Off Book: The Improvised Musical
Off Book has entertained thousands of audience members for over a decade with fully improvised musicals. From a single suggestion the seasoned cast of comedians will create an entirely new musical, complete with brand new songs and choreography every time. "They've perfected the craft...see it twice" ***** Edmonton Journal
I will never not be astounded by improvised musicals. It takes such a talented group of people to be able to pull it off, and Off Book is absolutely no exception. I am in awe of their ability to connect with each other so well that they can improvise not only scenes and an overarching storyline, but rhyming lyrics and harmonies, along with the talented pianist playing with them and the lighting designer in the booth (whole other skillsets I can't even comprehend!). The entire cast had such amazing chemistry with one another, and their comedic timing, relationships, and line and scene delivery were on point the entire time. At the end of the show I went to (where they performed "Pet Psychic: The Musical", from an audience suggestion), I walked out of the theatre humming the finale song, which was so good I felt crushed that it had been improvised and not something recorded so I could hear it again!! Would definitely recommend going to see it if you are a fan of musical theatre in any sense! I would see every show of it if I was able to, because it will always be something new and exciting.
Off Book is one of the most impressive shows I’ve seen. To be able to harmonise with people when you're not even sure what the next word is is talent! They went from the suggestion of Ghost University to a show that touched on what it means to be alive, how bullies are created from other bullies, and some of the pitfalls of religion. We somehow even ended up with a plot to kill the head bully in a freezer. Normally, I would say that that’s just too many things to put into one show, but it all flowed together really well. It had me laughing the whole time. The plot will probably change each time!
Now since this is improve, there's no way to know if something triggering might come up or not. Because of that, I always feel nervous, but the improvisers are really good at what they do.
Musicals are always loud, I wore my Bose Quiet Comfort noise canceling headphones. I did not fidget during this show but I was eating popcorn (Rapid Fire has really good popcorn) the whole time, as well as holding my drink.
If you love musicals and aren't worried about the uncertainty of anything happening you definitely need to see Off Book: The Improvised Musical.