AN IMPROVISED 80s TEEN MOVIE SET FOR Playhouse on Park

An athlete, a brain, a princess, a criminal and a basket-case, along with other classic John Hughes characters of the 80s, will dodge clueless parents, meddlesome teachers and the rough waters of high school social hierarchy during an Improvised 80s Teen Movie.

Presented by Hot Cocco Productions and Playhouse on Park, the production brings the genre to life as improvisers take audience suggestions to inspire the recreation of an 80s teen movie such as "Sixteen Candles," "The Breakfast Club" or "Pretty in Pink," which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

"It's rare to see this kind of improv in Connecticut," show director and producer Claire Zick said. "The actors will create a full-length 80s movie on stage, all made up on the spot from the audience's suggestions."

Each show offers a unique experience for audience members as performers use their suggestions to create a new story in the style of an 80s John Hughes classic.

The format for the show was created by Randy Dixon at Unexpected Productions in Seattle, Wash., and has only been produced locally once before in 2010 at the Hole in the Wall Theater in New Britain. This iteration brings together a cast of experienced improvisers for a weekend of teenage angst, romance and side ponytails. "If you've ever been to high school, if you've ever been in love, if you've ever been rejected, this show's for you," improviser Matt Saccullo said.

The show features West Hartford's Kevin MacDermott and Claire Zick, Hartford's Julia Pistell, Casey Grambo, Bryan Thurston and Allie Rivera, Wethersfield's Matt Saccullo and Bethel's Chris Dube.

An Improvised 80s Teen Movie will take to the stage Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28 at 8:00 p.m. at Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road, West Hartford. Tickets are $15 and $10 and can be purchased at www.playhouseonpark.org or by calling 860-523-5900 x10. For press inquiries, please contact Claire Zick at Playhouse on Park.

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