MadLab Announces FFN's Date Night, 1/31-2/16

MadLab will present FFN's Date Night, true life tales of love re-told as only FFN can do it-- through improv in a not so true way-- at 8:00, February 1st- February 16th, Fridays and Saturdays, opening Thursday January 31st at MadLab Theatre and Gallery, 227 N. 3rd St., Columbus.

Tickets cost $10, $8 Students/Seniors, $6 Members. Call 614-221-5418 or visit http://www.madlab.net/MadLab/Buy_Tickets.html.

MadLab presents FFN's Date Night:

Thursday January 31 8pm
Friday February 1 8pm
Saturday February 2 8pm
Friday February 8 8pm
Saturday February 9 8pm
Friday February 15 8pm
Saturday February 16 8pm

All performances at: MadLab, 227 N. 3rd St., Columbus, Ohio, www.madlab.net

Ticket prices are $10 for general admission, $8 for students/seniors, $6 for MadLab members.. For reservations call 614.221.5418 or send to publicity@madlab.net.

Cast/Crew:

Andy Batt - Director

The Players: Vicki Andronis, Andy Batt, Sarah Brunet, Peter Graybeal, Josh Kessler, Chris Lane, Erin Prosser, Nikki Smith, David Thonnings, and Stephen Woosley

Back by popular demand, this Valentine's Day, Full Frontal Nudity will tell you a story of love ... YOUR story of love! Based on the best and worst true-romantic stories you tell us, FFN will retell that story from a different point of view. New characters! New circumstances! Maybe an alien or two, who knows? You'll have to come to the show to find out.

Hello, Goodbye

Every year FFN's Valentine's Day show has a different twist on love and often times, the love stories of those in the audience. This year there is a twist offstage as it is the final show for Sarah Brunet, a member of the troupe since 2004, before she moves to New York. At the same time, Erin Prosser, an improv veteran, formerly with the Shimmy Shake Project and The Downright 5, will be joining the troupe, their first new addition since 2006.

Below, members of FFN share their thoughts on the transition:

FFN leader Andy Batt: I first met and worked with Sarah back in 2004. It wasn't until 2005 that I found out she had a bit of improvisational training. From my first experiences working with her, she brought an exuberance and energy to the troupe that was much needed at the time. FFN had been stagnating at the time doing the same kind of shows for a few years. The advent of FFN moving to long form coincided perfectly with Sarah's (and others) joining the group. She immediately provide a much needed shot in the arm to what we were doing and our energy on stage. We had the same group of people for quite a while we were probably all a bit tired of each other. For all those reasons, most of all her talent, it will be a tremendous loss to be without Sarah in the coming shows/years.

Fast forward nearly 8 years later. FFN has had the same core group of people again (albeit a much different core group than what we had when Sarah joined), and one could say that same stagnancy is starting to set in again. Enter Erin Prosser. Much in the same mold of Sarah, Erin brings a positive energy, imagination, and stage presence that will serve us well moving forward with or without Sarah.

FFN co-founder Chris Lane:

On Erin Prosser: When I was teaching/coaching her in improv, besides her natural ability, two things stuck out to me: I always advised my students to take notes and/or keep a diary. Erin was one of the few who ever did that. That to me, showed a lot of commitment. The other thing that was just plain fun for me, as an older and sometimes disillusioned performer, is how much energy and bounce she brought to "warm ups". It was refreshing to witness.

On Sarah Brunet: One word: Dedication. She auditioned for me a few years ago for a Theatre Roulette play called "Cat in Her Head". I, of course, already knew Sarah and had worked with her before. She was the ONLY actress who showed up to audition for that role with one of the monologues from that piece memorized. She wanted it. Bad. That goes a long way for a director. So during the rehearsal process for this show, we sometimes had to have Friday evening rehearsals. She was always willing to stay late and we would work together on character and motivation. It was an awesome experience. She will be missed. More than she knows.

Deep thoughts from FFN vet Josh Kessler: Wait, so is Erin really going to be performing with us instead of Sarah, or is this like that Melissa Bair/Michelle Batt swap that supposedly happened a few years back?

I'm sad to see Sarah leave, I'm happy to see Erin join, and I'm thrilled to still be the only person in the group with something other than two syllables in his first name.

It sucks to be losing one of Columbus's best improvateurs, but we're gaining another great performer. At least our brunettes to blonds ratio remains the same.

I wish I had the energy and commitment that Sarah has on stage. She is truly one of the best. FFN will not be the same without her.

Erin has been stepping in to play with us without missing a beat. That's a testament to what a funny, smart improvatuer she is. We're lucky to have her playing with us.

David Thonnings shares some of his favorite things about Sarah Brunet:

1. The kindest and the roughest French Canadian I know. Well, she's the only French Canadian I know.
2. "I got Belled!"
3. She can play the most believable old lady with hunched back and all!
4. Commits to a scene, to a character balls to the walls.
5. She can tell amazing childhood stories that always end up with the great dane being involved

And finally the woman of the hour, Sarah Brunet, reflects on her FFN years:

• From Love Hurts to this, 8 years with this troupe, they are like my second family. It still hasn't sunk in that I won't be here for the next show.

• There are too many people and memories to put in writing. Plus my memory sucks, so I will have the story all wrong! I have learned a lot from this troupe, from the coaching of Andy and Cruz, to the unique talents and special touches other troupe members brought to a scene. I am happy to have had the chance to work with so many talented people, especially when the troupe was 15 strong.

• I am so excited to get the chance to perform with Erin before I leave, but sad we only have this one opportunity. I am especially happy she is a brunette! Keeping the streak going!

• Oh and with all the press I am feeling no pressure to go out on a high note. :)