Watch Jane Lynch Join the Army at Second City in 1989

Welcome to The Second City Archives, in which we post an exclusive clip each week of some of comedy’s biggest superstars performing early in their careers on the legendary Chicago stage. Second City has generously given us a glimpse into their extensive archive of live performances, and over the coming weeks we’ll be sharing some rare and retro comedy never before seen on the web.

This week’s unearthed clip comes from Steve Sheridan’s final night at Second City Chicago in January 1989. In this scene, Sheridan plays a drill sergeant getting to know a set of Army newbies played by Joel Murray, Joe Liss, Aaron Freeman, Holly Wortell, and a rising talent and Second City touring company member by the name of Jane Lynch. Who knew a drill sergeant could spark such a thought-provoking religious debate?

Watch Jane Lynch Join the Army at Second City in 1989