By Lena Smith ‘24
Photos Courtesy of Peter Rizzo '23 and I.T. (Improvisational Theatre troupe)
It’s pretty safe to say that we all need some laughter right now. Thankfully for us, comedy groups like I.T. are spreading their wealth with the William and Mary community.
On September 18th, the Improvisational Theatre troupe (I.T.) debuted its first performance of the new school year. Not only are they the oldest-running college troupe at William and Mary, but they are also the second oldest in the entire country. Naturally, the group works hard to maintain a reputation of high-quality comedy, with a limited lineup and three practices a week. Due to the pandemic, I.T. could not perform on a regular basis last year. However, the recent lift of COVID restrictions allows for shows on a regular basis- and they are back with a vengeance. The group produced an impressive first performance, and their genuine passion and skill were unmistakable.
The charismatic line-up of students played a variety of short-form improv games that showcased their wit and creativity. Short-form comedy involves a variety of compact stories, whereas long-form comedians continuously build on a single narrative (the troupe does both styles). On top of that, the audience got to have their own say on the trajectory of the show. What resulted was a memorable night of infectious humor and energy, and we can’t wait to see more of I.T. this year!
Highlights of the Night
One of the featured games of the night was called “Falcon”, where one pair of students improvise a scene with inspiration from the audience, while another pair stands in the back watching with their ears plugged. Once the first group finishes their act, the next students must do their best to recreate the scene. Based on the word ‘Wahlberg’, Anthony Piccoli ‘22 and Mac Ambler ‘24 improvised a scene where a shoe shiner [Piccoli] interviews an applicant, none other than Mark Wahlberg [Ambler]. After viewing them from afar, Ciara Curtin ‘24 and George Piccininni-Avery ‘23 created a hilarious scene between a shoe salesman and a coach. Curtin, playing the salesman, shows her array of cleats with built-in wheels and bug-killing technology, while Piccininni-Avery soberly contemplates his options. What made “Falcon” a hit was the challenging nature of the rules. Having to memorize an entire scene with only visual cues, as well as adapting with a partner is extremely difficult, but Curtin and Piccininni-Avery made it look easy.
Another great section of the show took the audience across the pond to Parliament. In “Q-Tip”, one student plays the Prime Minister and must figure out what scandal they have committed based on various questions and comments from the rest of the troupe. Grace Helmick ‘22 took the role of Minister, exiting the room to let the rest of the troupe and audience create a juicy scandal. The final verdict was a mouthful: the Prime Minister supposedly stole the Queen’s corgis, with Simon Cowell, at Mick Jagger’s house. Helmick reentered, and the other members scattered about the room, hurling silly questions with clues hidden inside them. This absurd scandal perplexed the minister as she listened for clues, eventually announcing the very joke laid out at the start of the game. “Q-Tip” allowed for the entire troupe to bounce off of each other in a dynamic way, making it one of the best acts of the night.
A definite audience favorite was “Tony Moments”, where three members have to improvise a musical story, singing along to simple piano chords. With the word “step-brother” as inspiration from the audience, Ellie Antestenis ‘23 and Piccininni-Avery improvised a step-sibling couple who struggle with the problematic nature of their relationship, while living in a dilapidated tower. Additionally, they have to grapple with their estranged uncle, played by Anthony Piccoli ‘22, who is somehow living in their walls. Yes, it was as bizarre as it sounds. Nonetheless, the students managed to take an odd theme and turn it into an offbeat, witty musical with unexpected twists and turns in every verse. It was difficult not to smile at the bewildering yet hysterical back and forth between the three players.
All in all, I.T. produced a stellar debut for the new school year. Each member showcased their own unique styles and humor but worked together seamlessly to create memorable stories and dialogue. An article can’t quite capture the magic though, so make sure to catch a show if you can. I.T. does monthly shows as well as special performances for school events, in a variety of formats and styles. Improvisational Theatre is surely a staple of William and Mary’s performance arts, and you do not want to miss out on it.
Correction: This article previously only credited I.T. as the sole photographer of this performance and the names and graduating years of the players given the word "Wahlberg" during the "Falcon game" was mixed up with another I.T. troupe member. Photo credits have been updated to include Peter Rizzo '23 (one of the main photographers and I.T. troupe member of this performance) along with I.T. as well. The players of the "Falcon game" with the word "Wahlberg" was Anthony Piccoli '22 and Mac Ambler '24.