Hyprov = Improv Under Hypnosis
Hypnosis: Trans-like state in which you have heightened focus and suggestibility
Improv: The act of composing or executing anything without previous preparation.
Colin Mochrie, an improv comedian from the television show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and stage hypnotist Asaad Mecci, walk the wire every night, praying volunteers will be articulate and funny. Alas, so does the audience. Mecci’s lengthy, verbally repetitive honing process – full of cliché, calming commands – culls 20 volunteers (people actually rushed the stage!) down to six apparently impressionable, and, at first glance, more lively participants. Others are tapped on the shoulder and asked to leave. Unlike most mentalists who use the effect, his speech is fast and gritty.
Asad Mecci, Colin Mochrie, and Hyprovisers (Photo: Carol Rosegg)
Tests like stretching out on a beach chair in desert heat and searching for your missing belly button (?!) are meant to discern suggestibility. One young woman who will clearly be chosen exaggerates every supposed state. Let’s call her Camille. She’s cast most often.
At this point, the genial Mochrie returns. He sets a scenario, then asks the audience to call out a few unexpected specifics. Improv ranges from a thwarted, ho-hum Central Park proposal to the funeral of a pet during which several simulate sobs and someone declares resentment of the beast for withholding one dollar for a hot dog! Go figure.
A classic western finds Mochrie in the role of a fleeing desperado whose crime is finger painting. His sidekick is the second most cast young woman, quick thinking if sometimes off the wall. She’s dull when simulating riding, but has the presence of mind to order an apt sarsaparilla at a saloon and deliver a swell last line. A Play-Doh battle stands in for the gunfight.
Asad Mecci and Hyprovisers (Photo: Carol Rosegg)
Camille kind of sings with Mochrie, in full out pop voice, while the other “star” plays multiple roles in a murder film noir. This last is the most obvious piece but gets the best out of Mochrie. Camille is supposed to offer wrong sound effects. Perhaps pouting she didn’t get the lead, these are unimaginative and subdued.
An older man never gets used, two others spend time during the skits sitting, eyes closed at the back.
A predominantly young audience seemed to enjoy the show. I found it slow and extremely uneven. Though everything depends on the night’s audience and the players, format is also off balance. Mecci, who’s given too much time, has little charisma and exudes no sense of possibility. Talking about, perhaps, the history of hypnotism would help romanticize what’s on stage, perhaps make the “state” more interesting. Mochrie is sweet and self effacing. It’s a crap shoot.
Sound Designer Walter Trarbach and Music Director (on stage) John Hilson provide nifty sound effects and symbiotic music.
Top: Asad Mecci and Colin Mochrie ©Aaron Cobb
Proof of Vaccination, ID and masks required
Hyprov = Improv Under Hypnosis
Created by Asad Mecci, Colin Mochrie, Jeff Andrews
Featuring Colin Mochrie, Asad Mecci
Directed by Stan Zimmerman
Daryl Roth Theatre
101 East 15th Street
Through October 30, 2022
