Drop Me a Line
September 29th, 2008 by Richard MacPhersonImprovoganza just concluded three days of completely made up material. Honolulu was treated to mainland and local improv groups using three different venues. Downtown is quickly becoming Hawaii’s very own theater district. Credit goes to TAG, Mark’s Garage and the new kid on the block, Laughtrack Theatre.
On Saturday night I saw Loose Screws, 7 Foot Baby, and Dart Mondo. Here’s what I learned: The Screws need to be tightened; 7 Foot felt just the right height; and Dart Mondo was sharp but sitting in the house they seemed more like a condo. (I know that last one doesn’t make sense but the names don’t either.)
Improvisation can sometimes produce wonderfully inspired humor and other times I can’t bear to look because a comedic train wreck is in full view on the stage. Probably better to keep things simple rather than an extended piece which can exhaust the joke factor and force the performers to resort to potty jokes to save them. Three or four members seems like a good mix so you don’t crowd the stage with people standing around like some kind of tag team event. I also think it important to have a device or signal to save a scene that’s dying. 7 Foot Baby with their built in music refrain had a novel way of moving the action.
I love comedy and I’m old school when it comes to the stage. When a joke is polished, timed and delivered with skill, it’s the mark of a craftsman. What is wonderful to watch is sheer exuberance some performers can bring to improvisation. You can catch a glimpse in someone’s eye and you know they’re on a true high.
Finally, there needs to be a school for masters of ceremony. Nothing is more annoying to me than someone who shrugs it off and thinks they can just fumble around for words and make it seem like there doing everyone a favor by being there. Get and act, get some jokes or let the professionals do it.
Tags: Improvisation
September 29th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Sorry you didn't enjoy the Loose Screws show, Richard! That was the final performance of 'Spaced 1919." We'll be performing our regular game-show format (sort of like Whose Line Is It Anyways) this Friday at our "secret show." (details at the improvhawaii.org website)
Sorry you didn't get a chance to see the other acts at Improvaganza - notably P-Graph from Austin, Texas who performed a brilliant improvised French Farce; Snake and Bunny from New York who are a remarkable two-woman improv duo; and On The Spot in their music performance. The first night of the festival also featured some outstanding local improv by Garrick Paikai, Owltastic, The Initiative and Casual Threat.
One of the great things about improv is that every show is different. If you have a chance, I encourage you to check out the weekly improv shows at Laughtrack - Friday and Saturday nights at 8 and 10 - as well as the regular performance by On The Spot.
It was nice to see you at an improv gig! I think the last time I saw you at something improv related was that Jeff Wirth workshop 10 or so years ago. Welcome back!
September 29th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I am happy that you came to watch!
There is more improv that I want to invite you to see. If you are available there will be shows at Laughtrack theater every Friday and Saturday.
Hope to see yah there!