"Hypocralypse Now" by Brave New Workshop at the Dudley Riggs Theatre

From this spring's The World is Burning, So I Made S'Mores to their new show Hypocralypse Now, Brave New Workshop is bringing us smart, funny, topical comedy. The oldest comedy theater in the country is like Minnesota's SNL, and this show in particular is all about political humor (just take a look at the show image). But the show doesn't just skewer the current administration and its blatant hypocrisy (which for me is one of the most frustrating things about it), but also other people in positions of power, and the way we as citizens react to what's going on. As they say in the intro, be prepared to be offended, but at least in this situation we can all laugh at the world, each other, and ourselves. Because the great thing about this country is that we can make fun of the people in power without fear of censorship or retribution. Well, at least today we still can. So head to the Dudley Riggs Theatre in downtown Minneapolis to not forget your troubles, but laugh at them and commiserate with other humans sitting in a room together. Hypocralypse Now continues through November 1.

The cast for this show is full of familiar and beloved comedy faces: Lauren Anderson, Denzel Belin, Isabella Dunsieth, Doug Neithercott, and Taj Ruler. They wrote all of the dozen or so sketches, along with director Caleb McEwen, who often hosts the show (when not performing with his comedy knife throwing act The Danger Committee at the Renaissance Festival). I attended the show with my blogger friends from Lettered in Theatre and The Stages of MN, because as much as I love going to the theater alone, this is a show better enjoyed with friends (discounts available for groups of ten or more). Our host for the evening was Denzel, who introduced the show, laid down some ground rules, and reminded us to enjoy the concessions because "the more you drink, the funnier we get!" But even without alcohol, this troupe are seasoned pros at taking the absurdities of our current world and turning them into hilarious social satire.

Taj Ruler, Denzel Belin, Jon Pumper, Isabella Dunseith,
Doug Neithercott, and Lauren Anderson (photo courtesy of BNW)

As always, the sketches are accompanied by Musical Director Jon Pumper playing live on the keyboard, providing a constant underscore for the comedy. There are also several songs and parodies throughout the show, including an opening and closing number and "Somewhere That's Green" adapted for a certain congresswoman. Visual gags displayed on a couple of TV screens also enhance the sketches, as well as lighting changes for effect (by Technical Director Matthew Vichlach). Performers are dressed in basic black pants and primary color button down shirts, with a few props or wardrobe pieces or wigs added as needed. The sketches in this show cover pretty much all of the topics that you would expect, that are often featured on the late show monologues, only live and in person! With the ever changing news cycle, one wonders how much they'll adapt this show throughout the course of the run.

Much fun was made of the "big beautiful bill," using the "How a Bill Becomes a Law" song nostalgic to those of us who grew up in the '70s and '80s. There are a couple of ridiculous press conferences, one by the angry blond press secretary, one by the farter-in-chief. Even the anthropomorphized Epstein files make an appearance, along with trad wives, ICE, and the Middle East (yes, they go there!). All of the sketches are hilariously funny, scarily relevant, and at times maybe a little uncomfortable. That's the beauty of comedy, it makes it a little easier to tackle some of these challenging topics.

If you're lucky, you'll get a post-show improv performance by the cast. They play a couple different improv games based on audience suggestions, where they get to show off their quick-thinking comedy brains in addition to their writing and performing skills we previously witnessed.

Unfortunately, the Hypocralypse is scheduled to continue for another three and a half years (ugh), or at least another year or so until midterm elections that may change the balance of power. Thank goodness we have Hypocralypse Now to helps us get through it - but only through November 1, after which Brave New Workshop will likely bring us their popular holiday show, so we can laugh about all of the pressures and traditions of the holidays.