Second City honors Gilda Radner in wake of controversy

In the wake of the recent flap surrounding Gilda's Club Madison renaming its chapter the Cancer Support Community Southeast Wisconsin, the Second City announced on Friday it will host a panel discussion, "Celebrating Gilda," in honor of the late comedian on Thursday, December 6 at 5pm in the UP Comedy Club.

Last week the Madison chapter of the nationwide org announced it was changing its name based on the lack of recognition young people have for Gilda Radner, the late comedian who got her start at the Second City Toronto and was best known for a wide range of characters she portrayed on SNL. The Chicago chapter plans on keeping its name. "We believe that Gilda Radner is iconic and will be remembered for generations," said Gilda's Club Chicago CEO LauraJane Hyde. "Each affiliate is run independently. For our part we believe the spirit of Gilda Radner is essential to our mission." Second City executive vice president Kelly Leonard weighed in via facebook. "Please know that Gilda's Club Chicago will REMAIN Gilda's Club Chicago," he said. "Please support this amazing institution that will ALWAYS be named after the wonderful Gilda Radner."

The Thursday panel will be 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. Confirmed panelists include current Mainstage ensemble members Katie Rich and Mary Sohn and alumni Claudia Michelle Wallace and instructor Rachel Mason.

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.