Shakespeare Unscripted
Improv performance is as old as theatrical performance style go, starting with Italy’s Commedia dell’arte in the 1890’s to Del Close and the innovation of The Harold at Improv Olympic. The Impro Theatre, under the leadership and direction of Brian Lohmann and Dan O’Connor, tackle their greatest challenge – creating a complete, new comedy by the world’s best known playwright, William Shakespeare.
With a company of 16 including Tracy Burns, Brian Jones, Stephen Kearin, Brian Lohmann, Nick Massouh, Jo McGinley, Dan O’Connor, Paul Rogan, Michele Spears and Floyd Van Buskirk, with guest artists Lauren Lewis, Carla Rosati, Jennifer Riege and Mollie Taxe, along with Jim Sabo and Ruben Vernier are light and sound improvisers, Impro sparkles. Taking only a single suggestion from the audience to start the show, and asking which two characters the audience wants more of to start the second half, this band of razor sharp wordsmiths are off to work.
From this they crafted a completely original work in the style of The Bard, filled with political intrigue, sibling rivalry, star-crossed love and most of all constant humor. Be it the use of an audience member’s cell phone going off to sound the entrance of the king or the perfect use of rhyming couplets to end scenes or important speeches, these players brought their A game.
Had Billy Shakes been sitting in the front row, he would’ve been taking furious notes and you know this play would be added to his complete works. Simply put, this show is a must see for comic improv and Shakespeare fans alike.
Shakespeare Unscripted is now playing at Theatre of the Arts located at 1625 Las Palmas in Hollywood through August 1st. For tickets and more information, call (800) 838-3006.