Second City

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Second City

The Second City is the world's premier comedy theatre, with live improv and sketch comedy performances on stage every night at its intimate cabaret theatre in the heart of Toronto's Entertainment DistrictFirst opened in Chicago in 1959, The Second City has produced generations of the world's greatest comedic talent, including Fred Willard, John Belushi, Dan Akroyd, Chris Farley, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, and Tina Fey.The Toronto theatre. opened in 1973, has  won numerous Canadian Comedy Awards, and launched the careers of beloved performers such as John Candy, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Martin Short, Mike Myers, and Colin Mochrie.  In addition to their nightly performances, The Second CIty now also offers weekly family matinees for young audiences throughout the year.

Second City Concert & Tour Photos

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Fan Reviews

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Captaination
Usually, improv is not necessarily funny as it is clever and thought provoking But the SC National Touring Company's "Unfair and Balanced" is a very funny, hilarious, and engaging performance. The cast does an unbelievable job of endearing itself to the audience. An audience participation segment is creative and hilarious. SCNTC provides a most enjoyable evening of entertainment.
Flint Center - Cupertino, CA - Sat, Jan 30, 2010
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
GoValGal
Now I love me some comedy shows so please forgive me but in this day we do expect greatness from the Second City given its reputation and track record. In fact, I've been to a ton of Second City shows on the road and I am sorry to say this one would rank closer to the bottom and that's really a shame because I usually leave a show like this chuckling for at least a couple of days. In this case, I had stopped before we even left the venue. Yes there were funny moments, but it's a 90-minute show from a company known to put out some of the best comedians so you would expect to laugh hard more than a few times, wouldn't you? On the plus side, this was a good group who worked well together and there was definitely some raw talent there. Maybe they were fresh out on the road and hadn't had a chance to really sharpen their skits.
Flint Center - Cupertino, CA - Sat, Jan 30, 2010
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
JbF99
Nonstop laughs, and creative scenes, and audience engagement made the show something to remember.
Flint Center - Cupertino, CA - Sat, Jan 30, 2010
Nyc :: The Fixx :: Jonathan Richman :: Jake Shimabukuro :: Tennessee Volunteers Mens Basketball
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
heartbjd
Second City comedians were great but the sound system needs improvement for the attendees on the front rows. I would recommend seeing it but get tickets away from the stage.
Flint Center - Cupertino, CA - Sat, Jan 30, 2010
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
AngelaMM
The review was amusing and the attractive performers tried had but the whole show had a warmed over feeling.
Flint Center - Cupertino, CA - Sat, Jan 30, 2010
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
DMP16
The show was very good and funny! Good sketches, all about their 50-year anniversary. We laughed a lot!
Flint Center - Cupertino, CA - Sat, Jan 30, 2010
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
randirocks
It was a fun night but not unforgettable. I would recommend it to a friend for a nice night out on the town.
Flint Center - Cupertino, CA - Sat, Jan 30, 2010
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
AlmaSJ
I was expecting more of a show with more comedians than they had. There were only the same 5 comedians doing different skits and some of them duplicating themselves within the same skit playing another part. I guess since this was the 50th anniversary I expected to see some alumni's pop in or have a better stage setup. I was slightly amused but more so disappointed because I had hope for more of a production than what was given.
Flint Center - Cupertino, CA - Sat, Jan 30, 2010
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
mamasquirrel
We saw the Second City 50th Anniversary Show last night. I would say it was about 30% funny and 70% painful. The dating skit was excrutiating to sit through for both the cast and the audience. Imagaine jokes about birth control on a first date! Ugh! The funniest part was about three couples who play the typical male and female roles and each misinterprets everything the other one says. Instead of uplifted at the end of the whole thing, I just wanted to go home and collapse. Should have put the whole thing to bed after 50 years!
Flint Center - Cupertino, CA - Sat, Jan 30, 2010
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
suehiker
The show was very funny in parts. The improv was a little weak. The intermission was too long. But some of the bits were pure Second City and made it worth the price of admission.
Flint Center - Cupertino, CA - Sat, Jan 30, 2010
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
comedyfan1000001
Having been to Second City in Chicago many times, I was skeptical about how that kind of intimate comedy experience would translate to a 2000 seat auditorium. I still wanted to go because anything Second City would be better than nothing. It turned out to be a super show, incorporating material I had seen in the past, new skits and even improv based on audience interaction. As the cast took their final bows, my group couldn't believe two hours had flown by. All-in-all, a totally worthwhile and delightful evening.
