IMPROV COMEDY AT THE HACKENSACK CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
Howdy Stranger celebrates its fifth anniversary with their comedy improv show called “What’s So Funny,” a compilation of interactive improvisational games popularized by the television show, “Whose Line is It Anyway?”, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13, at the Hackensack Cultural Arts Center. “The Island,” a performance competition between the troupe's players, will follow “What’s So Funny” at 9:00 p.m.
Audience members will be randomly selected by players who will represent them on stage as they compete to win “The Island.” One by one, players will be eliminated, as audience members vote to determine who will win the title of “survivor.” The winning player will bring their audience member on stage to receive a prize! It's a rapid-fire, aggressive, delightful comedy romp where only the fast and funny survive.
Ryan Huban, a Hackensack resident, founded Howdy Stranger exactly five years ago in July of 2008. “We practice on a regular basis and put a lot of energy into team-building. I think it shows when you watch us interact on stage," he says. "Last year, Howdy Stranger won The Arena Improv Tournament at The Creek in Long Island City, an elimination-style competition between 40 teams. We’ve also been accepted to perform in the 10th Annual Providence Improv Festival on July 20th.”
Andy Sarno and Sean Curry are also members of Howdy Stranger. “Without any sets, props, or costumes, our show is a spectacle of the imagination,” says Sarno. “It's a fast-paced head trip seen through characters across time that will leave you wondering why scripted movies need to be made!”
Curry chimes in, “Improv allows me to be the child I've always wanted to be, and still intend to be, through the twisted, dark machinations of modern science. And improv.”
The show is kept as family-friendly as possible. According to Huban, “There may be some strong language and adult themes unsuitable for very young children, but with my mom in the crowd I make sure we behave.”
Howdy Stranger is a truly interactive comedy show, where audience members will be asked to suggest scenes and inspire the improvisers. The format may be the same for both nights, but every performance is a completely different show, never to be repeated.
Show Times:
7:30 - 8:30pm : WHAT’S SO FUNNY
9:00 - 10:00pm : THE ISLAND
Location:
Hackensack Cultural Arts Center
39 Broadway (between S Main Street and Holt Street)
Hackensack, NJ 07601
**Tickets available at the door: $15 for the entire night; $10 for an individual show.
To make reservations or for more information on the Howdy Stranger Improv Comedy Show, please email howdy@howdystranger.com or visit www.howdystranger.com