Jane Austen Unscripted
The long-running improv Jane Austen Unscripted is back by a clamoring demand for four more weeks, so none will have an excuse for not sampling this extremely clever troupe. Instant theatre is very difficult to pull off, and an instant theatre experience based upon an iconic writer (in this case, Jane Austen), requires even more saavy.
Armed with a single word (at the performance I attended, the word was “tea”), period costumes, generally consistent British accents and a scholarly familiarity of Jane Austen’s world, the company treats the audience to an “All New! Jane Austen novel” unfolding before their very eyes.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that, in her six novels, Jane Austen provided a consistent view of a stultified English society that had ossified over the 200 years since Shakespeare. In the 18th century upper-class life was busy with de rigueur trips to the country mixed in with an unending round of city soirees (French intended) and these become the fodder of the Impro troupe’s send ups.
There was (and is) the thoughtful-misunderstood-young-woman (Michelle Spears)-who-barely-notices-the-advances-of-a-ridiculously-handsome-suiter (Artistic Director Dan O’Connor)-who-has-piles-of-money-and-could-have-anyone-of-the “attractive young ladies,” but-chooses-to-chase-after-our-heroine. And Cecily, her giddy sister (Tracy Burns). Then there is a couple (Brian Jones is the young man)-that-everyone-knows-is-perfect-for-one-another-who-are-torn-apart-by-a-silly-misunderstanding. And, not to be left out, we have a poor-but-stalwart-young-lady-stranded-on-the-road (Lisa Frederickson)-who-is-invited-to-take-part-in-the-weekend-because-she-is-a-long-lost-school-friend. Of Cecily, the giddy sister. Of course, all the men (Associate Artistic Director Brian Lohmann, among others) are gallant, if a bit warped, each in their own way.
Unlike many improvisation troupes, the Impro group (with emphasis on the “pro”) boasts an impressive cast with credits in almost every currently running comedy on television. They are adept at unwinding a coherent plot based on Jane Austen’s classic elements. On the evening I attending we were treated to an afternoon tea, a fancy ball, lost in the mist, a card game, a troubled big game hunter from “Inja,” a piano recital where true hearts are revealed and on and on. The hilarious finale of la ronde had our hero composing a new poem on the spot, to the obvious amusement of the actors (not the characters). And the beauty of this is, we are guaranteed a new story each time!
To the added advantage of the Hollywood scene, Impro along with its co-producer, C.A.F.E., provides actor training in its techniques. They have scheduled a “Stretch, Voice, Breath work, Movement, Meditation & Improvisation Workshop” on Saturday, November 29th. For more information for 2009 classes and events, phone (323) 401-6162.
"Jane Austen Unscripted" continues through December 21, 2008 at Theatre Asylum, 6320 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood 90038. All tickets, $20.00. Phone (323) 960-7753 reserve online at www.plays411.com/janeastenunscripted.