The Wilbur - Boston, MA - Sun, Aug 27, 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Anonymous
I was a funny show. I was happy i went. i would go again.
The Wilbur - Boston, MA - Sun, Aug 27, 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
KSFarmer
Second City Comedy was outstanding humor presented in a fast-paced variety performance by five talented entertainers. It was the best.
The Wilbur - Boston, MA - Sun, Aug 27, 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Anonymous
The show was very enjoyable, kept everyone smiling and wanting more!
The Wilbur - Boston, MA - Sun, Aug 27, 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Brimstone
This show was great. The actors were good and they kept us laughing. This is was the last show but they are having a part 2 that starts Aug. 6th....THIS IS A MUST SEE...
The Wilbur - Boston, MA - Sun, Aug 27, 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
JenSCS
Very funny! Can't wait to see Kwame a River 2! Definitely recommend seeing this show.
The Wilbur - Boston, MA - Sun, Aug 27, 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
JHKS
great fun would go see it again and again. looking forward to the new play.
The Wilbur - Boston, MA - Sun, Aug 27, 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Horns
Put together very well......Actor's where brillant in regards to representing the City and the history, very well done. As a true Detroiter I really underdstood all of the contents of this performance. I have recommended it to several of my family & friends as we could all us a good laugh these days.
The Wilbur - Boston, MA - Sun, Aug 27, 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
amilius
some fun skits and funny punch lines- a good time-
The Wilbur - Boston, MA - Sun, Aug 27, 2017
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
AuntZibba
Second City just doesn't seem to have the edge it used to have. The performance was funny, but not uproariously hilarious. It was good entertainment, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come back.
The Wilbur - Boston, MA - Sun, Aug 27, 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Kritik88
The six performers we saw (4 women, 2 men) were all excellent, very expressive, and very funny. We loved the skits that were obviously rehearsed as well as the improv pieces. They ad libbed when things caught them off guard, and those moments were precious. We laughed a lot and LOVED the 4 women doing the golf routine - they were PHENOMENAL! Great cast; good musical accompaniment; a great show all around. Thanks!
Carolina Theatre - Durham, NC - Sat, Jan 17, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Anonymous
Hilarious, original and overall fantastic! This group had so much talent and had us rolling.
Carolina Theatre - Durham, NC - Sat, Jan 17, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
BreedloveL
This was a great evening of laughs. This group was hilarious and talented. I would love to see them again.
Carolina Theatre - Durham, NC - Sat, Jan 17, 2015
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
BatonRouge99
I've seen the second city perform before and they were very funny. Loved them. This performance was not very funny, overpriced and short. Only lasted 1 hour. Paid almost $40 a ticket. Definitely not worth it! Seeing a movie would have been cheaper, longer and much more entertaining.
Carolina Theatre - Durham, NC - Sat, Jan 17, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
paw27
The performance was fantastic as well as the venue. The only problem that I feel I should share is that the piano/music was too loud. Other than that everything was above and beyond a great experience.
Carolina Theatre - Durham, NC - Sat, Jan 17, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Anonymous
The performance was funny and enjoyable but it was difficult to hear some of the performers.
Carolina Theatre - Durham, NC - Sat, Jan 17, 2015
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
HorseRace
I first experienced the Second City format several decades ago, and always loved it. Therefore, I am sorry to report that I was unable to appreciate it last week at the Carolina Theatre. Several other people i talked with had the same complaint. The piano playing only made things worse - it seemed that a note was hit just when a punch line was delivered.
Carolina Theatre - Durham, NC - Sat, Jan 17, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Anonymous
Wonderful experience at this charming theater for a night of hilarious entertainment! I love the Second City both in Chicago and on the road!
Carolina Theatre - Durham, NC - Sat, Jan 17, 2015
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Anonymous
Okay - not great. The improv was good, sketches not so much. The whole "Durham" thing didn't really work well. I'm sure much of the audience was not from Durham, but elsewhere in the Triangle.
Carolina Theatre - Durham, NC - Sat, Jan 17, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Sunflower89
Really enjoyed the improv aspect of this show and the cast was great! Was slightly hard to hear at times but other than that I thoroughly enjoyed the show and would recommend it to anyone looking for some good laughs.
