What would happen if aliens landed on earth and tried to explain earth to their home planet through a day time television talk show? Would you laugh at their man-on-the-street interrogations about human life or genuinely answer them? Or would you (perhaps rightfully so) be skeptical or uncomfortable by their intentions? Also, where did all of these puppets come from?
These are all questions that "Happy Puppet Hour" could reasonably invoke in audience members. The production, created by junior Iovine and Young Academy student Jacob Surovsky, featured improvisation and sketch comedy with puppets, and one performance was prefaced with a standup show.
"Happy Standup Hour," organized by junior theatre and narrative studies major Marisa Caddick, showcased 11 USC comics who tackled topics such as divorced parents, societal expectations of beauty, and the challenges of finding love. The show was hosted by Brooke Finegold, whose electric energy was not only fun to watch but ensured that every performer received a warm introduction and welcome. The openness of the comics and their ability to unapologetically comment on taboo topics allowed the audience to laugh at even the darkest of jokes. The show was especially enjoyable because each performer displayed a diversity of comic expression through their approaches to jokes; no two comics were the same.
"Happy Standup Hour" was followed by "Happy Puppet Hour." This show was a brand new experience for USC audiences. It was incredibly entertaining and the joy of the performers radiated into the audience.
The show began with three sketches. Each had a framework but were entirely filled with improv. One parodied "Family Feud", another a puppet man-on-the-street segment, and, lastly, a talk show hosted by a puppet duo. Each was hysterical in its own way and the freedom of the performers added to the hilarity.
The latter portion of the show was entirely improvised. Puppeteers placed two bins full of puppets on either side of the stage and used them in a myriad of improvisational games prompted by audience suggestions.
One of the most impressive aspects of the show was the production team. Derek Christensen, the scenic, projection, and lighting designer of the production, set up three projector screens that created a semi-circle around the stage used throughout the show. They masterfully displayed commercials and advertisements in between sketches and aired the television shows during the sketches which allowed the entire audience to see.
"This show is unique because it is trying something that I've never seen done at USC before," said Surovsky. He also discussed how he hoped this show would help define what it means to self-produce a show at USC.
Surovsky said his personal interests inspired him to not only create this show but also spearhead this new improvisational comedy.
"I am a puppeteer and I don't know anyone else who is here [at USC]. I wanted to create a group where I could teach people how to do it who were interested and put on shows that showcase the art form," said Surovsky. His interest in puppets began in middle school after finding out about the puppet-centric musical, "Avenue Q." He went on to teach himself how to puppeteer.
When asked what he hoped audiences would take away from this show, Surovsky responded with: "I hope they get a little more of an appreciation from what it takes to perform puppetry."
His dedication and passion for this art form is what made the show such a success. It was apparent how his enthusiasm for puppets and comedy was transferred to all his performers and relayed to the audience. His artistic journey is one of commitment and perseverance, and it was thrilling to see him have the ability to pass on his skills to the USC theatrical community. Surovsky and his team definitely raised the bar on what can be achieved within the Independent Student Production community here at USC.
Surovsky's main goal with this production is to create "a devised-piece that is all puppet-centric and see what happens with it." And what happened was a night full of laughter and joy.
"Happy Puppet Hour" played from February 20th to February 24th at the Massman Theatre. For more information about Puppet Improv Group, click here.
This article initially featured a misspelling of Jacob Surovsky’s name and has since been updated.