Jet City Improv Presents MEN OF ACTION, Now thru 9/20

Grab your fedora and your bullwhip for a tale of forgotten cities, deadly adversaries, and a treasure trove of laughs. This summer Jet City Improv is proud to present the return of Men of Action, the unscripted adventures of the world's sixth-best adventurers.

Inspired by classic films like Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Man Who Would Be King, this improvised comedy features a brand-new story every night using audience suggestions. At the start of every show, audience members will select the precious artifact at the heart of the adventure as well as its exotic location. From there, the skilled but ungraceful adventuring duo of Paul Newcastle (Jon Axell) and David Duffy (Jeremy Brown) will set off with their wealthy and treacherous colleague Emma Brightwood (Phoebe Richards) to reclaim the powerful artifact while battling dangerous foes like the Illuminati, Nazis, and Fu Manchu.

"I want audiences to feel like they just encountered something like a carnival ride" said Mike Christensen, the creator and director of the show. "The actors will be surprising each-other at every turn with plot twists, secret motives, action sequences, and outlandish characters. All of the surprises that come with improv really fit this style of classic adventure tales. The actors are feeling a thrill, and I think the audience will as well."

The cast features a variety of improvisers and actors, most of whom are returning from the show's first run in 2010: Phill Arensberg (JCI's Lost Folio), Jon Axell (JCI's Austen Translation), Jeremy Brown (JCI's ZombieTown), Jeannine Clarke (JCI's Austen Translation), Graham Downing (JCI's Funbucket),Margaret Erickson (JCI's World's Fair), Dusty Lee (JCI's Twisted Flicks), Erin Plischke (JCI's Twisted Flicks), Phoebe Richards (JCI's Twisted Flicks),Jen Rizor (JCI's Election Show), Trent Walkiewicz (JCI's It's Your Wonderful Life), and Dan Zertuche (JCI's Bunker 13). It is directed by Mike Christensen (JCI's Bunker 13 and Twisted Flicks). The show features costume design by Jeannine Clarke, set design by Mike Christensen and Randy Miller, and technical direction by Jen Cargill.

The production runs Thursday and Friday nights from today, Aug 1 to Sep 20 with a special Opening Night Gala on Aug 1 featuring a Q & A with the actors followed by complimentary cake and champagne. There are no performances on Aug 29 and 30. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 (with ID) for students, seniors, and military personnel and TPS members.

Photo by Mike Christensen