Carolina Theatre - Durham, NC - Sat, Jan 17, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Adurn
Second City always experiments and tries new things. Some of the fill-in-the-blank Durham material fell a little flat, but some genuine moments of humor and humanity that make seeing Second City shows always worthwhile.
Embassy Theatre - Fort Wayne, IN - Fri, Nov 7, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Durhamgal1
I was so impressed how local the group made the show. The improv was fantastic. We were in the dead last row of the theater and still had a great time. Very funny!
Embassy Theatre - Fort Wayne, IN - Fri, Nov 7, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
NCJan
Fun on many levels both planned and improvised. Well put together show.
Embassy Theatre - Fort Wayne, IN - Fri, Nov 7, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Anonymous
Great show! We love Second City, and enjoyed meeting the traveling tour group. It's always fun to see how they improv about Durham. How do they learn so much about a city and such a short period of time? Favorite skit was the "Our First Date" game show. The volunteering couple was so sweet! I highly recommend this show the next time they come to Durham!
Embassy Theatre - Fort Wayne, IN - Fri, Nov 7, 2014
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
awayfromitall
Only a few real laughs all night. The team tried too hard to fit in local references as if just mentioning a local restaurant was comedy.
Embassy Theatre - Fort Wayne, IN - Fri, Nov 7, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
JeanneDave
This traveling troupe performed some of the best improv we've seen, and that includes the pilgrimages we've made to Second City! Anyone who went, will never forget Gil and Chitra or Peter Fox, local comediennes pulled from the audience!! It was a great night. If you weren't there, make it happen next time.
Embassy Theatre - Fort Wayne, IN - Fri, Nov 7, 2014
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
ChelseaLauren17
I had really high expectations for this show that were not met. I have seen Second City live in Chicago a few times and loved them. Highly intelligent, edgy and fast moving performances. This anniversary show was nothing like it. It was a very toned down and boring show. The actors themselves were good, but the writing just wasn't there. Very, very disappointed.
Embassy Theatre - Fort Wayne, IN - Fri, Nov 7, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
StarRing
It really depends on which actors/actresses is in the touring company. This event was funny but it wasn't side-splitting funny like I expected it to be. I remember watching a touring company at Augustana College (Rock Island, Illinois) back in 2009. It was one of the most memorable shows I can recall because that's the standard I use for Second City even today. If I had to pay full price for this show, I would have been disappointed.
Embassy Theatre - Fort Wayne, IN - Fri, Nov 7, 2014
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
grapenutquilter
I went expecting clean comedy, not what I call clean. There was too much making fun of same sex relationships and foul language, The performance was advertised as having an inprov performance on the history of Manchester. I guess that was the one loud, screaming song at the end. Out of the 2500 available seats, less than 600 were sold. Should have read reviews of Second City, probably would not have spent the money to see them.
Embassy Theatre - Fort Wayne, IN - Fri, Nov 7, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Cheerangel
My boyfriend and a dear friend of mine went to the show on a whim. It was definitely worth it. We had decent seats and the sketch/improv format was just perfect. We did a lot of laughing. I would recommend it.
Embassy Theatre - Fort Wayne, IN - Fri, Nov 7, 2014
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
pick132016
Were very disappointed. Would not pay to go see it again
Fox Cities PAC - Appleton, WI - Fri, Mar 8, 2013
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
PK1000
We thought the comedy was spectacular...enjoyed the show very much.
Fox Cities PAC - Appleton, WI - Fri, Mar 8, 2013
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
asdkf
My wife and I attended this showing for our anniversary. A few months earlier, my wife had stated that she wanted to see a comedy show. I wasn't to keen about the idea, I have seen a number of small comedians, and it can be pretty hit or miss. I instead began searching for something a little unique and was pleased to discover Second City would be in St Paul. My wife and I had a great time. I thought that the comedians were all quite talented and the atmosphere was wonderful. I will be sure to watch for future shows.
Fox Cities PAC - Appleton, WI - Fri, Mar 8, 2013
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
SESer
The Second City never disappoints. There was lively improv and a fantastic variety of old and new sketches with a multitude of different themes. The Second City cherishes the art of comedy and it shows in their strong productions.
Fox Cities PAC - Appleton, WI - Fri, Mar 8, 2013
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Luv2trsvel2005
Anything political - either way is not funny and joking about planned parenthood is not funny. No matter how you spin it,
Fox Cities PAC - Appleton, WI - Fri, Mar 8, 2013
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Skrents
The cast did a great job of inserting local items into the skits. The improv was definitely impressive.
