Words: Alex Grunberg
Image: Ray Burmiston

5 Stars

A packed crowd filled the Grand at the Pleasance Courtyard with a joyful and anticipatory energy buzzing in the line long before the show even began as people brainstormed their suggestions for “Showstopper! The Improvised Musical.”

I enjoyed a quirky musical called “High Spirits” set at a spiritual retreat, featuring quarrelling couples, unique counselling, godly influences, and a score inspired by “Company,” “Come From Away,” and “Sweet Charity.” All these moving parts could have devolved into chaos, and instead transformed into a cohesive and highly entertaining show.

I expected fun musical numbers but was happily surprised by the hilarious improv that filled the dialogue, and a plot that managed to have a shocking twist and a satisfying (and appropriately absurd) narrative conclusion.

The ensemble is fantastic, clearly so comfortable working together. There were plenty of featured moments, and I was delighted that the actors often used their time in the spotlight to elevate their fellow performers, always sharing the laughs. The absolute stars of the show though are the band that improvised songs so catchy, the audience was clapping along well before they were prompted to by the actors. It is hard to pick a favourite moment, but I particularly enjoyed a comedically sexy number about accepting that you are a bad person – featuring supporting actors performing as muppets.

The show that you see will be completely different, but I have no doubt it will be as impressive as the performance I saw today.

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Pleasance Courtyard, Grand
17:30
Aug 12, 14-25