Friday, January 11th and Saturday, January 12th

 The French novelist, Alphonse Karr was quoted, “The more things change, the more they remain the same”.  I think Alphonse may have been to a few, recent Bit Player’s shows.  No other quote more eloquently sums up this weekend‘s performances.  With the return of our Jack Wills crew, especially our friends Will and Olivia, who are now a COUPLE,  the Bit Players donning Jack Wills’ FEMALE underwear OVER their clothes,  lots of familiar returning audience members, and oodles of awesome improv  comedy provided by the players…  Yes, the more things change, the more they stay the same, but in a GOOD way!

On Friday, the show was hosted by Frank Fusaro.  Joining Frank on stage were Vlad Tenenbaum, Jim Foley, Neal Leaheey, and Patrick Dugan with musical accompaniment provided by Chase Ceglie and Devon Mello.

First up was the bit, “Story, Story, Die!” The Bit Players must tell a collective story from the items provided  by the audience.  Tonight the audience inspired items (Geraldo, a pineapple, and Naval Station Newport), were so très Newport.  In the story we learned about Geraldo’s adventures of being deployed, and it was his trusty can of pineapple that saved his life, protecting him from enemy bullets.

Vlad in "Art Class"

Vlad’s amazing mime skills wowed the crowds in his piece “Art Class”.  In this bit, Vlad drew random shapes on a piece of paper and had the audience interpret what they saw in the shapes.  Vlad then had to recreate through the use of his body and mime the list of items provided by the audience from the random set of doodles.  Tonight, Vlad created a mime piece which incorporated a dinosaur, an eagle, leg warmers, a magic staff, yarn, and toothpaste.

Jim, Pat, and Frank in "Love Song"

With Valentine’s Day soon approaching, Frank, Jim and Pat performed “Love Song”.  In this bit the players are provided a famous person to which they had to compose an improvised song professing their love.  Tonight’s song all about Taylor Swift, was a hit with the crowd.  Watch this video to see how the boys really feel about her… Click here ->  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2OElwLXHO4&feature=youtu.be

Vlad and Frank as "Bartenders" with Neal, Pat, and Jim as patrons

The Bit Players finished off Friday night’s first set with their signature bit, “Bartender”.  Tonight manning the bar with their musical versions of advice and psychotherapy were Frank and Vlad.  Bringing to the bar their audience selected crisis du jour were Neal, who hated/loved/lusted after his boss.  Frank’s misogynistic response was for Neal to climb the ladder of success, while his current boss is at her glass ceiling.  When Neal is then her boss he could do whatever he wanted to her.  Pat who lost his passport and couldn’t go back to his country of origin, was reunited in song, with his proud papa, Vlad.  Finally, Jim admitted that he lost his “party pants” only to be regaled by Frank who not only gave him some very personal grooming tips, but declared that they were once again bringing up the topic of the Jack Wills underwear in yet another show.

The Bit Players in their party pants,  perform "Blind Freeze"

Not to let a good gag go unexploited, the Bit Players entered the theater after the intermission break, all wearing Jack Wills women’s underwear (Thankfully OVER their clothes).  The audience exploded in laughter, especially as they continued the top of the show still donning their female undergarments.



Vlad and Neal as "Stunt Doubles"

In “Stunt Doubles” Patrick and Jim portrayed Lunch Ladies.  In this bit whenever Patrick or Jim do not want to perform a particular movement or task, in true actor’s prima-donna fashion they call on their doubles (played by Vlad and Neal).  Vlad an Neal must perform in the most trivial of tasks, but with their own interpretation.  Vlad and Neal not only had to make and plate the meatloaf, they had to hand-feed the children.  And when things went awry, as Patrick lie on the floor, helpless from an attack by the children, Vlad was forced to blow-up his fellow Lunch Lady, literally… as she floated off into the sunset.

Will & Olivia are "Serenaded" by The Bit Players

Since the Jack Wills crew was in the house, it was only fitting to bring two of their clan up onto the stage for a “Serenade”.  When we all last saw our clandestine duo Will and Olivia, they were leaving their jobs for the summer.  Now, not only have they returned to the area, they are now a couple! (after many unsuccessful tries by Will). We learned of Will’ interest in wind-suiting (base-jumping) and Olivia’s desire to become a party planner, and the Bit Players honored them in a Welcome Back song, improvised just for them (or their new identity as – Will-livia).

On Saturday Vlad took up the hosting duties, and returning with him were Jim, Neal, and Patrick.  Also joining this motley Bits crew tonight were Clayon McFarlane and Tim Bric to round out the cast.

