Something Wonderful Right Away

Something Wonderful Right Away chronicles the early history of Second City and The Compass Players, two pioneering improvisational theater companies that emerged in Chicago during the 1950s and 1960s. Through interviews and firsthand accounts, Jeffrey Sweet documents the birth of modern improvisational theater and its development into a distinct art form. The book features conversations with key figures including Paul Sills, Del Close, and other performers who shaped the techniques and philosophy of improvisation. Sweet captures the creative energy and experimental spirit that defined these groups during their formative years in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood and Old Town district. The narrative tracks how these theater companies served as training grounds for talents like Mike Nichols, Elaine May, Alan Arkin, and many others who went on to influence American comedy and theater. Through their stories and experiences, the book reveals how improvisation evolved from an experimental technique into a revolutionary approach to performance and creativity. Beyond documenting a specific era in theater history, Something Wonderful Right Away explores broader themes about artistic innovation, collaborative creativity, and the relationship between performers and audiences. The book illustrates how a small group of artists in Chicago created a new form of expression that continues to impact entertainment and education.

Readers value this book as a key historical record of Chicago's Second City and Compass Players through firsthand accounts and interviews. Many note it provides raw, unfiltered perspectives from performers like Mike Nichols, Elaine May, and Del Close during improvisation's early development. Readers highlight: - Detailed origin stories of improv techniques still used today - Candid behind-the-scenes stories from foundational performers - Clear explanations of how various improv forms emerged Common criticisms: - Interview format can feel scattered and disjointed - Some stories meander or lack clear focus - Limited perspective beyond Chicago's improv scene Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (126 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (21 ratings) One reader noted: "The raw interviews give you a fly-on-the-wall view of improv's birth." Another mentioned: "Sweet lets the performers speak for themselves instead of over-analyzing." Some readers wished for more structure, with one stating: "The loose interview style makes it hard to follow the chronology."

Impro by Keith Johnstone This exploration of theatrical improvisation presents fundamental principles and techniques through the lens of mask work, spontaneity, and status relationships.

Truth in Comedy by Charna Halpern, Del Close, and Kim Johnson The foundations of long-form improvisation and the philosophies behind Chicago's ImprovOlympic theater emerge through first-hand accounts and practical instruction.

Bossypants by Tina Fey A performer's journey through Second City and beyond reveals the inner workings of improvisational theater and its influence on modern comedy.

The Second City Unscripted by Mike Thomas Interviews with Second City alumni document the theater's evolution from 1959 through its transformation of American comedy.

Free Play by Stephen Nachmanovitch The connections between improvisation, creativity, and artistic expression unfold through examples from music, theater, and daily life.

🎭 "Something Wonderful Right Away" chronicles the early days of Chicago's Second City improvisational theater, capturing first-hand accounts from comedy legends like Alan Arkin, Mike Nichols, and Elaine May. 🎬 Author Jeffrey Sweet conducted over 30 personal interviews to create an oral history of improvisation's evolution from an experimental theater technique to a cornerstone of modern comedy. 🎪 The book details how The Compass Players, Second City's predecessor, developed many of the foundational rules of modern improv, including the famous "Yes, and..." principle. 📚 Sweet's work is one of the first comprehensive histories of American improvisational theater, documenting how the art form grew from intellectual games at the University of Chicago to a nationally recognized performance style. 🌟 The title comes from a Del Close quote about the magical moments in improv when performers discover something unexpected and brilliant together on stage - capturing the spontaneous spirit of the art form.