There is something magical that happens when a small theater, just “off Broadway” is filled to capacity, the lights go out and collective voices are heard just beyond the large red door, booming out the words… “Please, put your hands together, and welcome to the stage, YOUR. BIT. PLAYERS!!”
As the bright lights pierce the darkness, and a group of colorfully clad improvisers bound onto the stage, accompanied by a musical mélange, the small black box, that is the Firehouse Theater, comes alive and buzzes almost palpably. Viewers cannot help but be enthralled by the electricity pulsating through the musicians’ instruments and the mêlée that that is brought about by the audience suggestions. And on this weekend, framing the celebration of one this nation’s most notable visionaries, Dr Martin Luther King, the electricity in the house may have been even more energizing.
Friday night’s show was hosted by Vlad Tenenbaum. Vlad was joined by fellow Bits, Frank Fusaro, Jim Foley, Neal Leaheey, Patrick Dugan, and Stephanie Conrad, accompanied by musicians, Chase Ceglie and Devon Mello.
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| Jim, Pat, and Frank in "Love Song" |
In the lineup was “Love Song”, a bit where the players profess their love for a celebrity that is suggested by the audience. Tonight’s love-fest was all about Mark Wahlberg. From references to his former rap image as Marky Mark, and being Boston’s favorite son, to his success as an underwear model, and his roles in The Departed and more recently, in Ted, Jim, Frank, and Pat hit on just about all the noteworthy accomplishments of Mark Wahlberg, in this love song, sang in his honor.
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| Pat, Neal, Frank, and Jim in "Irish Drinking Song" |
In the little ditty, “Irish Drinking Song”, Jim, Frank, Neal, and Pat performed this sonnet about Brad, the Banker. Although it did not look good for Brad, being framed and arrested by the cops for embezzlement, which resulted in Brad to begging on the streets. However, Brad gained his redemption and revenge as he ran for political office.
The first set on Friday ended in “Telethon”. The Jazz Duo of Jim and Neal delighted the audience as they crooned about the Ice cream Man. Stephanie and Patrick (aka RK Freezer Burn) went alternative in their ode to the frozen treat supplier. And then it was frank who rounded out the set with his Gangstah Rap version for this frosty pleasure purveyor.
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| Jim & Neal (Jazz), Pat & Stephanie (Alternative), and Frank (Rap) perform in "Telethon" |
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| Jim, Frank and Pat in "That Sounds Like A Song" |
In Friday’s second set, Frank, Jim and Pat were firing on all cylinders in the bit, “That Sounds Like A Song”. The audience provided exercise as the inspiration for this musically improvised scene. Pat found himself on the outside looking into his own home, composing a dis-harmonious complaint against his former partner Jim. Pat informed Jim that it was his house. Jim countered with his tune about being kicked out, regaling Pat with the fact that he was taking all of this own stuff, including all of the Nicolas Sparks movies. Frank added salt to Pat’s wound in a melody about never wanting to come to Pat’s stupid party anyway.
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| The Bit Players "Serenade" Katie for her Birthday |
Briefly a Bit Player, Landscape Architect, Katie was called to the stage in honor of her Birthday. Katie was not only subjected to a movie clip all about her and her boyfriend, and Boatwright, Chris (which was shown on the BIG screen), Katie had to endure a “Serenade” by the Bit Players as a tribute to the anniversary of her birth.
On Saturday, the 8:00pm show was completely SOLD out. Therefore, as an added service to, and in appreciation for their fans, the Bit Players provided an additional 10:00pm offering.
The 8:00pm show had the familiar Friday night faces of Frank and Jim (with Frank taking over the hosting duties). The two were joined by John Mulligan, Jessica Bradley, Dylan Eberle, and Clayon McFarlane, and a host of musicians from Chuck Malone’s Navy Band Northeast, joining Chase and adding to the musical underscore for the show.
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| Jim, John, and Jess in "Shakespeare Alphabet" |
Jim, Jessica, and John (a triple “D” threat – not to be confused with Food network's “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives”) took on “Shakespeare Alphabet”. In this classical adaptation, the players are subject to performing their dialog alphabetically, with each actor’s line beginning with the next consecutive letter. The audience provided muse for the scene was “Royalty and Revenge”. Watch to see what these three seasoned actors do with this alliterationally charged inspiration. Click here to watch this bizarre scene ->
All of the Bit Players added their musical intonations, for “Doo Wop” with solos from Jim, Jess, Frank and Dylan in their ode to the American standard for slow cookers, the Crock Pot.
