Some argue that long-form is superior to short-form improv. Some argue that musical improv is superior to "I can act but I can't sing" improv. Some like it hot. If you want all of this, come to the doubleheader of "Get Your Story Straight" by Found in Translation and "Infinite Sundaes" by Second City's Music Improv House Ensemble on Sundays at 8pm at Donny's Skybox.

We don't like getting too far into "forms" or "structures" or "other important sounding words" regarding long-form improv, but Found in Translation's "Get Your Story Straight" is one of our favorites. After an audience suggestion, one improviser puts forth a (partially true?) monologue from which a number of scenes are created. However, in between these scenes other characters monologue their relation to the original monologist, giving unique perspectives on a singular theme. These same characters contribute from the backline during the main monologist's final speech, encapsulating the show (We promise that's the last we'll say monologist). This week, a pedicure-obsessed murderer, who happens to not know the difference between a pedicure and a manicure, was the offspring of the audience suggestion "pedicure," with various side tangents.

We personally think this structure is both interesting for giving multiple perspectives on a story, and, from a performing point of view, gives each improviser a chance to have the whole stage to him or herself (we hate being grammatically politically correct, too, just deal with it so we don't get sued by a he-she). However, the form is somewhat limiting. Only a few scenes really diverged from the pedicure murderer (aka Danny Boy), but these scenes were clearly much more free, enjoyable for the performers, and enjoyable to watch. From these sprang honest observations about relationships, our president, and how the latter could benefit from a picture of a pony riding a rainbow.
Though what relationship couldn't use a pony riding a rainbow?

The second act of the evening is "Infinite Sundaes," so called because they perform every Sunday at 8pm so check, check, check it out, y'all. While they are called Second City's house musical improv team, that does not mean that they improvise house music (We've all already seen "The System is Down.")

Short games held the attention of the audience through a rap battle (complete with guy who suggested both "Oprah for President" and "Oprah for Governor" as rap subjects), an improvised ballet, and various scenes with musical outbursts. However, much like with Found in Translation, Infinite Sundaes best moments came when they were most free. When serenading a French girl from the audience, four men sang "cherie, cherie, amore, marzipan." Clearly one of these men knows little to no French, but that both forces and allows him to be completely free and creative. This improvisation sans net was best
portrayed in the karaoke guessing game, where two improvisers had to sing while two more played charades. Trying to play charades in tune, and rhythm, and possibly even rhyming forced the improvisers to absolutely let go, resulting in the biggest laughs of the night. Both groups were at their best when it was most obvious they were both improvising and having fun.

So, if you like musical short-form comedy, the songs, scenes, and games change every week. If you like long-form singing-is-for-pansies comedy, throw out the suggestion "singing is for pansies." But if you're gonna be a dick about it, no one will give you a drawing of a pony riding a rainbow.

-Chris Singel