There's a lot of funny stuff going on in Decatur....thanks to Face2Face Improv, a comedy troupe described as "Decatur entertainment specializing in Crazy Improv Comedy - Where SuperHeroes Die Laughing."  This zany group of comedy actors is lead by Director Eugene Banks, originally from Nova Scotia, Canada.  He was one of the original members of the professional Improv troupe "Torrential Downplay" from Birmingham. Though active in local and professional theatre, his recent addiction is Independent Films (the indies), landing roles in "Progressive Dinner", "Highland Conflict," "Sons", and most recently "The Law." The latter production made it to the semi-finals of Robert DeNiro's 2002 Tribeca Film Festival in New York, one of 300 chosen from 6000 entries.  Eugene has also trained with the traveling Second City Improv troupe, out of Chicago (the main source for Saturday Nite Live talent).

I was a little skeptical when I got an invitation to come see Face2Face Improv in action, fearing that I was in for one of those X-rated shows with lots of vulgarity, bad language and bad taste.  So I checked ahead and was assured that the show was actually G-rated with children often in the audience!  The shows are held at the Westside Coffee Place and Cafe (next to the Garlic Press), 2699 Sandlin Road, a great place to have a sandwich and coffee during the show.

The show we attended was during Face2Face Improv's anniversary week with several special shows featuring more actors and guests than the usual 4 actors and a moderator.  The show started out with a special introduction by "President Bill Clinton"--a great impersonation indeed.  I was thinking more "stand-up comedians" than improv.  The actors actually play games like Hoedown, Press Conference, Movie Review, and Film Noir, etc. , thinking on their feet and designing scenarios on-the-go by-the-seat-of-their-pants.  It's great, clean fun and usually ends up with lots of laughs and great admiration for the characters who can think so quickly.  I know I couldn't do half so well and be nearly as funny.  It really takes a lot of training and special talent to make it all look so effortlessly.

Face2Face Improv will soon be presenting shows in Huntsville and Athens.  In the meantime, check out their website for special shows and discounts.  It's worth the drive to Decatur to have an evening of laughter and fun!