Wednesday night, I checked out 2 improv shows from ITC (Impatient Theatre Co). The first revolved around acting out a scene based on the answers given by an audience member such as "Who is your favourite historical heroine?" or "What is your favourite Virtue?" The show had some funny moments but there were problems that made the show drag. First, there were too many questions asked. It was upward of 13 or more. Two, the emcee did not keep the pace brisk: the interviewee had either long pauses while they searched for an answer or ramble on about their choices. Finally, too many members of the troupe were dead weight. Out of 8 or so on stage, only 4 had the quick-witted acumen to improvise funny situations and dialogue. (C+)
But that first show was a laugh riot compared to the second. This show had the format of "Remember That Time". Based on the suggestion of a "concert", the 5 improvisers were 5 concert goers who weren't having much fun. Then for the next 40 minutes, we saw scenes leading up to that concert and afterwards. Turns out they were all co-workers. Like the TV show "The Office", these office drones spoke in monotone voice, often trailing off or pausing querulously. Unfortunately, this made for long stretches of unfunny silence. It's hard to improvise when your partner doesn't speak or interacts very much. (F)
The best part of the evening was a cute pixie-hair girl named Molly. She made a great interviewee in the first show and emceed the second show. Too bad we didn't see more of her comedy chops.
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