Ever wonder why we find rainbows so fascinating? I mean, the science behind them is pretty mundane; a little sunlight, shining on some droplets of moisture, at the right angle… then… Bam! You have a rainbow. Any kid in the 3rd grade can tell you how to make one with a glass of water and a flashlight. Yet… You just can’t help but stare at them with awe when you see them in the sky. I think that’s because not everyone can see them. You have to be at the right place, with the right angle, with the right conditions of water vapor. It is only from your vantage point that you can witness this phenomenon happening. What does this have to do with The Bit Players? Well… I’ll tell you. Only a chosen few (those lucky enough to fill the Firehouse Theater seats) get to witness the Bit Player phenomenon on any given night. And for those chosen few on Wednesday night, they may have witnessed the ultimate; the improv version of a double-rainbow!!
“Word-At-A-Time Story” started off the night with all of the players (Neal Leaheey, Stephanie Conrad, Tim Bric, Frank Fusaro, and Matt Lindman) on the line, directed by Dylan Eberle. In this improv line game entitled “The Day Thurgood the Lobsterman was Attacked by Dragons”, we saw Thurgood battling the dragon beast, harpooning the dragon in the belly, until the dragon was defeated.
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| Frank and Tim with Neal in "Ding" |
In the game “Ding”, the magic continued with the wizard, Frank and his apprentice wizard Tim. In this scene with changing realities we see Frank wanting his apprentice to commit murder. Tim reluctant at first, agreed to kill his brother because he was planning to pull a prank on his brother anyway. The two wizards use the murdered brother (played by Neal) as a test subject for which they concoct a potion that will bring the dead body back to life. However, Frank neglected to think of the delivery method of the potion, Since the brother was dead he could not drink the potion. The two wizards come up with a new plan and create a suppository version of the potion, of which Tim must “insert” into his brother’s body. After some squeamishness, Tim agrees, saying, “This the second and last time that I’ll do this!” Watch and laugh along with the audience - > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ_00yclC5A
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| Matt and Tim with Neal in "Genres" |
“Genres” raised some eyebrows at Matt and Tim, two prisoners who have a penchant for reading, uncover a book (ala Harry Potter) that writes itself and becomes an escape route. Neal, who plays the warden, intercepts the two (Transformers style). A love story ensues as the warden declares his love for Matt, but as in all good and sappy love stories, Matt is in love with another, (Marge/Tim). The warden expresses the sorrow of his broken heart (Rocky Horror Picture Show fashion) as he debates with his own conscience… with a step to the ri-i-i-i-i-ght, and then to the left. The warden comes to the conclusion that he wants Matt to be happy, and allows him to be with Marge.
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| Matt and Dylan perform "Alphabetical Shakespeare" |
With our world’s attention on the Olympic Games it was fitting for the entire Bit Players Cast to sing a “Love Song” to Michael Phelps (No Lochte Love here).
Since the Olympic games are in London, why not tie in the birthplace of theatre with the next scene game, “Alphabetical Shakespeare” performed by Matt and Dylan. In this scene we witnessed a bit more magic and spectacle with cross-dressing fairies at a teen-bop concert. Although once Matt revealed his penchant for women’s clothing, Dylan was a little reluctant to continue the relationship. But Matt’s love won him over in the end!
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| Neal and Tim as "Stunt Doubles" |
The audience was enthralled with “Stunt Doubles” with actors Frank and Stephanie and their doubles, Neal and Tim. The married arch-enemies, Frank and Stephanie are once again feuding. While Frank wants desperately to leave Stephanie, he cannot because he is on house arrest and is wearing an ankle bracelet. Frank asks Stephanie to cut off the ankle bracelet, but Stephanie refuses to touch him, calling for Stunt Doubles. Mayhem ensues, where we watch Neal and Tim’s actions, and not only the bracelet is cut off, but also the leg. Frank, now bleeding everywhere, pleads with Stephanie to sew his leg back on. Although Stephanie admits to being a seamstress, she calls once again for Stunt Doubles. With the leg sewn back on, Frank’s love for Stephanie has been rekindled, instead of leaving her, Frank calls for one last dance, and for Stunt Doubles. With gentle music playing and a slow waltz beginning, Neal took a flying leap into the awaiting arms of Tim to end the scene.
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| The Bit Players perform "Doo Run" |
Two High School Students from Massachusetts and sisters, Emily and Marissa were the topic of a “Doo Run Song”. Marissa admitted that Emily was obnoxious, and Emily countered that Marissa was very mean. With this information, the entire Bit Players cast sang a song all about them.
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| Matt and Frank the "Survivors" with Dylan directing |
In “Survivor” the Bits had their work cut out for them. In this scene game taking place in the suggested location of a sports stadium the audience gets to vote off a player they think is the least effective in the scene. However, the catch is the remaining players must play all of the characters that were in the scene. One by one the players were voted off until only Matt and Frank remained. In rapid-fire succession Frank and Matt performed as the clumsy oaf spilling his drink, the Hot Dog Vendor, the horny boyfriend, the licentious girlfriend, the beer vendor, and the seat stealer. In the end, the audience voted off Matt. For Frank’s victory he then had to perform the entire scene, with all the characters, by himself, landing a knock-out blow to himself to end the scene.
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| Frank and Dylan (with newlyweds Michael and Linda) in "Tap the Audience" |
Newlyweds, Michael and Linda were called to the stage to help the Bit Players perform the bit, “Tap The Audience”. In this bit about two morticians, Frank and Dylan find themselves in a sticky situation where not all of the bodies are dead. As Frank pointed out, their motto is “If they’re not dead, we will kill them” which Dylan proceeds to do with his “monster scalpel” to the latest body, chloroformed by Frank, lying on the table. Dylan advised Frank that they needed to watch out for the F.I.S.H. Frank agreed, liking Dylan’s code word for the Federal Investigative Services Hospitality.
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| The Bit Players sing "The Blues" |
The Bit Players ended the night of zaniness with “The Blues” song. The entire cast paid tribute to Breakfast, as they crooned… “We got the low-down, dirty Breakfast Blues….”
Come see your own rainbow! it's like Skittles only better! The Bit Players perform improv comedy every Friday and Saturday night at 8:00pm at the Firehouse Theatre, 4 Equality Park Place (off Broadway), Newport, RI 02840. Please call the box office for reservations and information about all of the shows 401-849-FIRE (3473) And it is always BYOB!
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