Second City joins Hubbard Street for The Art of Falling

The last time Hubbard Street Chicago and The Second City took the stage for The Art of Falling, the audience held its collective breath. No one was quite sure how the collaboration would work -- or if it would work. This time when Hubbard Street Chicago and The Second City take the Harris Theater stage, the performers will be met with an audience that knows they are about to see something special. And, they would be correct.

The Art of Falling comes from largest creative team in Hubbard Street's 38-year history, including more than 30 performers. Written by Tim Mason, with Carisa Carreca, T.J. Jadowski, Kate James, Chris Redd and the Second City casts, The Art of Falling met with critical review during its first run. A recent Hubbard Street press release noted that The Art of Falling was "named to “best of 2014” lists by the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and Newcity, and lauded by dance and theater critics throughout Chicago, The Art of Falling was declared “hugely entertaining and strikingly emotional,” and “not-to-be-missed” by Chicago Tribune chief theater critic Chris Jones. The production “has real legs,” wrote theater and dance critic Hedy Weiss for the Chicago Sun-Times, “a buoyant spirit counterbalanced by a genuine sense of gravity.” Kris Vire, associate editor and chief theater critic at Time Out Chicago, said, “it’s hard to imagine a more seamless marriage” than Hubbard Street and The Second City’s collaboration."

The two-act production combines sketch comedy with contemporary dance, musical theater, and improvisation to tell the story of two people falling in love. The audience watches them move from the awkwardness of a new relationship to the comfortable stage when they share secrets to the final act. Yet it is not a one-trick-pony, as the saying goes. The easy mix of dance and improvisation makes for an enthralling performance.

Musical direction, original composition and sound design for The Art of Falling is by Julie B. Nichols, with additional instrumentation by Emma Dayhuff, and Hubbard Street Dancer David Schultz. The show’s improvised scenes are coached and created by T.J. Jagodowski and Hubbard Street 2 Director Terence Marling, with set designs by Martin Andrew, lighting by Michael Korsch, costumes by Branimira Ivanova, properties design by Tierra G. Novy, and video design and production by HMS Media.

Tickets for The Art of Falling are now available for the June 9 - 19 run. The production has already been extended, so don't wait to get your tickets. While audiences did not know what to expect during the first run, they now know what an amazing show awaits. For tickets or more information, visit http://www.hubbardstreetdance.com/secondcity