Aug. 19--Since its launch a year ago, the comedy theater Under the Gun has developed shows centered on a premise, such as that of a project next month called "Porn Minus Porn," or staged readings of actual porn scripts, minus the sex.
Under the Gun's main focus is improv, though the company is studiously avoiding the Harold, which remains the improv standard bearer in town. Developed some 30 years ago at iO by improv pioneer Del Close, the Harold is the distillation of improv's "yes, and" philosophy paired with an anything-goes thematic landscape, which can be hard to market beyond: Come see improvisers ... improvise.
But with a specific concept or a theme, audiences have a better sense of what's in store, and that seems to be the game plan. In that vein, "One Story Told Week by Week" is an improvised parody of "Serial," the true crime podcast that debuted last year and made an impact, at least in part, due to reporter-host Sarah Koenig's distinctively intimate and inquisitive vocal delivery.
The podcast's first season ended eight months ago -- along with all the buzz that accompanied it -- which means none of this feels especially timely (though Season 2 is slated to premiere in the fall). But there is a lot to like here, especially Angie McMahon's performance in the Koenig role. There she sits off to the side, calmly speaking into a microphone and capturing Koenig's smooth, honeyed vocals and conversational tics.
The same, alas, cannot be said of the ensemble, whose members play characters recounting and re-enacting the crime (as suggested by someone in the audience). They tended to work at cross-purposes with one another. The notable exception was Matt Pina as a clueless dude named Steve who deftly satirized the real podcast's attempt at amateur sleuthing.
Just as important, McMahon is essentially the show's director, interrupting and scuttling scenes as soon as they head off on lackluster tangents. She's running the show, and her instincts are sharp.
REVIEW: One Story Told Week by Week
2.5 STARS
Through Sept. 24 at Under the Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport Ave.; tickets are $12 at undertheguntheater.com.
