schedule
Swandive Theatre
Full Frontal Improv
Thu., Jul. 30 @ 5:30 p.m.
Fri., Jul. 31 @ 7:00 p.m.
Mon., Aug. 3 @ 8:30 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 7 @ 5:30 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 9 @ 2:30 p.m.
Warning! Adult language
Venue Bryant-Lake Bowl
For ages 18+
Created by Swandive Theatre
Web site www.swandivetheatre.org
genres Improv, Comedy
features Audience participation, World premiere, Regional premiere (Minneapolis-St. Paul), Original script/choreography
Overall rating
User reviews
Improv is tricky and here's why
by Jesse Corder Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
When coming in (albeit late) to this, the game was already afoot and I enjoyed the first half. And then it kept going. And going, until the jokes started falling flat and didn't get back up. I know that improv depends much on the energy of the audience and whether the performers are just simply on that night, but they were not the night I saw them. (also, no one will laugh much at stereotypical homo-phobe jokes)
It's hard work making comedy!
by Fringivitis Vulgaris Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
These folks are clearly having a good time whether they're batting .900 or striking out, and with improv both things are equally likely. They'll tenaciously chase a laugh if they sense it's in the room.
They've still got me.
by Jodi Furness Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Full disclosure: I know these people well. Perhaps too well. One would think that would make their comedy too familiar or predictable to me...but Full Frontal is hilarious! The house was packed and none of us new what was coming next - for that matter the actors didn't either and that vulnerability made for some priceless moments. The cast connected with their audience and personalized the show. The talent on stage is more impressive than I realized and they are more than worth an hour of your time! Go see the show and have some fun tonight.
great show
by dominic calderilla Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
a good show, they have come a long way from their normal theatrical shows. Improv might be another step in the funny direction, can't wait to see more...
Very entertaining
by anne calderilla Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show was very funny, it really had me at the seat of my pants... I liked how the audience was involved and never knowing what the actors were going to say. The hour show went by very fast never a dull moment....
Go See? Not when there's better improv.
by Nick Decker Follow this reviewer
Rating 1 kitty
While actual quality improv at this year's Fringe plays with plenty of seats left to fill (*cough*Comedy Go!*cough*), bad improv like this show pack in the audience.
Swandive plays it safe, sticking to recognizable short-form games recognizable to anyone whose sole exposure to improv are a couple episodes of Whose Line is it Anyway?. Character work was rarely solid, chemistry was never sparked, and cheap laughs were quickly grabbed in favor of a more meaningful joke. When other long-running short-form venues like ComedySportz and Stevie Ray's perform better and cheaper, there's no reason to see this poorly rehearsed improv show.
Improv pro-tip for the actors: wear closed-toed shoes for your safety.
Full Fun Improv
by Shawn Boyd Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Improv is acting at the edge of a precipice. Hanging from the ledge with one hand, the actor may emerge heroic or plummet in failure--a fact that makes success even more glorious. This crew deserves that glory. Their show was fast-moving, always interesting, and uproariously funny. If you fear joy or aspire to melancholy, be warned: This will wrest a smile from you. What a fun night out and what a perfect venue for the hijinks.
Improv?
by Cody Stewart Follow this reviewer
Rating 2 kitties
7-31-09 @ 7:00 pm
Bryant Lake Bowl
This improv could have been rehearsed beforehand. Actors had energy and were successful in the beginning at rousing the crowd. The premise didn't allow the actors to really improv; the rules of the game weren't restrictive enough to make the show fulfilling. Even the loose cues of improvisation beforehand were forgotten by the performers. The show didn't make it's time frame (only 2 audience members life stories were picked instead of 3). Because the show is personalized by the audience (loosely), you may catch a lucky break with this one. I give it a 2 out of 5.
Is it good? YES
by James Lekvin Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Full Frontal Improv is a zany good time with a strong cast of talented improv actors. They have devised a great format (This is your life) to keep the improv flowing in sharp, and sometimes too short, scenes. And the cast manages to make you feel like you are in on the fun, not just a spectator. Really worth the time and money.
Charming, if unfocused
by Bard Husson Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Not high-octane comedy, but the ensemble keeps it going by being charming and likable. It really does give you the sense that they're just screwing around. Which isn't a bad thing. But they could definitely hone their act some.
class act
by Robert Flynn Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
We have a new class act improv group here in Mpls. Opening night was not just fringe fluke; they are good. Full Frontal Improv could give the "big boys" in town a run for their money!
Hijinks
by Ruth Virkus Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I'm usually really uncomfortable with Improv; I keep waiting to get accosted and forced into service. What I loved about this was the way the cast included the audience without targeting the audience. I'm too chicken to volunteer, but the cast was so warm and fun that I was immediately put at ease. Their attitude made the show for me, and it was pretty solidly funny.
Other shows like this
© 2009 Minnesota Fringe Festival. All rights reserved.
