Improv Group Brings Belly Laughs to Jacoby

About this event

Imagine attending a live recording of the long-running CW Network television show, “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” without traveling to Hollywood. Experience the TV show that has made Wayne Brady, Ryan Stiles, and Colin Mochrie household names.

That’s the best way to describe what comedian Ed Reggi and his award-winning Paper Slip Theatre will present 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 2, at the Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway, Alton, IL.

Paper Slip Theater is the region’s oldest professional improvisational theater company, making audiences laugh since 2000. Reggi, its founder and artistic director, is an Emmy award-winning actor, director, screenwriter and producer. It gets its name from the tiny pieces of paper often used in improv games like those seen on the hit TV show.

“We combine the best of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” with the best parts of a live comedy show,” said Reggi, the evening’s host.

Accompanying Reggi on stage are Mimi Ikard, Matt Neufeld, Jonathan Garland, Emily Schneider and Darrell Barber.

“I love my cast. I have been so blessed to work with some of the best, most talented improv actors around the Midwest,” Reggi said.

Reggi will take suggestions from the audience as the cast uses the little bits of information they have and their imaginations to create characters and scenes. All of this results in comic situations that will draw giggles and belly laughs from the audience.

Paper Slip Theater is popular at the arts center. The improv group has performed at Jacoby several times, picking up themes from Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and even the 2016 presidential election.

Reggi said he travels to about 50 cities throughout the year and likened Jacoby to having “our very own version of Second City right across the river.”

“Jacoby attracts some of the best audiences in an incredible space like nothing I have ever experienced. The Historic Alton space turns into the most perfect venue for comedy improv.”

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or follow the link at http://www.jacobyartscenter.org/tickets. Row seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Doors open 30 minutes in advance. A cash bar is available and there is extra parking on the gravel lot next door. About the Jacoby Arts Center The mission of the Jacoby Arts Center is to nurture and promote the practice and appreciation of the arts through education, exhibits, cultural programs and community outreach initiatives. Jacoby Arts Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Jacoby Arts Center is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway, Alton, IL 62002 / 618-462-5222 / jacobyartscenter@gmail.com