We could go on ad nauseam about improvisational comedy, or we could throw up our hands and say "improv shmimprov."
This is the mutter coming from the bulk of the city's theatrical comedians since the closure of this area's premier theatre sports project Improv Ad Nauseum. Founder and comedy team captain Bas Rynsewyn retired from local showbiz, which left the usual participants without an umbrella to perform under. They just opened their new one.
Improv Shmimprov has its inaugural show on Jan. 14 where they invite fans of laughing to come help them break in the new name.
"When Bas retired, all of us were still super eager to keep going, we had a lot of ideas, so we wanted to carry on," said Stephen St. Laurent, one of the regular cast members who wanted to keep the ball and the belly laughs rolling.
"We're starting off with some new things," St. Laurent said. "There will be some musical accompaniment and there will also be a buzzer in play that gets hit if things get out of line - too boring or too risque - similar to (improv comedy hit TV show) Who's Line Is It Anyway. We are going to have a standup comedian do an opening act, and we're thrilled the first one is going to be Virginia O'Dine. We also have new technologies. We will have a device to help people vote. It was (cast member) Scott McKay's brainchild."
St. Laurent called McKay "an integral part of this process" and singled out cast member Mark Wheeler as "the spiritual leader of our group." There is a healthy mix of veterans like them plus some up-and-coming performers who are learning how to act out these theatrical scenes that take spontaneous and hopefully hilarious turns.
"We are also looking for new members. No experience necessary, we will walk you through it," said St. Laurent, encouraging aspiring comedians and comedic actors to join the fun. The group has hopes for formalizing their abilities to go on tours and perform for corporate events or special occasions, as well, so you can't dismiss their presence with a simple Improv Shmimprov.
For more information, look up the event on Facebook or contact St. Laurent that way. St. Laurent can also be reached by email at [email protected].
The debut of Prince George's Improv Shmimprov is Jan. 14 at ArtSpace starting at 8 p.m.
Snacks and an array of beverages will be available. It is open to all ages but mature themes are often explored.
Tickets are $10 each and available now at Books & Company, from the cast members, or at the door while supplies last.
