Indeed it was “Money for the Funny” last night at a full house at the Loft Theater, when 3 improv groups performed a benefit for the Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed (NBOJU) comedy troupe. Games/skits were performed by NBOJU in the first and second halves, and also by Tucson Improv Movement (T.I.M. performs here in Tucson at the Red Barn) and an all female improvisation group Mail Order Bride from Phoenix. NBOJU has been “making stuff up” & performing all over town for about 11 years in Tucson.
Prior to the show a reception with Greek food from Fronimos (across the street at 3242 E. Speedway) and “unscrewed drivers” were enjoyed by the crowd. Then the improv groups performed “everything made up tonight” with suggestions shouted out as usual by the audience. Some of the hilarious “games” were called Objection, the Switcheroo, Rewind, the Oracle (seer), Switch Left, Hesitation,etc.
Photos below taken by a loyal friend of NBOJU – free lance photogrpaher Jon Scanlon. The UT red balloons on stage stand for “Unscrewed Theater” the name of their new theater, to open in January 2014.
Full house at the Loft theater at “Money for the Funny” benefit
NBOJU group: L-R Mike Pierce, Cris Candelario, Priscilla Fernandez, Jessica Spenny, Rob Sparks
Tucson Improv Movement players on the stage
Mail Order Bride players on the stage performing a long form comedy
There was also a 50/50 raffle ($282), speed live auctions of 5 business packages (from Cristobal Photography, Peaceful Spirit massages, a Star Party for 12, a Matthew Shapley psychic reading, and a hand made puppet byThe Tucson Puppet Lady).
Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and his wife Karen were present last night. His Honor & another audience volunteer took the stage in the second half of the program, to assist with words needed by 2 NBOJU players planning for a quinceanera.
NBOJU players who performed last night at the “Money for the Funny” benefit
Current NBOJU Players (14 of whom performed last night, in alphabetical order):
Gail Adamatis, Matt Beaudry, Jon Benda, Cris Candelario, Rosanne Crago, Priscilla Fernandez, Andrew Jones, Boz Lomasney, Hilary Jones, Michael Pierce, Monica Rhodes, Chris Seidman, Scott Shaver, Rob Sparks, Jessica Spenny, Gretchen Wirges
After the show there was an informal tour/open house of the new NBOJU theater currently under construction just across the street, called “Unscrewed Theater” at 3244 E. Speedway. There will be classrooms as well as a stage. The group needs donations to help build this theater, so please donate online (Indiegogo campaign) at www.unscrewedtheater.org or at 520-861-2986. Check their Facebook page for updates:facebook.com/unscrewedtheater.
carolynclassen 