Four Hearts

The Improv Company—Théâtre Cercle Molière

Before this long form improvised play begins, the players gossip with the crowd to collect annoying relationship quirks that become secret character traits on which the show is built. It’s a clever setup, and there’s particular fun in watching a scene unfold when you know something about a character that the other performers don’t.

The players build tension and comedy with confidence, making smart use of entrances and exits to give different sets of characters a chance to have more private conversations to inform the action. As the secrets gradually surface, the improvised story feels surprisingly cohesive.

No two performances will be the same, thanks to the revolving cast and audience suggestions, but the quality of the performers I saw suggests that they will be able to capably build upon whatever the audience throws at them for every showing.

Ashley Frantik