STAGE

Second City Looks for New West Coast Home: The comedy improvisational troupe Second City will give its last Santa Monica performance at the renovated Mayfair Theatre on Sunday and has begun looking for a new local home. Andrew Alexander, Second City president and executive producer, blamed the closing on declining attendance, an earthquake-proposal requirement and alleged deteriorating conditions in the area. “The ongoing problems of the homeless and crime in the beach area have served to create a depressed atmosphere, which in turn keeps the night business away,” said Alexander. Responding to the comment, Santa Monica Mayor Dennis Zane said, “I’m very surprised to hear that assessment. . . .” He said the Third Street Promenade area was revitalized with the success of several new movie theaters and restaurants. “The Improv is doing well,” he added. “The scene on the street weekends is lively, with many people around.” Alexander said that the closing does not mean an end to the performance wing of Second City. He’s scouting locations in Hollywood and West Los Angeles. Meanwhile, after Sunday the Mayfair will be dark.