Classic Musicals Get Improv Twist in 3 BLOCKS FROM BROADWAY at The Annoyance

From Cats and A Chorus Line to Heathers and even Wicked, the Musical Improv team "Rhyme & Punishmint" has mastered the art of creating feature-length shows in the various styles of Broadway's favorite musicals. Now they are ready to bring Broadway to Belmont with their feature length improvised musicals, opening Thursday, June 22nd at the Annoyance Theatre.

After the genre based on an already established musical is chosen by the audience at the top of the show, this highly talented cast then creates a full Broadway musical's worth of scenes, songs and show stoppers. With adept skill in musical stylings from jazz to classical to rock, this ensemble ensures Tony award winning moments for every taste week after week.

"I grew up being a HUGE MUSICAL NERD and watching these veteran improvisers pay tribute to the musical classics in a hilarious and often ridiculous way makes me so happy," said creator Oliver Berger (FRIENDS: The One Where They Sing, Get On Up, The Social Musical, Gotcha Covered). "We are really looking forward to this next run where we will tackling even more complex improvised forms such as Les Mis, Waitress, and even Starlight Express."

"Rhyme & Punishmint" will be joined by "PREACH!" who will be the featured opener for this run. "PREACH!" is an improvised spoken word movement featuring a cast of hybrid artists who speak on the issues Chicagoans face today.

Originally brought together as a team for MCL's Music Improv Night, "Rhyme & Punishment" has been the official selection of The San Diego Improv Festival, The Chicago Improv Fest, The Phoenix Improv Festival. One of the Organizers of The Phoenix Improv Festival Bill Binder said "Improvised Musical is more than the ability to sing. Rhyme & Punishment brought not only the technical mastery of both crafts but the confidence, collaboration, and joyfulness that made the show far greater than the sum of its parts."

Featuring the Musical Comedic Stylings of Stephanie L. Seweryn, Emily Bouroudjian, Scott Allen Curry, Esh Ryans, Jerry Emeka, Kim Grossman, Lexi Alioto, Marco D. Braun, Chip Nash, and Erin Elisabeth Smith. These performers bring training and experience from across the country to the Annoyance Mainstage.

Under the direction of Oliver Berger and Musical Direction by Davyd Reddyk (Thanksgiving Circumcision, Jenna Roxy and the Church of Modern Love, 3 Blocks From Broadway ) this group finds the nuances in both dramatic and comedic moments. Whether you love Broadway, would love to love Broadway, or love to hate Broadway, this show has something for everyone.

"3 Blocks from Broadway" returns to the Annoyance Mainstage at 8 p.m. on June 22nd, and will continue to run on Thursdays at 8 p.m. through July 27th. Tickets are $15 and opportunities to win free tickets can be found at www.facebook.com/rhymeandpunishmint. For more information, visit the Annoyance website, www.theannoyance.com or call the box office at 773.697.9693. The Annoyance is located at 851 W. Belmont, Chicago, IL 60657.