When was the last time you laughed so hard your face hurt? A plethora of Chamber of Commerce members, guests, and the general public might answer, “It was Monday, February 4, 2013, following the Morrison Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Meeting!”
The event was held at Forest Inn, 20657 Lincoln Road, Morrison, IL, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Following a scrumptious buffet and a two-thumbs-up business meeting, assessing 2012, the fun began. Barney Habben, Dr. Suellen Girard, and Kelly Smith, shown left-to-right, would lead the dessert auction later, aided by Kevin Schisler.
Rollicking entertainment was provided by three members of Guys In Ties. GIT could certainly be called Geniuses In Theatrics! Their combination of creativity, intelligence, wit, and playfulness was fascinating to behold. As an ice-breaker, the audience contributed nouns that found their way into the beginnings of a series of rapid-fire puns. These all began with, “185 (supplied noun) walked into a bar. The bartender said, ‘We don’t serve (same noun) here; you’ll have to leave.'” The punchlines were amusing.
Springan Klima and Kim Vegter played along from the audience, supplying material for comedy skits. Vegter’s answers to routine questions were transformed into lyrics of a ballad about her, with different verses composed and sung by the three men. Nate Klaus accompanied on guitar.
Shown left-to-right are Patrick Adamson, Jeff De Leon, and Klaus after their hilarious performances.
Adamson commented later that each show is unique, due to the comments audiences supply. “This is your own show,” he explained. “We have to agree that everything [suggested by the audience ] is a good idea and follow it.”
Not having a script, not knowing how basic scenes will evolve, creates a dynamic tension which is exhilarating, not terrifying. It also explains why audiences enjoy repeat performances.
De Leon has worked on such skits for 19 years, 18 of them with Adamson. One key to their flexibile comedic calisthentics is “repetition and working with good people.” The framework of a skit will be repeated, but details are always new. That requires intelligence and a wealth of background information on which to draw, from entertainment, sports, current events, products, and the local milieu in which they are performing.
“We know a little about a lot,” added Klaus. He has watched all the classic movies, to be prepared when someone shouts out “Rosebud,” for example.
Adamson reiterated that, saying, “We say we are a mile wide and one inch deep!”
Call it research, like that done by members of the high school’s Scholastic Bowl. One man isn’t a fan of Justin Bieber, but he has to watch him to learn to portray the pop musician effectively enough for a co-actor to recognize. The young entertainer found his way into a skit this night, when an audience member suggested him.
This elite group is part of an ensemble cast called Guys In Ties Improv Comedy, The National Touring Company of ComedySportz Quad Cities. GIT groups have opened for, and/or performed with, Weird Al Yankovic, Norm MacDonald, Howie Mandel, Darrell Hammond, Sinbad, Brad Sherwood, Tim Bedore, and other comedians.
They will amuse you–and the younsters–at The Establishment Theatre, 220 19th Street, Rock Island, IL, in The District of Rock Island. Call for tickets at 309-786-1111 and laugh until your face hurts.