Impro Theatre Takes Off Into the 'Twilight Zone' in Santa Monica This Month

By Lookout Staff

March 9, 2018 -- LA’s Impro Theatre invites Santa Monica audiences to take a trip into another dimension this month using its trademark improvisational style to tackle the classic early 60’s sci-fi television show, "The Twilight Zone."

The shows -- which use audience suggestions to create new, completely improvised episodes each night -- take place the weekend of March 16 to 18 at The Edye at the Broad at the Santa Monica College (SMC) Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street.

"Twilight Zone Unscripted" (Courtesy Impro Theatre)

"Twilight Zone is regarded by many as one of the most groundbreaking television shows ever created," the show's promoters said. Twilight Zone UnScripted "is about as close as you can get to new episodes of this innovative series."

Created by legendary television producer and writer Rod Serling, the series, which was shot entirely in black and white, ran on CBS for five seasons from 1959 to 1964.

Since then, the show has had various spin-offs, including two revival television series -- the first in the 1980s, the other in 2002 and 2003. "Twilight Zone: The Movie," produced by Steven Spielberg, was released in 1983.

"Twilight Zone UnScripted" -- which LA Stage Alliance named an “Ovation Recommended” show -- has won glowing reviews.

Stage & Cinema called it “a transporting evening!" and wrote that show "uses the key of imagination to unlock the future of theater.”

In December, the Los Angeles Times wrote of the troupe, “Impro Theatre has evolved into a powerhouse improvisational company in full-length shows that are off-the-cuff and consistently hilarious.

"An indigenous Los Angeles treasure, the company should be seen –- and reseen!”

In 2016, Impro Theatre's "Jane Austen UnScripted" at the Edye received two Ovation Award nominations for “Best Presented Production” ("Jane Austen Gets a Makeover at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica," November 29, 2017).

The company also was nominated for “Best Featured Actress in a Musical” for Michele Spears’ performance in "Sondheim UnScripted."

The company's residency at The Edye continues with three more months of improvised plays -- Shakespeare UnScripted (April 20 to 22), Dorothy Parker UnScripted (May 18 to 20) and Tennessee Williams UnScripted (June 15 to 17).

Tickets start at $45 and all seats are general admission. For more information visit www.thebroadstage.org or call 310.434.3200.