Olymprov provides a solid improv show offering at the Fringe with Rapid Fire Theatre veterns, Jamie Cavanagh and Richard Lam. Structured around the storytelling of two Greek deities, they emerge to obtain suggestions from the audience regarding the tale they will tell. Perhaps before attending you can brainstorm an object, animal, and concept that you would like to see woven into the story.
For our particular afternoon audience, Cavanagh and Lam produced a story of Marcus, a man synthesized from a Smirnoff bottle (object) by the Gods of Mount Olymprov. Marcus was then sent to a Mexican village to be raised as a son of an archeologist who loves wearing khaki…khaki pants, khaki shirt, khaki thong… It is clear that there are father and son relationship difficulties due to Marcus’s wishes to choose a non-archeology related career. Soon a Mexican scientist would be a exposed to a radioactive beam which manages to strike a passing leopard (animal) outside the window as well. Naturally, this would form a hybrid leopard-man that ravages the Mexican village. The story was easily resolved with the destruction of the leopard-man and Marcus repairing relations with his khaki-loving father. I know, explaining the plot details of an improv show may seem utterly meaningless since each audience is given to their own unique show. However, it’s good to be aware of the amount of spontaneous hilarity that can transpire.
It is evident that Cavanagh and Lam are comfortable enough to challenge their partner’s improv choices. These moments often make for the most comedic moments in the show. At a climactic point in the story, Cavanagh began chewing on Lam’s face to detail the leopard-man ravaging a Mexican news anchor on live television broadcast. I can honestly say that I have never seen somebody’s face being chewed on stage before. Olymprov is a show with diverting hilarity and is a dependable choice for Fringers looking for a bit of comedic relief.
Upcoming Shows:
Aug-22 7:15 pm – 8:05 pm
Aug-23 5:30 pm – 6:20 pm
Aug-25 1:45 pm – 2:35 pm
Aug-25 8:30 pm – 9:20 pm
Aug-26 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm
There is more information about this production at the Fringe Theatre Adventures website and YegLive.ca
-miss. sable
