REVIEW: What If? Improvising Your Alternate Universe

Age Suitability: Parental Guidance (ages 13+)

Genre: Theatre—Comedy, Sketch Comedy/Improv, Storytelling/Solo Show

Run Time: 60 mins

Venue: The Staircase | Bright Room

What if you had a fearless improv group granting you insight into an alternative universe? With the skilled talents of Bradley Doyle, Brie Watson, David Lahti, Dina Senior, Heather Eyman, Natasha Bromfield and, at Friday evening’s performance, guest storyteller* Devin Bateson, What If explores a concept that is refreshing and funny for any improv lover to enjoy.

After the guest storyteller* provides details about their hopes, dreams and personal life, the group creates a long-term improv sketch about the alternative universe where the storyteller’s dreams, or nightmares, are brought to life in increasingly ridiculous ways. Everything, including the tech cues, is unscripted which adds to the frenzy and one night only energy. In the rare moments where the scene begins to lose momentum, Brie Watson often takes the lead adding suggestions to revitalize or change the scene. She is quick, encouraging and the very spirit of “yes, and.”

It's difficult to review an improv show as this particular performance will never occur again but it's clear that the easy-going, quick witted trope will take audiences on a memorable journey with a different result each night of their run. If you enjoy questioning this reality and the risk-taking that only improv comedy sketches can provide, be sure to support this production.

* A different guest storyteller is invited each performance.