Hernando comedy fans are invited to sample another hearty helping of Live Oak Theatre’s Troupe du Jour. The theatre’s family-friendly comedy troupe will debut its second season Friday evening, August 23, at 7:30 p.m. at the Carol & Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, Florida 34601. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $10 when purchased in advance, 24 hours before the show, they will increase to $15. Concessions will be available for purchase before the show and during intermission.
Live Oak Theatre Company (LOT) is a not-for-profit 501 (C) (3) repertory company of local artists located at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, FL 34601. The Live Oak Theatre Company exists to enrich families, individuals and the community as a whole by providing positive artistic experiences in the performing arts—including excellent, affordable, and edifying family-friendly entertainment, performance, and educational opportunities for Theatre patrons and participants of all ages.
Live Oak Theatre’s Troupe du Jour is an improv troupe that takes to the stage to present a show that is original, joyful, unpredictable and suitable for all ages. The show consists entirely of one of a kind improvisational skits and games, with every move and creative choice that the performers make determined by the audience.
Dan Torres, a show producer, promises another fun season of interactive skits and hilarious jokes—all served up in grand style by Troupe du Jour.
“Season two for TDJ will feature the same variety show format with each performance but with a new season will come more Live Oak Theatre talent,” said Torres. “We are hoping to incorporate previews from our upcoming main stage and junior theater shows when possible as part of our guest talent portions of each show. We are also hoping to give some of the junior improvers a chance to perform during certain games at select shows as well. For those who believe they would like to try their hand at improvisation, the Live Oak Conservatory will also be offering an adult improv class that will be instructed by Eli Oliveri and help from a couple of other TDJ performers.”
Live Oak spokesman Vince Vanni believes that the wholesome family feel of Troupe du Jour shows keeps audiences coming back for more. “What keeps people coming back is, first, that all the humor is family-friendly,” said Vanni. “People do not have to leave the kids at home because they are afraid of inappropriate material for youngsters. We like to think that we follow in the footsteps of comedians like Red Skelton, who was always family-friendly. People have come to our Comedy Nights from as far north as Ocala and as far south as St. Pete Beach and Indian Rocks Beach—Just because they don’t need to leave the kids at home.”
Vanni also credits the Live Oak cast with having the talent and experience to present a stellar show. Troupe du Jour consists of seasoned veteran performers, many of whom have appeared throughout the Tampa Bay area and beyond. Troupe du Jour members include the talents of veteran improvisers Darryl Knapp and Nick Russo, as well as Live Oak favorites Eli Oliveri, Elijah Torres, Amy Norris, Christopher Richards, Dawn Hester and veteran performer Alex Rivera.
“In addition— It’s the depth of talent and the talent mix,” Vanni said. “We have a blend of performers with 20+ years of experience and young Live Oak graduates who collaborate so well. Each performer makes their own unique contribution.”
For more information and to purchase tickets for the inaugural show of Troupe du Jour, season two, go to www.LiveOakTheatre.org or email [email protected].
For more information about the Live Oak Theatre Company, including sponsorship and audition opportunities, call 352-593-0027, email [email protected], or go to www.LiveOakTheatre.org. You can also visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LiveOakTheatre.
