I think it’s safe to say that we could all use 75 minutes of giggles right now, and that’s exactly what the teens behind Oregon Children’s Theatre’s Impulse 17 deliver. My tween has been a fan of this troupe for a few years now, and she didn’t hesitate when I asked if she wanted to go on opening weekend.
This year’s performance takes place at Portland Playhouse, and free street parking is easy to find. We entered to energetic music and disco lights. There’s not a bad seat in the house, and the intimate quality of the theater is perfect for a show that relies heavily on audience participation. If you’re new to improv, don’t worry. The teenage performers danced onto the stage and succinctly explained how it works. The actors introduce games and scenes, but all the content is based on audience suggestions. This year’s performance also included sketch comedy, written by the teens themselves.
Improv is hard. Good performers make it look easy, but it’s not. These teens deliver clever dialogue, craft new characters and voices instantaneously, and offer one-liners and puns that have the house rolling. I was blown away by their confidence, poise and wit, but also by their sense of camaraderie and teamwork. It is clear they like each other and enjoy working together, which is essential for any successful improvisation. Not once was an idea rejected: it was entirely yes-and (improv lingo for accepting your fellow performer’s choice and going with it).
Nirmay Anantha’s stage presence is powerful, and he has a fantastic voice. This is clearly not his first year performing improv, and he not only delivered some of the funnies lines of the show, but also fully engaged with each of his fellow cast member’s performances, even when he wasn’t involved in the bit. Sidra Cohen-Mallon’s physical comedy was spot-on, and Leah Wick was a fantastic host. There is so much talent in OCT’s Young Professionals troupe, and my daughter was giggling in the seat beside me the entire show.
The show’s runtime is 75 minutes and it is recommended for ages 7 and up. This year there’s a special late-night performance for ages 14 and up, on Saturday, March 2, at 9:30 p.m. All other showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. The show has a short run ending on March 10, 2024, so don’t wait to get tickets.
At the end of the performance, when the young professionals ran offstage, my daughter immediately said, “Let’s go to the late night performance, too.” Well, as they say, it is different every time.
Tickets are $15 for students and $20 for adults. $5 Arts for All tickets are available to those who qualify. Buy yours here.
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