Chicago City Limits
| Formation | 1977 |
|---|---|
| Type | improvisational comedy troupe |
| Location |
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| Website | www.chicagocitylimits.com |
Chicago City Limits is New York City’s longest running show. This legendary improv theater company was founded in 1977 in Chicago by George Todisco and actors participating in the workshop program at The Second City.
In 1979, CCL relocated to New York, performing regularly at Catch a Rising Star, the Improv, the Duplex, and other noted clubs. Chicago City Limits established its own theater in the summer of 1980, and began a continuous run that has now reached over 8,500 performances. Through the years, CCL has often been joined on stage by many special guests including Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart, Rita Rudner, Paul Reiser, Brett Butler, Larry Miller, Bill Irwin and many others.
Along with the main stage company, there is also a national touring company that performs throughout the country and the world, appearing regularly at colleges, universities and regional theaters. The group has performed at such diverse venues as the Smithsonian Institution and the Super Bowl.
Chicago City Limits offers improv classes for all levels of training from beginners to professionals, including special classes for teens, business professionals and senior citizens.
The group works with many Fortune 500 companies, providing training, team building and entertainment.
History
1977: Labor Day. Chicago City Limits performs its first show at Kobart’s Komedy Kove in Chicago. For the next two years it performs all over the Chicago area, becoming one of the most popular acts in town.
1979-80: CCL relocates to New York City and performs in clubs and cabarets across the New York Metro area, including The Improv, Catch a Rising Star, The Comic Strip, Dangerfield’s and The Duplex.
1980: With a home base now in New York, CCL establishes its Improv Training Program. Over the years it becomes a key learning center for improvisers, actors, comedians and anyone who wants to learn to think on their feet.
1981: The Chicago City Limits National Touring Company is formed. Over the years, the Touring Company has appeared at over 2,000 venues, including the Smithsonian Institution, Lincoln Center and Super Bowl XXIII.
1984: After seeing a CCL show, an audience member asks the group if it would perform at a corporate event for the first time. Today the group regularly provides entertainment, teambuilding training, and business meeting facilitation, for companies of all sizes, including Fortune 500 leaders, the U.S. Government, and smaller groups.
"1987 & 1988": The CCL National Touring Company received the 1987/88 MAC Award for Best Comedy/Improv Group in New York City.
2004: CCL moves to Broadway, returning to its cabaret roots at the Broadway Comedy Club in midtown. The club has two rooms in addition to our stage, allowing CCL to accommodate large and small groups. CCl also wins recognition of excellence from Zagat Night Life.
2008: Chicago City Limits receives the 2008 MAC Award for Best Comedy/Improv Group in New York City.
2009: Chicago City Limits receives the 2009 MAC Award for Best Comedy/Improv Group in New York City
2010: CCL performs its 8,500th show in New York City
2012: CCL was featured on a CBS News Special for their work with Alzheimer’s patients
2014: CCL Moves from the Broadway Comedy Club and returns to their original NYC home, the Jan Hus Playhouse on E. 74th street and 1st avenue.