It's rare for a comedy show, especially an improv comedy show in New York City, to have a rave review in their press kit from the Christian Science Monitor. The majority of the improv shows I've seen around town culminated in some sort of horrific, hilariously unmentionable assault on an imaginary farm animal. ComedySportz, however, is Family Friendly, and proud of it. But can a squeaky clean show really draw a guffaw from a jaded filth-hound like yours truly?
You bet your big toe it can.
ComedySportz New York, which plays at Sunday nights at New York Improv on West 53rd, is celebrating its 100th performance on February 12th. The show is short form, game based improv a la "Whose Line is It Anyway", with a competitive twist; a pair three person teams compete for audience applause, with a referee keeping things in line. The ref can deduct points and call fouls, which include Blocking (denial of a suggestion by a player or audience member), Brown Bag (saying something that crosses the boundaries of good taste for a cheap laugh), and Groaner (if the audience groans at something, the offending player must offer a sincere apology). At the performance I saw, Referee Jill Shelley deducted points when Red Team captain Robert Z. Grant feigned sleep while she was talking. Tough, but fair.
The games open, fittingly, with the National Anthem. Frighteningly enthusiastic cheerleaders prance around throughout, a smooth voiced announcer keeps score, and a quick-on–the-keys pianist provides amusing accompaniment. The audience sips their beer, eats hot dogs, and provides suggestions for make 'em up games like Nonsense Opera, Forward/Reverse, Elimination Rap, and Film & Theatre Styles.
Founded by Dick Chudnow in Milwaukee in 1984, ComedySportz is an international phenomenon, with branches in Los Angeles, Chicago, Dalla
s, Spokane, Dublin, and many others. In addition to shows, the group offers corporate "Team Building" seminars and events, improv classes, and touring shows.
Greg Triggs is an actor, writer, and director who has worked extensively for Disney, and has performed in improv groups all over the country. He has recently taken the helm as Artistic Director for ComedySportz New York. I caught up with him via e-mail.
