Get some Thrillionaires in your life
If you should walk outside this Saturday or any other Saturday in the near future, look around, and discover that you are in the vicinity of Provo, Utah, you should make the most of your woeful situation by attending a performance by the Thrillionaires.
The Thrillionaires do long-form theatrical improvisation. It’s probably unlike anything you’ve ever seen, unless you’ve seen the Thrillionaires. They’ll get a couple suggestions from the audience, then create a 30-minute play in the style of Oscar Wilde; or a Broadway-style musical; or a puppet show; or a 1930s-type radio program. There is usually music. Sometimes things get dramatic for a bit. But mostly there is incredibly quick-witted, high-spirited comedy.
It’s hard to promote the Thrillionaires by telling you specific funny things they’ve done. Like most improv, it’s a “you had to be there” kind of thing. This recent rave review from a Provo newspaper I hadn’t heard of might give you an idea. Mostly, though, I can tell you that the people who have discovered the group keep coming back week after week to see what uniquely entertaining merriment they’ll come up with next.
The group’s founders are all friends of mine, and that’s what brought them to my attention. I’m telling you about them now because they’re in danger of losing their performance space. There are bills to be paid, after all, and the facility’s owners believe they might make a larger profit by hosting more mainstream, well-known theatrical events. The Thrillionaires have been steadily building an audience, but getting the word out is tough, especially when there are so many other entertainment options available.
So do yourself a favor and go see ‘em. They perform every Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Covey Center for the Arts on Provo Center Street. Tickets are $7 online, $10 at the door. Heck, I’ll make you a guarantee: If you see a Thrillionaires show and don’t enjoy yourself, I will personally refund your money. I’m serious! Go! Laugh! Have fun!
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:15 pm
I’m trying to decide if I’d rather spend $7 to see a 30 minute live show or to see an 2 hour long movie. I’ve never quite understood why live theatre is the same price or more expensive than movies are.
I’ll have to talk to Mr. D and see what he says, since we don’t live far from Provo.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I’m already there, and I can tell you this, “Wow!”
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Clarification: Each show usually consists of two 30-minute playlets, for those who determine a thing’s value based on how long it is.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:18 pm
I saw the Thrillionaires last night for the first time. They were performing as part of a charity benefit for Stephanie and Christian Nielson. So not only are these folks talented, but their hearts are chock full of love and goodness!
They were hysterically funny. Improv comedy can be a crapshoot, but these guys were spot on the whole time.
My favorite part of their performance was a duet by Lisa Clark and one of the men (sorry, I don’t know his name) about closure. It doesn’t sound like a topic for a hilarious song, but it had me crying with laughter.
I will be going to see them again for sure and recommending them to my friends and family.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:19 pm
I determine the value of a churro based on how long it is.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Improv shows are great, I just went to one for the first time about 3 weeks ago up here in BYU-Idaho that was fantastic. It was Kirby Heybourne’s improv group, and they did kinda what Eric described in his post, they created an entire 40 minute long musical/stage show completely made up on the spot with suggestions from the audience. I for one was very impressed. I am sure Thrilliionaires are the same, so next time I’m down in Provo I’ll have to check them out.
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:06 pm
You are a true gem, Eric. And for Holly, the guy who sang “Closure” with Lisa last night was Brett Merritt.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:26 pm
I wanted to see them the other week when they had Kirby Heybourne with them, but it was sold out every night. My mom said “Well, either they’re really good or else Heybourne has some major “Singles Ward/RM groupies!”
I’ll have to check them out without “star power” & see how they do!
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Oh ok. An hour makes it a little more worthwhile.
I’m sorry, I’m poor! I have to determine the best value for my dollar! Especially with a non-needful thing like entertainment.
February 4th, 2009 at 10:51 am
To Holly–
That’s what she said.
–Michael Scott
February 4th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Yes, I’m that guy
February 4th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Anything with Lisa Clark is, by definition, funny and wonderful.
February 6th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Here is just another endorsement – Go see the Thrillionaries!
I know it’s all already been said, but they are so much more than hilarious. They’re unique, have years and years of professional experience between them, and take improv to a level beyond what you’ve likely seen before.
I love movies as much as anyone I know – but movies are everywhere, will always be around, and any movie you miss this week, you can always see the next. Or the next. The Thrillionaries is a chance to see something unlike you’ve ever seen before. Skilled, seasoned professionals, live, creating magic and working to make YOU laugh. And missing a show means you’ve missed something that will never, ever happen again.