Where’s that spooky laughter coming from? Look no further than Zenprov Comedy’s “Laughter from the Hereafter” at 7:30 on Saturday, Oct. 29 at The Mary Fisher Theater in Sedona.
“Zenprov is the best comedy troupe in Arizona,” said Mr. Patrick Schweiss, Executive Director of the Sedona International Film Festival. “People were laughing so hard at the last show their cheeks were hurting!”
Zenprov Comedy has been compared to the Drew Carey TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” where experienced improvisers perform fast-paced comedic scenes created in the moment based on audience suggestions. Unlike sketch or standup comedy, nothing is scripted or rehearsed beforehand.
“Halloween is our favorite time to perform because there is so much to work with. Getting up in front of an audience with nothing prepared is scary. Adding a few monsters and corn-syrup candies, and it gets very frightening, very funny, very fast” said Derek Dujardin, the troupe’s director.
This show will be special for another reason. Zenprov Comedy will be celebrating the birthday of their oldest fan—literally. Betty Tenschert, a Sedona resident for more than 40 years will be turning 98 years young at the end of October. What’s her secret to long life? Laugh often! She seldom misses a Zenprov Comedy show, so as part of the performance, friends will be invited to tell their favorite Betty story. The troupe use those stories as inspiration for games and scenes based on the content of what is said.
Zenprov Comedy embraces the Del Close method of improv acting, which emphasizes the “group mind” that mysteriously develops during a performance. Miraculously, the player’s minds fuse together to create a “super mind” where they practically finish each other’s sentences—and often do. Laughter ensues.
“Improv is a unique theatrical experience where audience and actors come together to create something magical and extremely alive right there in the moment,” said Shaeri Richards, troupe member. “And it’s funny, too.”
The super minds of Zenprov are Derek Dujardin, Shaeri Richards, Chris Redish, Shaunn Cochran, Betty Testa, Linda Roemer and Mary Carder. This one-night-only performance is expected to sell out so please purchase tickets early.
Shows are PG-13 and run approximately 90 minutes. Visit www.ZenprovComedy.com to learn more.