In the spirit of the end of the year and end of year lists, here are my top ten shows of the year.
Best Actor In Town. A playful and original sketch show with the conceit of competition for the title of best actor in town and an unidentified industry position. Both heartfelt and winking it struck the perfect balance of meta-theater and straight comedy.
Life Is Not A Show. An interactive performance outside the confines of a theater by Shar and Jeff where the audience followed Jeff from his apartment on a neighborhood excursion as he struggled with his love life. Totally fresh, totally unique, totally energizing.
Seance: An Exploration of the Metaphysical. A period set seance from Libby and Harrison. Immersive, novel, and truly frightening.
Holy Fuck Comedy Hour. The weekly experimental sketch showcase at The Annoyance. Each week the cast, with rotating guests, put up an evening of all new sketch material. From edgy to obvious, high brow to blue, over-complicated to un-prepared this weekly show offers courageous(if not always successful) comedy.
Spitballin' at Quenchers Saloon. A weekly variety show hosted by Thomas, Brunlieb, and Scott. Each week a new and varied line up of readings, solo performance, improv, sketch, stand-up, storytelling, poetry etc. open for the best improv group in Chicago- Sand.
Closing Night: A Fine Actor Says Farewell To A Theater. Scott's farewell show conceived for and a dedication to the closing of the Upstairs Gallery. Famous actor S. Charles Nelson returns to the theater that gave him his start to reprise some of his most beloved roles. The perfect balance of mocking theater while doing great theater.
Sand at Jangleheart. The best improv set I saw all year. Perverse, committed, character driven improvisation.
It's Christmas Goddammit! A dysfunctional, combative, judgmental family gets together for the holiday. All the familial ugliness we're all familiar with was on display and milked for laughs that come from that sweet spot of commiseration. There's enough resolution and message to convey the message of Christmas but with none of the typical cheese.
Slice Of Life. The tale of J-Ball Pizza Face written by Tisher and John starring, alternately, Scott and Brunlieb. A bizarre and absurd unfolding of a world where a man marries a pizza. Dark, funny, and surprisingly affecting.
Weird COPcept ALbum Video Release Party. One of the last shows at the Upstairs Gallery Shar and Malarky released the videos, in character, for their passion project a rap album by two cops with samples from Weird Al. A stronger sense of appreciation and celebration I haven't felt at a show.
Honorable Mentions: The Raven and The Messenger, Becker, Oklahoma!: The Life and Times of West Reems and Two Lights
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