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| Jim & Jess (Nala/Kim Kardashian) Dylan & John (Talking Heads), and Clayon & Frank w/ Club Anthem in "Telethon" | |
Like Friday, Saturday’s 8:00pm show’s first set ended with a “Telethon” . In this fictional fundraiser for the cause of left-handedness, watch Jessica (as Nala) and Jim (as Kim Kardashian) sing a Disney-esque duet… with “everyone looking left”. Dylan and John joined forces as “the Talking Heads”, and Frank and Clayon joined the fray with their Club Anthem duo. Click here to see the Bit Players bring awareness to the cause with their celebrity characters ->
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| Mark is "Serenaded" by The Bit Players for his Birthday |
In the second set, Birthday boy Mark was called to the stage to be “Serenaded” by the Bit Players. Mark, who admitted that he worked in Information Storage Sales, was joined in his celebrations by his wife, and homemaker Kerry. The 12-year, married couple were enjoying a night out without their two (6 and 8 yo) children. All of this fodder from this “foodie-duo” was used for an improvised song composed by the Bit Players , for Mark’s special day.
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| Frank and Jim as "News Anchors" |
Debuting a brand new bit in their repertoire, “News Anchor”, Frank and Jim were joined by weatherman, Dylan, and sports anchor Clayon providing the play-by-play. However, as in all of the bits, these players cannot do anything without a twist. Anchorman, Jim was provided the suggestion of “going commando”, Dylan performed the weather forecast as 1990’s American Rap duo, Kriss Kross, and Clayon exposed his love for Frank during his sports coverage.
Saturday’s 8:00pm performance concluded with the Bit Players, being once again inspired by their audience, in true-to-life form, by singing a “Blues Song” about alcohol.
All of the players from the 8:00pm show were back for an encore performance at 10:00pm and were once again joined by fellow Bit, and mime-extraordinaire, Vlad as well as Devon Mello on keyboards.
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| Vlad directs the Bit Players in "Story, Story, Die!" |
Vlad jumped right in and directed the Bits in “Story, Story, Die!” at the top of the 10:00pm show. In this bit, the players told a collective story, but were subjected to the fickle finger of Vlad. Should Vlad not like where the story is going, or for any reason only known to him, Vlad may choose to shout, “DIE!” thus killing off the players, one by one. And as Vlad admits, “This is honey to his Russian soul”. In this night’s telling about Oliver and his adventures with cheese, we were taken to Oliver’s basement where we met Oliver’s cow Sandy, who had the odd ability to provide cheese, straight from her udders. Not appreciated by her American compatriots, Oliver takes Sandy to France on a plane. Unfortunately for Oliver and Sandy they are met by Samuel L Jackson, who in addition to not wanting snakes on his aircraft, Mr. Jackson provided (PG rated) expletives about removing cows from his plane.
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| The Bit Players perform "Superheroes" |
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“Superheroes” a seldom played bit was resurrected from the Bit Player’s toy box. In this bit each of the players are given a superpower by the superhero the preceded them on stage. The audience provided the global catastrophe of “Body Odor” for which the superheroes powers were required. First on the scene was Jim (Triangleman), who was met by Jessica (Amazing Hair Lady). Vlad (Glitterman) soon followed, who introduced John (Fast-Talking Man). Clayon (Upside-down belly-button boy) came to help out, followed by Frank (Decrepit man). Last on the scene was Dylan (Christopher Walken-Bill Cosby Man) who led the superheroes in a plan to sold this foul odor plaguing the world.
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| Army soldier, Lydia is "Serenaded" by The Bit Players |
Medivac Specialist, Army soldier, Lydia was called up on stage to be recognized for her service. Daphne, was the little birdie who had tweeted in the Bit Players’ ear about her friend Lydia having just completed a tour in Afghanistan. Lydia who lives and works in MD was here visiting with the (ex) friend and former co-worker, Daphne. The Bit Players sang a “Serenade” in tribute to Lydia in recognition of her service and sacrifice for our country’s freedoms.
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| Dylan, Jess, and Vlad in "Visual Interpreter" |
Vlad’s expertise was called upon in the bit “Visual Interpreter”. Joined by resident expert, (on the audience supplied topic of Chupacabra), Dylan was interviewed by Jessica on the topic. During the interview, Vlad provided the “interpretation” of the story. If you were hearing impaired, Vlad’s translation did not help you. However, if you were amusement-impaired, you were in for treat as we learned about the Chupacabra and his penchant for terrorizing Mexican taco stands.
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| John, Jess, and Dylan perform "Ding" |
Dylan, John, and Jessica took on “Ding”. In this bit, when buzzed the players must change their dialog continuously, until he/she is “dinged” , then that dialog becomes the reality. In this scene we saw Dylan and Jessica travelling the streets of Italy when they are met by a shady Vespa dealer, John, who offers to take them anywhere they want to go. This Vespa has unique qualities as it is able to travel under water, bringing the couple to an unexpected crossroads. John propositioned Dylan (in more than one sense), and the two begin their new business venture as underwater waffle makers.
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| Vlad in "Good Morning!" |
Vlad, once again offered his proficiency in mime on the stage in the bit “Good Morning”. In this bit, Vlad not only interacted with audience supplied items, he BECAME them (with Frank providing the sound effects). The audience delighted in watching Vlad as he brought to life such common items as an electric toothbrush, and alarm clock, a pillow, underwear, a curling iron, a toilet, a microwave, and a coffee pot.
The Bit Players finished their encore 10:00pm performance with the “Former Pop-Star Blues Song”.
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!
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