Improv done wrong is a painful thing — poorly conceived situations gone awry, actors talking over one another, lingering delays, sloppy conclusions.
Improv done right, on the other hand, is a wonderful thing. Think back on times you've witnessed good improvisational theater, like your favorite Who’s Line Is It Anyway episodes. (I like the one with guest star Richard Simmons pantomiming a Jet Ski.) When improv works, it really works. Actors amaze you off-the-cuff humor and outlandish, elaborate situations, and it all flows together without awkwardness.
Seeing good improv live in the flesh is beyond wonderful. It’s a visceral, therapeutic and enchanting way to spend an evening. So, let’s be hopeful about American Stage’s newest offering, 321, starring Gavin Hawk and Ricky Wayne. Some reasons to be optimistic about 321:
This article appears in Aug 26 – Sep 1, 2010.