We saw them fully clothed in Powerhouse Theatre’s recent presentation of Lend Me a Tenor, and now the boys from the show are back with a night of soul baring improv.
Four of the five males involved in Lend Me a Tenor, including actors Joel Montgrand, Chris Froese, Geoff Ingram and director Matt Brown, have formed the comedy improv troupe, Full Frontal, which will take the stage at Powerhouse Theatre April 2.
Joining the group is Evan Brown.
And if you’re hoping to see the “full monty,” as teased in the publicity photos promoting the show, well, these boys will be stripping off to reveal their physical aptitude and comedic timing in a fresh, raw, and impromptu night of ad lib fun.
“Full Frontal is a discussion of how our comedy comes out: naked, unrehearsed and untamed,” said Brown, who is the only Vernon-based member of the group. “It isn’t, on the other hand, speaking about our physical selves.”
That’s right, ladies and gents, there will be no nudity, at least that we know of thus far.
The show will, however, have an interactive element, where the audience is asked for suggestions and, who knows, maybe even a volunteer or two will be picked to join the men on stage during their 120-minute set.
Formed in Kelowna last year, Full Frontal has already held some successful performances, appearing in a few shows amongst the men’s recent run together in the Tenor production.
“We all came to various auditions held by the person who organized the group at the time, and it filtered down to us five guys who have held the group together right from the beginning with a very strong chemistry,” said Brown. “Alison Ward was the reason that we all met each other and came together. We owe our present success to her putting us all in the same room.”
Described as a Whose Line is it Anyway-style show, Full Frontal resembles some of what those famous improvisers –– Colin Mochrie, Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Drew Carey, and Wayne Brady –– paved as commercial comedic improvisation.
“This is a neat and unique group,” said Froese, who played the Bellhop in Lend Me a Tenor. “Each one of us is very different from the other, but together we all make one exciting experience that gels very, very well. It’s rare to find such diversity in backgrounds and have those diversities come together to work this well.”
The group is kicking off a small Okanagan tour, playing in Kelowna, Penticton and possibly Kamloops with Vernon being the first in the run.
Full Frontal takes the stage at Powerhouse Theatre Saturday, April 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15, at the Ticket Seller, 549-7469, www.ticketseller.ca, or at the door.
