Home > The M.O. > Archives > 2007 > January > 29 > Entry
A weekend with ColdTowne
I spent most of the weekend being entertained by the hilarity that is ColdTowne. The five-person improv troupe moved to Austin from New Orleans following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans’ loss is undoubtedly Austin’s gain.
Friday night I checked them out at the Hideout on Congress, as they strayed from the comfy confines of their own theater. The quartet (member Chris Trew was not available for Friday night’s show) came jogging onto the stage to the sounds of AC/DC and the synchronized clapping of the audience. After the music stopped and the kids took a non-geographic suggestion from the audience, the pace slowed down considerably. Pregnant pauses and periods of silence on stage can sometimes feel extremely uncomfortable with improvised comedy, but with the pros of ColdTowne on stage, there is no need to shift nervously in your seat. If you’ve seen them before, you know they’ve got this. Good improvisers are patient and are not scared of the quiet that can creep into their beats. This is the sign of professionals, and ColdTowne undoubtedly are.
Once things got rolling — the non-geographic location was a hotel room — the quartet developed a hilarious scene that involved evangelical ministers “backstage” at a revival, as they alternately chided and supported one another in their attempts to shepherd their flock. Arthur Simone played to his trademark understated absurdity, with Michael Jastroch perfecting a frustrated character looking for respect and Justin York playing a proud buffoon. Tami Nelson played the straight man, as is her wont, and got the biggest laughs of the evening. About halfway into the scene, ColdTowne did one of their favorite bits, when the team decided to put York in an awkward situation by asking his character to “tell that funny joke you told earlier.” Of course, jerking your fellow players around like that is generally a no-no in improv, but ColdTowne is so comfortable with their ability to play together, sometimes they like to raise the stakes and make each other sweat. Rules? Who needs ‘em.
But, as stated, Chris Trew missed Friday night, so I figured, before hopping over to a friend’s party, I should hit up ColdTowne theater Saturday. It became apparent early on that Saturday’s scene was going to be an opportunity for York and Trew to really let loose. The duo played a demented old married couple bent on making life a living hell for their son and daughter-in-law. Another weekend down, another string of successes from one of the best improv teams in town.
(Full disclosure: I enjoyed the performances I saw by ColdTowne last year to such a degree, that I registered for classes in their Conservatory and count members of the troupe as good friends.)
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Theater
Comments
By Dad
February 1, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
Wwwooww!!!!
By Lucienne Simon
February 4, 2007 02:08 PM | Link to this
You nailed it! These are some delightful kids and totally dedicated to authentic, rich theater.
Spread the word!
By rabbit
February 4, 2007 05:50 PM | Link to this
Arthur Simone is a hottie!!