My overall impression
Finding a competent group of improv performers in Los Angeles is tough going. I’m not gonna name names, but many of the so-called critically acclaimed improv troupes in town have let me down time and again. But not so with The Spolin Players. In fact, this is the only improv show that had me laughing from start to finish. Finnish? Well it’s about time. Never a finer collection of professional, well-read, quick-witted, physically adept improv folk will you find in this city, and never a better time will you have at the theatre. From the moment they take to the stage, you can immediately tell two things about The Spolin Players: they deeply love what they do, and they deeply care about the people they’re performing with. And you haven’t lived, my friends, until you’ve seen player John Mariano sink his chompers into physical hi-jinx with a Buster Keaton-like zeal. Seal? You betcha. The key to this company’s success? True comedic camaraderie. Try saying that ten times fast. See? It’s already funny!
