with work space and the theater and improv community have been incredibly generous with their space."
Classes have been held at various theaters and businesses since the fire, Second City officials said.
Shows originally scheduled for The Martin deMaat Studio Theater and Donny's Skybox Theatre were held at Cards Against Humanity, Stage 773 and The Public House Theatre. The Steppenwolf Theatre hosted a private performance originally scheduled to be at Second City, according to the statement.
