January 8th Show

I did not perform in this show, so I got to sit back with a beer and take some extensive notes, which was a good change! However, I'd first like to say that I thought this was a pretty excellent show, although Kristen (not of the Rutledge variety - Dugan) brought up a great point for the meeting we had yesterday - without clear vision, she hasn't given a shit about the quality of the improv, she just got on stage to have fun. I think that aptly describes the show: good on fun, short on improv. Now that I've indicated I'm sitting in a tower, I'll go game by game:

Intro: I thought the intro was a little weird, as it felt like it came out of nowhere. I think a better music ramp-up would have helped (more energy), or music going on at a low volume in the background instead of crickets, then played more loudly as the players enter. Fine delivery, John, but it felt like the audience wasn't ready and it got kinda awkward. Way to push through.

Beastiality Rap: Game went over fine, although you definitely have to kill it for a team when someone in the audience says, "That was a stretch." But with teams, the audience got into - great! Specific references during the game were also awesome.

Freeze-Tag: This game could have used a bit better pacing (faster), but it had some great moments from Kristen and Eric.

Growing/Shrinking Machine: This game ramped up perfectly, but the ramp down lagged and killed the energy. Not bad overall. Ryan turning Warrens negativity to a positive ("Yeah, cuz I'm you're bitch.") was a great save.

First Line/Last Line: Very good ask-fors and explanation by host to keep energy. However, this was the weakest game of the night. Talking heads with no objective but zingers is not good improv (although Eric can pound out zingers). Also good job by host bringing up energy after a game didn't go over so well.

Chain Murder: This game went over well, although I would have preferred it to be timed. However, the miming was varied and overall quite good, which is the only way this game can be good! Nice job. Audience grab was awkward but handled well.

Diamond: Love this game. Warren did excellent using the stage. Mallory, I felt like you morphed into one of the scenes rather than hanging on to your idea. Overall, I liked it a lot, crescendo was great.

Group Therapy: Planning ask-fors is a great way to make the games run smooth and keep energy, good job John. This game was fine, and went a little long... but okay. Still, could have used an energy boost when it ended. ASIDE: Warren and Kristen were fucking around during this game, made me angry.

Foreign Movie Dub: Oh, Poonjobi. Lol. This game went pretty great, fine improv, but should have been ended sooner (after first dance).

Entrances & Exits: The ask-fors on this one were fine, although a little formulaic. The scene was pretty good, albeit a bit gaggy. Had a decent objective. Warren was a nice opposite to the other players. Wish it wouldn't have ended on a zinger, but might have been the only way.

Switch to the Right: Another scene of characters in a line with talking heads... albeit the characters were fairly distinct. Fine objective, but not wrapped up... another one-liner.

Irish Drinking Song: Bartender ask-for was brilliant, I want that every time. The song sucked. It was funny enough, but totally fell apart. A definite regression to gag-prov.

Freudian Slips: Good objective offer from Kristen, and good pick-up from Mal. One of the funnier lines was a non-Freudian, Mal's "I have ssen some shit." Hilarious. Great audience interaction after game, John.

ID Symphony: I usually hate this game, but I thought it went well, mainly because Mal got into it and others mixed it up.

Weekend at Bernies: Warren used the stage well again. Decent objective for short scene. Jason did not have enough energy for the last go through, this game needs to end with a bang!

Anyone else got thotz?