In “Ding” Pat and Neal took to the skies as pilots, and Vlad (much like a traffic controller) was directing them.  In this bit, the players are subject to Vlad buzzing out their dialog.  At the sound of the buzzer, the bits must come up with new dialog or actions that become the new reality within the scene. A nervous Neal was being coached by the experienced piloting skills of Pat in the scene.  Neal may have found it difficult to gain confidence under Pat’s tutelage, however. Pat provided unclear guidance to Neal’s blunder of hitting the switch that released the oxygen masks declaring to Neal that that happens on Delta at least five times a week.  Pat’s leadership was soon coming to an end, as Pat declared that this was his final flight because he was quitting to join the Communist Party.  (side note* After the scene ended Vlad was heard telling Pat that he was not only proud of him, but that it was fitting since Pat was wearing Red).

Jim, Clayon, and Tim
 in "Good Cop / Bad Cop"

“Good Cop / Bad Cop” found Clayon as the perpetrator to the dastardly crime (provided by the audience) of killing Mike Tyson with a yard flamingo, at Burger King.  Our cops, Jim and Tim provided clues which led our lawbreaker to confess to the crime.  While Clayon was somewhat versed in his bad-boy boxers, and got the Tyson reference relatively quickly, he stumbled a bit on the flamingo.  (I guess they didn’t have many uses for such faux tropical birds in his native Jamaica).

Neal and Jim as "Bartenders" with Pat, Tim, and Clayon as patrons

Much like Friday, the Bit Players decided to finish off the first set with Bartender.  Tonight it was Jim and Neal behind the bar with Pat, Tim, and Clayon as the patrons.  A wayward traveler Pat, admitted to Neal that he didn’t like the food (in England) while on his travels. Neal aptly responded that yes, Scotch Eggs and Toad in the Hole are pretty gross but no matter where in the world you go, you can find McDonald’s anywhere.  The audience went wild with Tim’s musical rendition of his torn Pokémon cards, ruined by his brother.  Jim’s equally clever composition posited that Tim being 30 years old should give up on the cards and do what other man-children do, just sit around and  watch football.  Clayon concluded the trio of quandaries with his sweet falsetto song about his Mommy leaving him.  Countering Clayon, in falsetto tones, was Neal telling the young Clayon to “get a wife”.

The highlight of Saturday’s performance was undoubtedly “That Sounds Like A Song”.  In this musical bit, Jim, Tim, and Clayon perform a scene inspired by an audience suggestion.  Tonight the crowd offered “A Sinking Ship”.  The players performed the scene but were subjected to Vlad stopping them, and interjecting “That sounds like a song” to which the players must them perform their next dialog in song.  Watch to see what happened in this bit. Click here to watch this hilarious scene ->  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q16vUIGYuj4&feature=youtu.be
 

Michelle is "Serenaded" by The Bit Players for her birthday

Michelle, celebrating her birthday, was called up to the stage for tonight’s “Serenade”. We learned that Michelle a career counselor, was engaged to John (who works with e-learning – if you can call that a job).  Vlad suggested that Michelle think about having her Bachelorette Party here at the Firehouse.  To which Michelle responded that she would love that!  (Get on it Bachelorettes!!)  Michelle enjoys singing, while John enjoys snowboarding. With all of that for fun fodder, the Bit Players improvised a song for Michelle in tribute to her Birthday.

Pamela and James help out Pat and Tim in "Puppets"

Pamela and James were called to the stage to help out in a bit called “Puppets”.  In this bit Pamela and James were the puppeteers and had a little fun posing Tim and Patrick in odd ways.  In their positions, Patrick and Tim had to make sense of their pose within the context of the scene about nurses.

The audience was indeed saddened to see the performances come to an end.  The Bit Players too are always disheartened to see their night of zaniness and entertainment for their fans conclude, and so, fittingly, Saturday night ended with a “Blues Song” about Bad Hair.

Special Note*  All of he pictures used in this week’s blog were taken by Lisa Pasonelli.

Stay tuned for some exciting news about a special Bit Player’s Valentine’s Day performance.  The announcement is coming soon.  Make plans for a special night out with your sweetheart, and have some laughs with the Bit Players!  (After all – laughter is the BEST aphrodisiac!)

From Birthdays, Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties, Anniversaries and even marriage proposals, want to arrange a unique event for someone special?  Why not show your love or appreciation for that certain someone, LIVE onstage!  Bring your friend or loved one to the Bit Players show, and celebrate in a one-of-a-kind way.  Contact the theater for information on how we can help you plan and make your event special!

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!