Second City Celebrates Gilda Radner with Panel at UP Comedy Club, 12/6

In the wake of recent news regarding the decision of several Gilda's Club affiliate members' to change the name of their club due to a "lack of recognition" of Gilda Radner, The Second City is pleased to present "Celebrating Gilda," a panel on the enduring legacy and impact of Gilda Radner's life and career on Thursday, December 6, 2012 from 5:00-6:00pm in UP Comedy Club (230 W. North Ave, 3rd Floor of Piper's Alley).

Moderated by Anne Libera, Director of Comedy Studies at The Second City and Columbia College Chicago as well as a Governing Board Member for Gilda's Club Chicago, the confirmed panelists for "Celebrating Gilda" include current Mainstage ensemble cast members Katie Rich and Mary Sohn; Claudia Michelle Wallace, Second City alumni and current cast member of "What the Tour Guide Didn't Tell You: A Chicago Revue;" and noted improv instructor and current cast member of "The Second City's Improv All-Stars," Rachael Mason.

Gilda Radner started her career with The Second City in Toronto. "Gilda would be amazed at the effect she's had on people," Andrew Alexander, CEO & Executive Producer of The Second City stated in The Second City: Backstage at the World's Greatest Comedy Theater, "not simply because of her comedy, but because of the legacy of her fight with cancer and the philosophy that emanated from that battle."

In a statement from LauraJane Hyde, CEO of Gilda's Club Chicago, it was announced the club would remain named Gilda's Club Chicago "in honor of the courageous way Gilda Radner lived, and all our members live, with cancer. Gilda Radner was a pioneer in her life and her inspiration has helped countless cancer patients...and their families face this terrible disease. Gilda's legacy is the core of what we do each day by providing support to Chicagoland residents with cancer and their loved ones. We believe that Gilda Radner is iconic and will be remembered for generations…Each affiliate is run independently. For our part we believe the spirit of Gilda Radner is essential to our mission. Our only goal is to help as many families in the Chicagoland area live with cancer." The Second City applauds their decision and continues to maintain a supportive partnership with Gilda's Club Chicago.

Admission is free for "Celebrating Gilda." Doors will open at 4:45pm. To RSVP for this event, call The Second City Box Office at 312-337-3992 and for more information visit www.SecondCity.com.

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