Went into the City last night to take advantage of “college students ride NJT free week.” Saw Alissa and we went to Gotham Improv (UCB didn’t have show times that worked for us). Three groups were peforming: Beaver Las Vegas, Thank You Robots, and The [Something] Orphans. All were below my standards, but it was only a $6 show, so we got what we paid for.
The funny part (for me) came when the Orphans did their bit. Right after they came on, one of the cast asks for “a word”. Normally, improv groups ask for something more specific: a celebrity, an occupation, etc. Clearly the audience is thrown off with his vague request, as the performer is unexpectedly met with silence. I’m good at breaking silences, so I shout the first word that comes to my mind: PARABOLA! Yes, I’m a nerd.
Anyway, they performer clearly doesn’t want to take the suggestion, but he has no choice, as I was the only one to say anything! So, all five improvists sit in a semi-circle and start the routine (or so I think). The guy in the middle chair starts a story to the effect of “So, I took algebra really late, in 10th grade. And I did so poorly the first time, that I had to take it twice. But the next time, I did really well in it.” And I start laughing, because taking algebra in 10 grade is just funny. And taking it twice? Unthinkable. So, this guy is clearly playing a stupid person, doing it well, and I’m laughing….but, wait, no one else is laughing. Why is no one else laughing? So, I slowly end my external laughter and keep it internal.
It readily becomes apparent that the skit has not started and the actors are discsussing, stream-of-consciousness style, memories (keyed off of the initial word “parabola”) that they will perform momentarily. Whoops, the guy wasn’t playing a stupid person, he was just really (really) bad at math. And I was playing the fool laughing at him for it.