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The Post-Standard News
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May 6, 2006 Improv in 'antics' can improve Tony Curulla, Contributing Writer Part of Jeff Wirth's "The Antics of Romantics" is scripted, and part is improvised with heavy doses of audience participation. The possibilities with stage improvisation are exciting in a kind of "high-wire act" way, reminiscent of exciting jazz improvisation. You have to be very good to be successful. Here the comparison ends because the Appleseed Productions audience doesn't know what it's doing. The pace is slow, and much of the intended humor fails to hit the high notes. Directed by Greg J. Hipius, this production is blessed with a wealth of talent that I would have loved to have seen in a different show, or perhaps even in this show streamlined for pace with the improvisation handled by these practiced actors. Standouts are Mark Allen Holt's Lasivio, a sycophantic, self-promoting servant who connives throughout as ringmaster of the show's premise of marrying off his employer's daughter. Binaifer Dabu's genteel mannerisms are totally believable as the mistress of the house of Prestigio, and Brian Hensley's voice and physicality as Fidello are a joy to hear and watch. Improvisational theater can be exciting, but it has to be done with expert timing and intent. Copyright © 2006 The Post-Standard. |
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