A popular comedy production is set to poke fun at Orillia this fall.
"The Second City Does the Sunshine City!" is coming to the Orillia Opera House Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.
Organizer for the show, Tim Hillson, says the improv and sketch comedy professionals for The Second City will be trying something "special" when they hit the stage in Orillia this year.
"They want to use Orillia-specific content," he explained. "They've been looking around and finding things about Orillia that they find funny. They want to give a show that is sort of specific to Orillia."
The Second City has been operating out of Chicago and Toronto for over 60 years and has produced comedy stars such as Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, and Joan Rivers, just to name a few.
"I think it's fun for them to come to Orillia," Hillson said. "It's a packed house of around 700 people, which is a bigger audience than what they get in downtown Toronto."
Hillson says having a show in Orillia gives The Second City performers a chance to enjoy different things that they don't have in Toronto.
"They really enjoy eating at Rustica and getting donuts from Mariposa," he said. "I think it's like a little detour for them."
Any profit from the event will be donated to Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH). Hillson says last year’s event raised around $10,000 for the hospital.
"It's pretty good," he said. "It's a brand people recognize, and it gets people out."
Hillson says OSMH is a worthy beneficiary of the charity event.
"The hospital is looking to expand," he explained. "They are pretty tight there right now."
Hillson hopes the comedy show can improve morale amond hospital staff, create some laughter and result in some positive vibes.
"Most of the people in attendance are going to be hospital employees," he explained. "It will be nice for them to have a night out."
Hillson says audience members should expect an interactive experience with The Second City show crew.
"They will bring people up from the audience to play parts," he said. "It's ridiculously funny."
Hillson says tickets are on their way to being sold out, there are only 150 left. Before Sept. 30, tickets cost $35. After that, they cost $40. You can purchase your here.
