Visualize Whirled News!
Lookin' for something fun & cheap to do tonight? Or next Saturday night? Or the one after that?? As we've mentioned before, some of the fabulously talented improv folks here in Austin have cooked up a little weekly satirical news special that runs every Saturday night, 10:30, at the Hideout Theatre. This being Income Tax Day, we suspect tonight's Whirled News will be the funniest yet!
We sat down recently (and virtually) with the lovely and talented Erika May to take a closer look at Whirled News. As we figured, it's not your ordinary improv performance. The format sounds fresh and exciting to us. And, as usual, we were highly amused by May's wit. She's one funny gal!
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Austinist: So, what exactly is Whirled News Tonight? Is it improv?
Erika May: Whirled News Tonight takes a satirical look at the week's news, both locally and around the world. Each week, we invite the audience to cut out articles from various papers and then use the articles to make fun of, or take a humorous viewpoint on the issues, politics and people described. Its all improvised on the spot based on the article we pull off of the bulletin board.
In shows, we've covered articles on immigration reform, Condoleeza Rice's trip to the UK, censorship in China, and the local housing boom. It's really based on what the audience chooses on any given night.
A: And what exactly is satire? In ten words or less (just kidding).
EM: Satire is social commentary intended to provoke thought or action. (Austinist laughs...and is impressed!)
A: Do you have Austin's version of Jon Stewart (e.g. a sexy, intelligent, fast wit manning your anchor desk)?
EM: Not exactly. Like the Daily Show we satirize the news, but don't necessarily have a news show format. Although we do dress-up nice.
A: What if someone's not much of a newsie? Will this go over their heads?
EM: Definitely not. Our articles can be everything from pop culture to dry CSPAN politics, and we read the selected article before the series of scenes. The point is to create a humorous, satirized take on the article that is accessibile to everyone, newsies and non-newsies alike.
A: Will you be addressing local news (e.g., Kinky runs for Governor)? Or just national?
EM: Both. In rehearsals we covered the APD brutality trials and the guy that fled the scene of the accident, claiming he was "way too stressed out" at the time. We've also touched on local economic issues and made fun of Rick Perry's hair. Local, national and world - it's all game.
A: Any plans for interviews of local politicians / celebrities?
EM: Nope, although I think it would be really fun to invite local candidates on the show to pull the articles.
Speaking of, did you know there is a guy named "Fleece" who is state representative? As in, "The Fleecing of America". It's probably the worst name for a politician other than "John L. Corrupt".
A: As a matter of fact, we didn't know that. Hm. Kind of sad, really. So how long is a Whirled News performance?
EM: 45 min -1hour.
A: What inspired you to do this?
EM: While living and acting in Chicago, I got to watch and sit in with the Chicago Whirled News cast at ImprovOlympic. I really love the show's intelligence.
Austin is a political town naturally, and one of our cast members, Nat Miller, started talking about bringing the show here. He talked to Jen Cargill (co-producer of the show and producer of the Austin Air Guitar competition), and I about it, and we contacted the Chicago producer, Jason Chin. We had all worked with Jason when we lived in Chicago, and Jason was enthusiastic about the proposed cast and the idea of bringing it to Austin. So voila, Whirled News arrived in our little slice of heaven.
A: Anything else you'd like to tell us about WNT?
EM: Yes. We have a lot of very funny, smart, experienced and well-trained actors/improvisers in the cast. The cast also brings a wide-spectrum of political and ideological beliefs to show, which informs their points of view in the scene work.
This isn't just a show for Democrats/Liberals to nod and amen at -- it's a show for Republicans, Libertarians, Dems, Progressives, Green Partiers, Independents and the politically agnostic. Whoever wants to laugh at the state of our world. However, Jerry Falwell will not be admitted under any circumstances. That guy is just way too much of an asshole.
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Amen indeed!
Conveniently located within walking distance of your favorite bar / nightclub / loft / street corner at 617 Congress, we think WNT is a great way to get your Saturday night kicked off to a hilarious start. And for a mere $10-$12 per seat, it's nicely priced too. Oh, and we mustn't neglect to mention that The Hideout serves beer and wine. We love it when theatres do that.
For more info & tickets, visit the Whirled News Austin Website.
Image (c) Whirled News Tonight.
