LimeLight

The N Crowd
By Caitlyn Conefry
12.3.07

Bouncy, spastic, and romping, “The N Crowd” is a Philly-based theatre troupe that delivers its improv comedy gag with wild, slapstick delivery and over-the-top acting.

The show is divided into miniature ‘games’ – the comedic challenges that inspire the troupe’s explosive antics à la Whose Line is it Anyway? Rules are established at the beginning of each game and audience participation is encouraged.

When the performance starts, the tiny crowd is provided with pen and paper and asked to write down any line they’d like to see spoken by a performer during the night. It’s strangely satisfying to watch troupe members yell out “I’m a dirty slut!” while trying to improvise a skit about the black plague.

The spotlight loves these comedians; they each show off what appears to be a solid background in acting – characters portrayed within games range from an emphatic sky diving instructor to the eldest child of Britney Spears and Kevin Federline.

Training in acting seems coupled with some singing experience. (One game required every cast member to break into song until another in the comedy crew decided to play off a line in that song with his or her own completely original, improvised scene.)

So why’d such a versatile group of theatre folk choose comedy?

"There’s nothing better in the world than what? Laughing, right? …It gives more of a satisfaction when you make someone laugh rather than, ‘Oh I like your artwork’ or ‘your music was good’… it’s something different when it’s on the spot, ya know?” Comedian Brandon Libby said.

“Also, our remake of Scorsese’s Last Temptation of Christ bombed,” fellow Performer Michael Connor added.

You may not have a constant stitch in your side – at times it’s hard to tell what the hell is even going on. It’s all part of the fun though, for those of us who take our humor on the zany side.

This group has the sort of chemistry that makes you think they’re one big wacky family off-stage. And you’re part of the inside joke, in their humble, yet intimate theatre.

Shows occur Friday nights at 8, located at 257 North 3rd street (a block or two south of the Spring Garden bar district, if you are so inclined…)