Wanderlust runs Saturdays at 8pm in January and February
by Wanderlust cast member Ceej Allen
I don’t like mirroring. Rather, I used to not like it. Mirroring, for those who don’t know, is when two improvisers face each other and try to copy each other’s movements. To mirror each other. To move around in some wavy, twisty way that always used to feel artificial or forced to me This exercise has made me so self-conscious in the past. What the heck does this exercise have to do with us getting on stage and interacting? We’re not gonna do this twisty weird thing on stage so why bother? Why am I moving and bending with my twin snake?
And then Wanderlust rehearsals began. And we did the mirroring exercise. Over and over and over again. And then something clicked with me. I felt relaxed. I moved with my partners and let my intellect fly away. I just felt and moved. Wow! And these exercises advanced into even bigger physical exercises. And then we started creating movements in a large group. We started creating moving tableaux that were either physical elements displaying a location or an emotional resonance within the characters.
Co-directors Ruby Willmann and Aaron Saenz have a strong vision of this show. And they are putting us all through the motions of creating this as a unit. They trust us. And we trust them. But it’s not just creating stage pictures. What’s beautiful about Wanderlust is that it is a show where two people get to talk and interact and take a road trip together. Two people. For ninety minutes (with beautiful interview moments from other cast members). Discussing life, emotions, real things. An improv show about two characters connecting while so many other amazing connections are happening all around them.
I am so excited about this show because it is all about sharing. Sharing our hearts and intellect as duos verbally while those duos share the stage with an ensemble that will create stage pictures and movements that will echo emotions and paint beautiful visuals. And (here’s the bonus) all of this will often be inspired by lighting and music from our amazing tech crew, Chad Wellington and Michael Yew. All of us sharing. Yes, please.
Imagine two improvisers set up to be in a forest. Imagine a forest forming around them. That’s what happened in a scene during rehearsal with Chris Albano and myself. The ensemble grew around us as trees and we climbed them while having a heartfelt conversation about our father. The lights and music shifted and matched the tone. Imagine all of the sharing and mirroring that happened to create that. That’s the beauty of Wanderlust.
Ceej is a highlighted character in Wanderlust
January 17th with Marc Majcher
and
February 21st with Chris Albano
Get your tickets here!