The Audio Files is distinctly two improvisational shows with two unique casts. Act One is a modern take on the Noir radio detective stories of the 1930’s and 40’s. The cast uses the methods of the ‘Golden Age’ of live radio ‘to improvise a story with a modern twist. The skit begins with 3 suggestions from the audience: a DC area location, a crime, and a disability/phobia for the detective.
Our scenario involved a larceny (stolen engagement ring) out of a BMW 323 convertible parked at Great Falls, and the affliction of our detective (Gwendolyn Fries – insurance investigator) is agoraphobia (a fear of panic in/of great open spaces). The cast is very creative at generating characters and seamless background noises. A strong narrator provides the story famework, plot, and direction. There are intentional, periodic product placement adverts that are the most reminiscent of the “Golden” age of radio – when radio stars hawked foods, detergents, and beauty products within the radio programmes or entwined within the action stories.
How much of this skit was improvised and how much was prescripted is unclear. However some of the framework was most likely predetermined. In the nature of improvisation, there were some moments of interruptions and disjointedness, but the overall effort was entertaining. The premise and ‘hook’ of our investigative story was not memorable but the characterizations were unique and engaging.
Act Two is provided by the troupe – The Score. This was a creative, improvisational free for all. An iPod was provided by an audience member and various selections were played to set a comedic tone or setting. The troupe members then started a bit and followed it wherever it took them. Some skits were successful and some were “saved” by a “tag team” method of switching out a flagging troupe member. A couple of bits just petered out. Again, all within the expectation of improvisational theater. “Our” iPod was loaded with quite a bit of 1980’s pop music and a few more recent R&B tunes. Scenes from a small town’s lack of change, to a cruisin rap mobile pulled over (“profiled”) by cops, to a “sexy” chain gang in the south were all enacted. Amusing – yes. Difficult to generate on the spur of the moment – yes. A world class improvisation – perhaps not. However, for every awkward skit there was a rewarding and very funny one.
Ah the world of improvisation – keeps you on your mental toes!
The Audio Files information and tickets.
