ATHENS — The UGA Performing Arts Center will inaugurate the new Off-Broadway series with two performances by Chicago's legendary comedy theater, The Second City, Monday and Tuesday in the Ramsey Concert Hall.

Featuring some of the best sketches, songs and improvisations from Second City's 50-year history, the company's Fair & Unbalanced show will take audiences on a hilarious ride through present day America.

Founded in 1959, The Second City has established what the New York Times calls, "a comedy empire," and a "temple of satire." Many of the comedy world's well-known stars have gotten their start performing with Second City. Some of the troupe's famous alumni include Alan Arkin, Harold Ramis, John Belushi, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, John Candy, Martin Short, Chris Farley, Jane Lynch, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell.

Drawing from the vast archives of material, The Second City Touring Company produces a two-act review of Second City's celebrated brand of topical sketch comedy, humorous songs and on-the-spot improvisation that changes with every performance.

An evening with The Second City provides the chance to see comedy stars in the making and a night of cuttin-edge comedy.