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The award-winning Impro Theatre presents a rare opportunity to see them perform in an intimate setting with the acclaimed Chekhov UnScripted at The Lab on Vermont, the home of the Impro Theatre School, from May 1 to 31. Directed by Impro Theatre Artistic Director Dan O'Connor, Chekhov UnScripted starts with audience suggestions and creates a new, completely improvised play with every show. Each performance will feature a new Chekhovian world populated by people who dream of a different life, all the while dealing with the everyday unpredictability of feeling love, disillusionment and the certain catastrophe that is the next moment.
Chekhov UnScripted is a stripped-down, intimate production from Impro Theatre, which recently garnered national attention with a profile in December's American Theatre magazine. They have performed regionally at South Coast Repertory, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, North Coast Repertory, The Falcon Theatre in Burbank, The Carrie Hamilton Theatre at the Pasadena Playhouse, and many more. Artistic Director Dan O'Connor says, "This production is a wonderful chance for us to explore the real essence of our innovative form of theatre. The intimate 35-seat theatre lets us connect more strongly with our audience, who have the rare opportunity to see our work up-close."
Chekhov UnScripted is the flagship show of Impro's Spring Season in support of the Impro Theatre School. Known as the home of narrative improv, the school teaches improvisation through artful storytelling for actors and improvisers of all ages and experience levels. Other events in the Spring Season include performances by Impro's Performance Lab, Performance Workshop and L.A. Theatresports, who are all performance companies sponsored by the school.
Writing about Impro Theatre, American Theatre magazine said, "These virtuosic talents simply are as superhuman as they seem. These serious professional actors, classically trained, can write on their feet better than many writers can type at a desk. Impro's work has taught me to demand more from the theatre." Los Angeles Times calls Impro Theatre "Amazing! One of the funniest evenings in town. The troupe spins an entire play into comedy gold right before your eyes." Impro's shows have been consistently honored with "Ovation Recommended" and "Critic's Picks" and have performed sold-out shows all over the world.
L.A. Weekly calls Chekhov UnScripted, "Pick of the Week! You don't have to be a Chekhov aficionado to appreciate this entertaining and clever mock-up of his art. The evening's humor derives from a savvy and seasoned ensemble who specialize in fashioning a unique, full-length play for each performance. The laughs are plentiful and hearty." Stage and Cinema calls the show, "The most authentic and thoughtful staging of Anton Chekhov I've experienced in America. Nimbly directed, sublimely performed, and written all in real time, in front of a live audience. [There are] a lot of laughs, but they're in service of story and character. A great show for anyone who thinks he hates Chekhov, or that he's boring or "serious." Like any piece of art, it's probably an even better show for someone who's studied the source."
Impro Theatre creates completely improvised, full-length plays in the styles of the world's greatest writers. With no pre-planning or prepared scenarios, the performers start with a single audience suggestion and then write theatre as they perform it, combining verbal dexterity and dynamic physicality to bring character and plot to life in an instant. Impro Theatre's performances are unique; there are no repeated characters, no set story structure, and each play is written in real time -- while simultaneously being performed -- by the actors.
Chekhov UnScripted runs from May 1 to 31, 2015. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 4pm. General admission tickets are $20 and $30. Tickets are available at www.ImproTheatre.com or by calling (323) 401-6162.
The Lab on Vermont is the headquarters of the Impro Theatre School. located in Los Feliz Village at 1727 N. Vermont Ave., #208, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Lot and street parking are available. For more information about Impro Theatre, go to www.ImproTheatre.com.
