Montreal Improv SMACKDOWN!

This weekend marked Montreal Improv’s 3 year anniversary (or “impro – niversary”)  and wow have they accomplished a lot in that time! With nearly 150 students and over 10 classes, this company is a breeding ground for hilarious, local talent. If your are looking for something to do on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night, you can catch a show in either French or English!

Back to the topic at hand, I was there to experience their ALLSTAR SMACKDOWN this Friday night! If you were there, I was the girl that said “Grown ups 2 was…meh”. I also may have laughed inappropriately loud, lucky for me the entire room was explosive and energetic. As the room filled up I enjoyed the cranked tunes and the warehouse vibe. Who ever put Cake’s “Going the Distance” on the playlist deserves a hi-five!

The night was hosted by the charming Shane Adamczak, who kept the train rolling and the energy of the show steady. With four teams of two, it was a round – robin style romp of wits. The first round was won by StormBorn (Marc Rowland, Lea Rondot) in a match versus Kuala (Vinny Francois, Jessica Fildes). Next up was The Grey Shirts (Bryan Walsit and Vance Gilles) going up against 401 (Amanda McQueen, Brent Skagford). Notably talented hecklers, 401 took the win and went on to face StormBorn in the final round. It was a close competition, StormBorn educated us on water – wolves (and you thought hippos were bad!), and had an awkward Thanksgiving Dinner in their empty nest. I loved 401’s “I’ve seen you” sketch (comon’ we’ve all been there people!) and the dramatic heartbreak that led them right to the trophy.

Shane Adamczak

Team 401 (Brent Skagford and Amanda McQueen)

Here are my top 5 favorite moments from this Anniversary Edition Improv SmackDown: 

1. StormBorn – Pencils through the eyes, “Only losers jab pencils in two eyes!”

Marc Rowland and Lea Rondot

2.Kuala – Stuck in a small sweater, “It feels like grade 4 all over again.”

Vinny Francois

3. 401 – The Jamaican banana picker, “Carl, you’re a programmer!”

Amanda McQueen

4. The Grey Shirts – Ship in a bottle,“On the high seas you put your finger in                         everything.”

Bryan Walsit and Vance Gillis

5. 401 – Brent’s heartbreak was adorably funny and solidified the team’s win!

Brent Skagford and Amanda McQueen