John Candy. Shelley Long. Chris Farley. Bill Murray. The list goes on and on.

They have all belonged to the comedy troupe Second City, originally based in Chicago. The traveling part of the troupe will be performing twice at the Maintenance Shop Saturday night.

Second City has performed at the M-Shop three times in the last five years, according to SUB Performing Arts Director Marcus Johnson, senior in child and family services.

Although the troupe has performed here only in the last few years, it has existed in Chicago since 1959, says Beth Klingerman, troupe member. “[Second City] was started by members of a theater group based out of the University of Chicago that wanted to hang out together, improvise and have kind of a coffee- house feel.”

Klingerman adds, “The beauty with the nature of what we do is topical and ever changing. There will be an interest in [comedy] forever.”

The material performed by the eight-person ensemble is satirical, she says. “We like to challenge people to think and add a lot of controversy into the sketches.”

Many past actors have become performers on “Saturday Night Live” or are associated with other aspects of comedy.

“One of our alums was a mathematics major and wrote us this wonderful piece entitled `Math’,” Klingerman says. “She ended up being a top writer for `Mad TV.'”

The actors must be well versed in current events, pop culture and historical references, Klingerman says.

“We emphasis a well-rounded approach to information,” she says. “Not only does it involve more audience members, but it helps to make a good improviser.”

Klingerman also says it is especially important now for people to watch the show. “With the events on September 11, it is important to escape CNN for a while. We’re going to transport you someplace else for a short amount of time.”