Adding improv
‘After Dark’ dinner theatre incorporates ‘improv’ acting for spontaneous shows
The new dinner theatre show, “After Dark,” at Brothers 2 doesn’t follow a set storyline like other Feast productions, but involves improve.
Just because it’s a dinner theatre under the same name doesn’t mean audiences would see the same show twice. When it comes to improvisational acting, anything can happen. Revue Dinner Theatre presents “After Dark,” where those watching “attend a ‘broadcast’ of a P.E.I. entertainment news program that covers the lighter side of topics,” a release stated.
Artistic director Sherri-Lee Darrach said “After Dark” doesn’t follow a set storyline like other Feast productions. “We never know what’s going to happen,” she said, as music from the six actors rehearsing drifts into the foyer.
“This has a different feel in that it’s improv and everchanging, because a big part of it the audience decides what happens with the suggestions they give us.” Darrach said there are sketches and musical numbers, but the content will switch during the 18-show run in Summerside and Charlottetown. Produced by Don Groom of White Rose Entertainment and written by Mike Allison with “This Hour Has 22 Minutes,” Darrach said it’s nice to offer something other than their regular dinner theatre performances. “It’s fun for the audience, because they get to watch the actors create on the spot,” she said. “Our sketches are brilliant and there is a mixture of music.”
The actors play themselves, but with amplified energy and fun, added Darrach. “We do our best to showcase who they are and what they bring. “We chose our strongest improv actors. We have incredible musicians, dancers, performers, and all-around fantastic people.”
This is Ben Aitken’s fifth dinner theatre show since he got involved only a year ago.
As a self-taught piano player and someone who started acting in 2010, fellow actors recruited him into the dinner theatre world.
“It’s definitely where I’m most comfortable,” said Aitken of being on stage. There’s great chemistry between the “After Dark” actors, he said, adding the improv element makes for an adrenaline rush and keeps everyone on their toes. “With improv the warm up isn’t going over lines or going over blocking and music, it’s just trying to warm up your mind and get really creative.” Aitken said this performance is all about the excitement of wondering what might happen. “Audiences are going to hear some great music; they’re going to see some funny Island satire, and some ridiculous sketch comedy. It’s the full package.”
For tickets visit the box office, call (902) 436-7674 for Summerside or (902) 629-2321 for Charlottetown or visit www. feastdinnertheatres.com.