SUNDAY NIGHT IMPROV RETURNS TO THE WEST SIDE FOR SHOWS AT 78TH STREET THEATER LAB

SUNDAY NIGHT IMPROV -- a "unique" (Time Out New York), "wonderful" (Backstage), "hilarious" (Newark Star-Ledger) comedy jam session -- continues its 7PM Sunday performances at the 78th Street Theater Lab at 78th Street and Broadway, next to Stand Up New York. Call 212-353-7716 for reservations.

The show, which began in 1992, mixes and matches experienced improvisers from a wide variety of successful New York City improv groups. The fluctuating cast members are all alumni of -- or current performers at -- such groups as Chicago City Limits, First Amendment, Johnny Lunchpail, The Chainsaw Boys, Ka-Baam! and The Improvoholics.

In addition to improvised skits, playlets and games, each 90-minute performance also includes a number of breathtaking musical segments, including its most audience-pleasing form, "Can You Sing This?" -- a series of composed-on-the-spot songs with audience-concocted titles and audience-determined styles ranging from operetta to rap.

The Jam began its run at the Village's Westbeth Theater, then moved to Morningside Heights for extended runs at the West End Cafe and The HomeGrown Theater followed by two seasons at the West Side YMCA's historic Little Theater. It was last seen at the Chicago City Limits Theater on 60th Street.

The new Sunday Night Improv shows are at the 78th Street Theater Lab, 236 West 78th Street, just off Broadway, every Sunday at 7PM. Admission is $10. Reservations: 212-353-7716.

"We're looking forward to a wonderful season of jams," said Tom Soter, the show's producer and emcee.

Tom's popular Monday night "Improv for Everyone" class continues, at the 78th Street Theater Lab, 236 West 78th Street, 7-9 PM.

It’s not Whose Line is it Anyway?, but it’s close. Unlike the TV program, this one is live, a show where you can see improvisational comedy legends mixing it up with improv up-and-comers in a free-wheeling mixture of skits, songs, and stories, all based on audience suggestions.

Soter’s show is a comedy jam, which mixes and matches improvisers from a variety of New York City groups. Cast members (most of whom are moonlighters with daytime careers) are all current performers or alumni of such groups as the venerable Chicago City Limits, Tom Carrozza's First Amendment, Matt Ostrom's highly acclaimed Johnny Lunchpail, The Chainsaw Boys, Some Assembly Required, The New York Improv Squad, The Pollyannas, The Heartless Floozies, Ka-Baam!, The Next Big Broadway Musical, The Improvoholics, and the amazing Wingnuts.

In addition to improvised skits, playlets, and games, each performance includes a number of improvised musical segments, including the popular “Can You Sing This?”, a series of original, composed-on-the-spot songs with audience-concocted titles and audience-determined styles (rap, operetta, folk, blues, tango, etc.). Live improvised piano accompaniment supports, abets, and guides the performers.

For reservations: (212) 353-7716.

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