iO Theater: Improv: The Play
iO Theater Presents IMPROV: THE PLAY Review - Sexy Eggs, Blade Burger, and a Child Sized Casket
TLDR: Two scripted theatre actors play against a troupe of improvisers in Improv: The Play. We get to see what happens when they read scripted lines and their improvising scene partner decides how to continue the scene, not knowing what’s next. Followed by improv scenes pulling inspiration from those theatrical scenes, it’s a chaotic and fun night out.
The ensemble of Improv: The Play
The Missing Link
Us theatre lovers here know there’s a distinct difference between going to see a scripted show and going to see an improv performance. One is fully fleshed out from beginning to end. The other is the experience of seeing the story crafted in real time. But what if I told you, you didn’t have to choose? That there’s a show right here in Chicago where theatre and improv actors come together every week to blend these two art forms together?
Ten improvisers. Two scripted actors. One show.
This is Improv: The Play. The ensemble invites two “traditional” theatre actors to play as featured guest stars in the show every Thursday. These actors bring a scripted scene from any show they like and will perform their lines from it while their paired improv ensemble member reacts. The effect? Theatre magic. Most of the time we are treated to a scene that is equal parts comedic and dramatic while having no idea what is going to happen next.
For this particular show, in our first theatrical scene, we’re treated to actor Aja Alcazar, reading a scene where she’s a young woman, twenty-four to be exact. She joins her scene partner, Lucas Pollitzer, whose currently in the middle of baking a cake. Alcazar tells him her character's drama like her friend group and that she also needs to move across the continent. While Alcazar delivers the scene line by line, Pollitzer brings his own passionate response. He develops into a partner who has tried to be supportive, moving wherever and continuing to provide Alcazar with infinite baked goods, but when is enough enough??
As the two resolve their lovers' spat, the entire ensemble then gathers onstage for their transition. Our improvisers circle each other and become the egg in the mixing bowl from this dramatic cake baking. Now we move to the next phase from the world of a script into improv sketches.
The ensemble of Improv: The Play and Omer Abbas Salem
The Connective Thread
This then becomes how the two worlds mesh together in Improv: The Play. The theatre scenes become the suggestions to build the different improv sketches off of and become the connective thread that builds the show.
That couple baking cakes has now inspired a police procedural of determining is it real or is it cake? The relationship thread becomes two people on a date at a roller-skating restaurant. After the second scripted scene with Omer Abbas Salem and Cory Hardin about a prop gun that was definitely loaded, we get sketches about a retro USO performance, a prop graveyard, and more cake.
As our improvisers continue building, we peer over at the sidelines of the stage to see what our actors are up to. Partially obscured, Salem is watching delightfully as the improvisers start building off his scene. This was his sixth time appearing in the show, so he knows what he starts and he's excited to see where it goes next. If that's not the spirit of Improv: The Play, I don't know what is. Even though improv may be an actor’s worst nightmare, it doesn't stop them from playing along and bringing something new and unseen to the table.
The ensemble of Improv: The Play
The After Party Thoughts
It’s a wonder that writer, producer, actor, and improviser, Cory Hardin, has the time to also work at one of my favorite haunts. We have a bartender/barstool bum relationship which is how I came to review his show. I was an audience member last year and so was more than happy to officially review it on its one year anniversary to see how it's grown and evolved since then.
I love the concept of Improv: The Play where it’s the bridge between scripted theatre and improv. It exercises different performance muscles in both types of performers. And by Salem appearing for his sixth time, it's a testament to the fact that it's fun for both sides of the theatre coin. The actors love seeing where the improvisers are going to go and the improvisers are immensely skilled at taking those suggestions to build this world into one cohesive show.
Where it needs more, in my opinion, is more integration of the theatre and improv worlds within this show. I want more scenes from our traditional theatre actors or them coming into the improv scenes. But for the time being, I'll give my usual matchmaker statement - for those that want improv to be improv and theatre to be theatre, this show wouldn't be for you. But for those that are curious and want to see these worlds collide in one hilarious and chaotic evening, Improv: The Play would be an amazing fit for you.
RECOMMENDED
The ensemble of Improv: The Play
When
Now playing every Thursday
Where
iO Theater
1501 N Kingsbury St Ave.
Chicago, IL 60642
Runtime: 60min, no intermission
Tickets
$20+
Tickets can be purchased through the iO Theatre website
Photos
Courtesy of Improv: The Play
Find Allie and The After Party featured on Theatre in Chicago
The ensemble of Improv: The Play
CAST
Aja Alcazar
Omer Abbas Salem
Alex Beard
Elijah Sloan
Heather Mari
Lexi Putter
Lucas Pollitzer
Marino Korellis
Montrez Hawkins
Nikk Tetreault
Ryan Bowman
Shawna Seals
CREATIVE
James Dugan (Director)
Cory Hardin (Producer & Creator)