Chicago - Official Visitors Guide - (Page 42) choosechicago.com curtain Chicago’s theater scene is undoubtedly alive and well. Whether you’re looking to catch the hottest new Broadway musical as it begins a national tour, laugh until it hurts at one of the city’s comedy clubs or take in some classic Shakespeare, you’ll certainly find it in Chicago. call Where Stars are Born Chicago’s robust theater and comedy scene have served as proving grounds for the city’s burgeoning talent for decades, giving rise to its fair share of extraordinary talent. Comedian and actor Bernie Mac (pictured) grew up on Chicago’s south side, and began his comedy on El platforms before winning his way into local comedy clubs. His real-life experiences raising his sister’s three children parlayed into material for his acclaimed comedy series, “The Bernie Mac Show.” Aidan Quinn, the quiet, blue-eyed actor best known for portraying Brad Pitt’s graceless older brother in “Legends of the Fall,” also got his start in Chicago theater. Born in Chicago, Quinn moved back and forth between Ireland and Illinois during his childhood. Quinn followed his local stage accolades with performances off-Broadway before successfully transitioning to feature films. Chicago-born Bonnie Hunt twice portrayed a Chicagoan in her shows “The Bonnie Hunt Show” and “Life With Bonnie,” proving an affinity with her home city. Hunt co-founded the improv troupe An impulsive Thing before joining The Second City, a gig which garnered her three offers to join “Saturday Night Live” — which she refused while working to get her own show on the air. 2 Photography clockwise from top: ©Weaver Multimedia Group/Denise Chambers, ©Second City, ©CCTB, ©Frank Micelotta pg 42 http://choosechicago.com
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