The Second City Brings “Jack Frost Roasting on an Open Fire” to East Peoria This Holiday Season

Comedy fans in Central Illinois have a reason to mark their calendars — The Second City, the legendary Chicago-based comedy troupe, is bringing its latest holiday revue “Jack Frost Roasting on an Open Fire” to East Peoria on Friday, November 29, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The performance will take place at the Illinois Central College (ICC) Performing Arts Center, located at 1 College Drive, East Peoria, IL 61635, as part of ICC’s Guest Artist Series.

This seasonal show promises an evening of sharp humor, satire, and improvisation, offering a refreshingly irreverent take on holiday traditions. Expect a mix of sketches, songs, and audience interaction as The Second City comedians roast everything from classic Christmas movies to awkward family gatherings and festive clichés.

According to ICC’s official event page, the show is described as fast-paced and highly interactive, designed to poke fun at all the holiday chaos that everyone secretly loves — or loves to complain about. The material carries an R rating, which means some of the jokes and content may not be appropriate for younger viewers. This is definitely a show aimed at adults who enjoy a little edge with their comedy.

Tickets for “Jack Frost Roasting on an Open Fire” are available online through ICC’s website or at the Performing Arts Center box office. The box office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s recommended to grab tickets early, as The Second City’s shows in the Peoria area often sell out quickly.

This isn’t The Second City’s first time performing in the region. The troupe has made several stops in Peoria over the years, including last November when they brought their holiday show “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Sweater” to the same venue. Their return this year continues ICC’s tradition of hosting top-tier comedy acts during the holiday season.

Founded in Chicago in 1959, The Second City is considered the birthplace of modern improvisational comedy. Over the decades, it has launched the careers of countless comedy legends, including Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi, Stephen Colbert, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Eugene Levy, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Catherine O’Hara, Joan Rivers, and Jason Sudeikis, among many others. The troupe’s influence on sketch and improv comedy has been enormous, shaping the tone of TV shows like Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show.

For those who’ve never seen a Second City show live, “Jack Frost Roasting on an Open Fire” is a perfect introduction — a blend of quick-witted satire, musical humor, and spontaneous audience engagement. It’s a holiday show that refuses to play by the usual rules, swapping sugarplums and sentimentality for laughter and a healthy dose of sarcasm.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Second City or just looking for something different to do this holiday season, this one-night-only event promises to be a highlight of East Peoria’s entertainment calendar. Tickets and additional details can be found on ICC’s event listing.