Come laugh your asses off with the Utility Players. Now that American Idol, GLEE, and the rest of our favorite televisions shows are over, fillthe void with a fantastic improv show with the Utility Players. Always high-energy, this audience-driven show is created on the spot, making it a unique experience each and every time it is performed. Similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway?, The Utility Players like to put on a truly diverse show; incorporating musical comedy, dance numbers, stand-up, and sketches into an exciting 90 minute show. David Hegle, from the Reno Metromix, wrote an absolutely fabulous review of the show we just had at the Pioneer Underground. You can check out pictures and a play-by-play description of the show here . Tonight's show is at the Good Luck Macbeth's theater in downtown Reno - 119 North Virginia Street. Admission to the show is $6. Doors will open at 7:00pm and the show will promptly begin at 7:30pm.

I recently attended Good Luck Macbeth’s first musical production – The Fantasticks – the longest running musical in history. I was elated by GLM’s risky endeavor to produce a musical. I have noticed that a musical is easier to sell than any straight play - though harder to produce; probably because it appeals to a wider audience base. It is hard sometimes to remain engaged in the story and characters of your typical two hour play. Most of the time I just sit there and think to myself how much better this play would be if it were turned into a musical.  With a musical, you know there will be campy dance breaks and impressive vocal numbers.

The Fantasticks, which first premiered in 1960 and closed in 2002, is the longest running musical – eat your heart out Andrew Llyod Webber. The musical relates the story of two somewhat star-crossed lovers; Matt, a slightly older college student home on break, and Luisa, the bright slightly divaish girl who has never really seen the world or left her house for that matter. The two lovers are neighbors and are separated by a wall erected by their horticulturally-inclined fathers. I am still convinced that the fathers were carrying on a gay romance in secret and hid their love by talking each other’s “vegetable gardens”. The fathers feign the appearance of a feud with another, so that their children might end up together – because children always do the exact opposite of what they’re told. The two fathers concoct a scheme and hire a magician/bandit – who also at times serves as the narrator – and a bumbling gang of washed up actors to stage an abduction of Luisa and allow for Matt to save the day and be the hero. The first act ends with the bandits defeated, the lovers enamored with one another, and the gay fathers gaily flitting about. Like, Into the Woods, the first act is a self-contained story and the second act goes into detail about why things might not necessarily be happily ever after.  The lovers become board with another and the fathers become disgruntled. Each lover decides to go and “see the world” and break out of their conventional shells. Both, experience the hardships and deceit that is sometimes found in the world and they return to one another a little bruised and wore down but appreciative of the love they once had for each other and decide to get back together.

Not to sound obvious, but aside from the fantastic performances by all cast members, one of the best parts of the show was the ridiculously hot and suave magician/bandit man. He fluttered onto stage – all 6 “6, 250 pounds of him - with tight-fitting Zorro costume – cape included – and an adorable little fedora on top. I took one look at him and thought “ooohh honey baby child you could be my phantom menace anytime. All you would have to do is wear that outfit and sing to me with your dark and resonating voice.” Another favorite aspect of the show is the mute. Though she had no lines, throughout the show she had a comedic presence that contributed and enhanced the overall production.

The show is unfortunately closing this weekend, but if you haven’t had a chance to see it, I whole-heartedly recommend it. There is a show tonight, Friday night, and Saturday with an admission price of $15 and a start time of 7:30pm.

Tomorrow (April 14th), the Utility Players- voted Reno's best comedy troupe - has a brand new all improv show. Well, given the nature of improv, can an improv show ever be anything but brand new? I believe I will leave that one to the theologians. Anyway, our very hilarious and very cheap - a meager $6 - is occurringtomorrow at the Good Luck Macbeth theater in the heart of downtown Reno - 119 N. Virginia St. As always show starts at 7:30 - doors open at 7:00pm - make sure to get there early.

the Utility Players just passed our two year anniversary, a momentous occasion that left us all in a state of utter disbelief. Two years .... seriously .... two years. How did we go from a period of time where barely anybody came to the show and very few individuals even knew who we were to now where we are selling out shows and big opportunities loom on the horizon. It has been ridiculous experience; one that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of. My roommate and I routinely make jokes about how this is all a part of our E! True Hollywood Story.

It's crazy to think that there was a period in my life where I didn't know what improv was and dubiously looked at my producer Jes whenever she attempted to throw me into an improv game. The timid member who usually ran sound or lights in the back is now a strong principal player in the troupe.  I couldn't imagine doing anything else and really want nothing more than to be able to perform and play improv and have that be able to sustain my livelihood.

So if you are looking for something fun to do on a Thursday night, make sure to check the Utility Players in our all improv show. There is really nothing else like this show in Reno; full of musical entrances, stand-up, short-form improv, short sketches and more. A show made by the audience for the audience is kind of the mantra of the Utility Players with your suggestions and ideas driving and shaping the show that is being crafted right before your eyes. So, bring your suggestions, your crazy props and your sense of humor and check out our show; I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

For all of you Renoites out there looking for something cheap and entertaining to do on a Wednesday night check out Reno's funniest comedy troupe - The Utility Players. Entering our fourth season here in Reno, the Utility Players combine improv, sketch comedy, musical comedy, stand-up, and more to create a truly diverse and unique show. Live from our new home - The Good Luck Macbeth theatre in downtown Reno - the show will begin at 7:30pm. Also - recognizing that we are still in the midst of an economic recession - our comedy show has the cheapest admission price out there, a mere $5. What can one do with $5? Not much these days. Prices are inflating everywhere - even the Grand Sierra Resort Buffet increased their prices. Also, our fabulous host for the evening Jessica Levity takes suggestions from the audience - much in the stylings of Whose Line is it Anyway - to create a show made up on the spot based upon the whims and desires of the audience. This also means that no two shows will ever be the same. So whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of improv, make sure to check out the Utility Players tonight, 7:30pm, at the GLM Theater (199 N. Virginia Street) in downtown Reno. Make sure to get there early to save a seat.

From a player's perspective, I love improv. There is this adrenaline rush that hits you as you take thestage ready to play a game. In contrast to a play, where it is the same lines, same blocking, and same reactions every night, Improv is a constantly changing entity. You don't know the premise of your scene until mere seconds before when our host informs us what our suggestion is and BOOM you transform yourself into a character and plant yourself in a scene. You also have this other player standing next to you, trying to develop the scene and you are completely unaware of where they are going to take the scene, what curveballs they are going to throw your way (we love messing with each other on stage), or what the chemistries together will create. All you can do is trust in each other to build an awesome scene.  It is truly an amazing to not only witness but to take part of as well. I hope to see you all there tonight!!!