Beyond the Pale
Alexander says he’s taken that idea to all the Second City theaters: Chicago, Toronto, Detroit, and, opening next month, Las Vegas. (Yet another theater is planned for Cleveland later this year.) The Detroit cast is about 60 percent African-American, and the Vegas spot will feature Detroit’s “best-of” show. But it’s Toronto’s ensemble–a cross section of Asians, Latinos, blacks, and whites–that Alexander sees as a template for the future.
Best of Chicago voting is live now. Vote for your favorites »
“This is not a situation in which we are just saying ‘Second City is coming to the south side,’” Alexander says. “This is an investment and a partnership with the community. There will be African-American ownership and management along with the talent.” He hopes the south-side training center will put new performers on the 47th Street stage.