Fox Cities PAC - Appleton, WI - Fri, Mar 8, 2013
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Lugnut99
The show was entertaining. It certainly had funny moments. Some of the cast were decidedly better with comedic timing and with iprovisation than others. Some of the skits fell flat and were lackluster, but for the most part the evening was fun. I don't know that I would want to see another show, but it was a fun evening.
Fox Cities PAC - Appleton, WI - Fri, Mar 8, 2013
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Anonymous
Not as funny as I would have expected. Not the laugh out loud comedy routine. Poor sound quality.
Fox Cities PAC - Appleton, WI - Fri, Mar 8, 2013
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
shellstemp
Second City touring group was a very funny show. They covered so many different topics. Played to the audience. There was some audience participation. Lots of improv. We laughed thru the entire show. Was our first time to the PAC. Great venue. Looking forward to going back in the near future.
Fox Cities PAC - Appleton, WI - Fri, Mar 8, 2013
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Rooney58
Second City is always entertaining and makes me laugh untik I cry at times. This was about my sixth Second City show and this one was average to below avverage for performer talent. None the less it was entertaining and tickets were reasoable for a good cause. I found our seats to be a little cramped.
Fox Cities PAC - Appleton, WI - Fri, Mar 8, 2013
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
HuskerDeej
Live comedy is not always easy to pull off, but these performers were great. Laughed the whole night. Maybe not quite as polished as you would see in Chicago, but still very funny and definitely worth checking out.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Temple Theater - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Feb 22, 2013
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Gunnysack1
I attended with three other people. We have attended several comedy series productions at the Temple Theater. Of the others we have attended, we have thoroughly enjoyed all of them; one of them was so-so but still enjoyable. The Second City performance left a bad taste for us. We agreed that if it had been the first comedy performance we attended at the Temple, we would not return. We all thought the comedy seemed too forced. There were maybe five one-liners that I laughed at ... sort of. Otherwise, either the timing was off or something that just didn't click, plus most of the content wasn't really all that funny. The parts I liked the best were the improv segments, but those which were obviously improv were a very small percentage of the performance. And, even then, the humor wasn't all that funny. "Forced" and "trying too hard" at the humor to get people to laugh best describe this performance.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Temple Theater - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Feb 22, 2013
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Anonymous
The show was great and you can see how Second City cultivates talent as well as appreciate the long list of alumni that started here. But... I thought the show was too expensive for what was presented. $40 per seat is what we should pay for a Broadway play not 90 minutes of improv. If we went to the Funny Bone we'd get a similar number of laughs for less cash.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Temple Theater - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Feb 22, 2013
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Shris
Second City was hilarious . Simply loved the performance.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Temple Theater - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Feb 22, 2013
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Ladylim
We were seated at a table right up front. The cast of the shows were very funny and entertaining. We laughed the whole time.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Temple Theater - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Feb 22, 2013
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Xcalibrrrrr
Thank goodness for the 2nd act. Seriously thought of leaving after the 1st act. Had my son with me who wants to pursue clean-comedy and this wasn't it, that's for sure. 1st act had some really tasteless humor as evidenced when a bit or two got zero applause. 2nd act so much better so strong suggestion to focus more on that caliber of humor.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Temple Theater - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Feb 22, 2013
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
vmgal
What a waste of money. Non-creative, immature, angry political and sexually explicit humor is just not my thing.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Temple Theater - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Feb 22, 2013
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
DesMoines1111
the traveling group of actors is not nearly as good as the actors in Chicago but it was still a very funny show
Des Moines Performing Arts - Temple Theater - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Feb 22, 2013
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Tearsfromlaughing
Hilarious skits! We went with a group of 6 and all enjoyed the show.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Temple Theater - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Feb 22, 2013
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Mymango
Show was reasonaby entertainig. The cast did well with a few improv skits. Matinee was great break from the work day and worth the price with the $15 discount.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Temple Theater - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Feb 22, 2013
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Kate143
This was such a fun show! The cast were fun, upbeat, and easy to like. The sketches were fast-paced and funny. We weren't sure if we would like it or not when we got the tickets, but we had SUCH a good time.
Paramount Theatre - Aurora, IL - Sat, May 21, 2011
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
MynameisEarltheGirl
The actors were fairly good at their craft but the material they used was not very funny. Some skits were painfully long and not much laughter was emitted from the audience when they were done. I would not recommend this show to anyone.
