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.
If you’re a Martin Short fan, this week’s clip from The Second City is an extra special treat. From Second City Toronto’s 15th anniversary special in 1988, the above clip is an interesting mix of behind-the-scenes and onstage footage of a young Martin Short that’s a great illustration of how one sketch or character goes from an idea to improvised scene to scripted television sketch. The “Brad & Flo†scene was originally performed at Toronto’s 1978 revue Saturday Night Beaver, which featured Short, Robin Duke, Cathy Gallant, Steven Kampmann, and Peter Torokvei and was directed by Eugene Levy. Check out some other clips from the anniversary special here and here.