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March 28, 2005
Free Associates elect to 'Wing' it in new show
BY MARY HOULIHAN
Chicago Sun-Times
The Free Associates are toying with "The West Wing." The NBC political drama, about the machinations of White House staffers, President Josiah Bartlet, his wife, Abigail, and myriad other Washington, D.C., players, is the inspiration behind the new improv show Whose West Wing Is It Anyway?!
Creator and director Robyn Okrant claims to have seen every episode of what must be her favorite television show.
"We thought there would be some sort of healing in a parody of what depresses us most," said Okrant, laughing. "Comedy comes from pain and this last election caused us pain."
But this won't exactly be "The West Wing" fans are acquainted with; in this skewed political world, a few things have changed. Familiar faces like press secretary C.J. Cregg, deputy chief of staff Josh Lyman, communications director Tony Ziegler and Lyman's assistant Donna Moss are still working in the White House. But the politics have changed. President Bartlett and Abigail have been supplanted by President Bush and Laura, along with sidekicks Dick Cheney, Condoleezza Rice and other cohorts, as well as the Bush twins.
"We've kept the liberal staffers but now they have to work for George Bush, and guess how that feels," Okrant said with a snicker. "Thinking it would make him more popular, this misguided president wants to bring the country together through television."
For the last 14 years, the Free Associates have boldly taken on icons of literature and film in rambunctious spoofs that poked fun at the work of writers such as Tennessee Williams, David Mamet, Nelson Algren, Brian Friel and the Bronte sisters and directors like Alfred Hitchcock. The troupe's continued goal is to connect improv with theater. The shows are all improv, but improv with production values. Taking suggestions from the audience, the ensemble translates these ideas into the vernacular of a given author, director and, now, a television show.
In recent months, the 12-member ensemble left its longtime home at the Royal George Theatre and went through a period of restructuring. Co-directors Okrant and Adrienne Smith are pushing the company in a new direction.
"We loved working on our old shows," said Okrant, "but it's nice to bring in edgier, more currant issues as well. We have so many ideas and a really talented group of people, and I think we've become a stronger company since the restructuring."
"Whose West Wing Is It Anyway?" opens Saturday and continues to May 15 at Peter Jones Gallery Theatre, 1806 W. Cuyler. Tickets: (312) 458-9083.
Posted by Jo at March 28, 2005 09:14 AM