Paramount Theatre - Aurora, IL - Sat, May 21, 2011
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
schnantz
We almost left at intermission. The first act was slow and not at all funny. We are glad we stayed, however, because the second act picked up the pace and had some very funny moments. Overall we were disappointed in the level of comedy - not Second City quality.
Paramount Theatre - Aurora, IL - Sat, May 21, 2011
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
ShanBanan818
I went to see Second City after I was already a fan of their YouTube videos. I had a great time seeing them live. I loved their stetch comedy and they did some classic improve skits too. Absolutely hilarious, witty, clever and all around good time!
Paramount Theatre - Aurora, IL - Sat, May 21, 2011
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
DrBillS
Second City - they haven't lost the touch! Great show.
Paramount Theatre - Aurora, IL - Sat, May 21, 2011
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
imkatieg
Love the Second City! I am so sad that it has left Detroit!! But I am glad I was able to find an event in Michigan on that particular weekend.
Paramount Theatre - Aurora, IL - Sat, May 21, 2011
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Anonymous
Great show very entertaining, a little on the blue side to be entirly family appropriate but not too bad just a couple of cringes and a bit of explaining to do for the daughter
Paramount Theatre - Aurora, IL - Sat, May 21, 2011
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
mkk57
Quick one-liners, improv and clever sketches made for a very entertaining evening and never a dull moment.
Paramount Theatre - Aurora, IL - Sat, May 21, 2011
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Couple2
Great experience! The improv and audience participation was best. All the references to cell phones and iPods are so true. Worth every penny.
Paramount Theatre - Aurora, IL - Sat, May 21, 2011
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Anonymous
I wasn't sure what to expect......we loooooved it. Super funny :)
Paramount Theatre - Aurora, IL - Sat, May 21, 2011
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
ardeen
I love second city but hate to drive into chicago - I wished they would have done some of the skits from the chicago show - but loved what they did anyway.
Montrose Room InterContinental O'Hare - Rosemont, IL - Sat, Apr 9, 2011
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
JohnB52
Second City always leaves us laughing and their skills at improv never cease to amaze. The folks who performed Friday at Waukegan all have the potential to become A-list players. The remodeled Genesse Theater is a fantastic place to see anything.
Montrose Room InterContinental O'Hare - Rosemont, IL - Sat, Apr 9, 2011
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Funny4some
The skits were funny BUT way too many "F-Bombs" for my liking. The group did an improv based on input from the audience and had some funny lines.
Montrose Room InterContinental O'Hare - Rosemont, IL - Sat, Apr 9, 2011
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
5travellovers
The show was entertaining, not wildly hilarious, but we enjoyed it. The one disappointing thing was that the theater was only about 25% full. I think it may have been more fun with a full house.
Montrose Room InterContinental O'Hare - Rosemont, IL - Sat, Apr 9, 2011
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ogio
Terrific show in a fabulous venue. If you have not been to the Genesee Theater you need to go. Great acoustics and not a bad seat in the house. The renovation work is superb!!!!
Montrose Room InterContinental O'Hare - Rosemont, IL - Sat, Apr 9, 2011
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
RennerClan
First time at the Burnsville Performing Arts center. It is a beautiful building and the Second City performance was hilarious. I would definitely go see this group again. A lot of fun had by all.
Montrose Room InterContinental O'Hare - Rosemont, IL - Sat, Apr 9, 2011
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
pulltabq
I was totally disappointed with the event.....I guess I expected more things for a silent auction. I think whomever was on the board for getting items should have put them selves out there to make it a success. Also we left before the intermission, the acts were not that good. I paid $170.00 for 2 tickets, I feel I did not get close to my monies worth. I would not recommend this to anyone and I will never go again. I realize it was a fund raiser, but how can you raise funds for Burnsvile Art Center if you just make it a simple thing. ...I would rather had went out to dinner for that much money. At least if the food was bad I would have received some sort of reimbursement................. NOT A FAN
Montrose Room InterContinental O'Hare - Rosemont, IL - Sat, Apr 9, 2011
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
SabrinaBBC
we got good seats per ticket, but all first three row's tables were marked with reserved for a group of people that apparently knew the employees of the hotel in person. It's a shame. Other than that, the show was pretty good.
Montrose Room InterContinental O'Hare - Rosemont, IL - Sat, Apr 9, 2011
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