Improv Soap Opera The Rich and the Reckless Brings Back the '80s

Improv Soap Opera The Rich and the Reckless Brings Back the '80s

By Ali Trachta Mon., Jun. 6 2011 at 1:13 PM

What do incest, Club Med and the phrase "I'm choking on your love" have in common? At least on Saturday night, they were all audience suggestions worked into the season two premiere of The Rich and the Reckless, an improvised stage show brought to you by the Stage 10 Theater Company that has all the look and drama of a 1980's soap opera. There are shoulder pads galore, lots of big hair and the piece de resistance, dramatic music timed perfectly to enhance every sultry sideways glance.

The mocu-series will continue through July, so if you plan to attend, here's what you need to know:

The actors find a way to weave wacky suggestions into a real soap story that's devised beforehand and continues from week to week, building just as any episodic would. Like any good soap, there are two prominent families, the Hamiltons and the McAllisters, who reside in the fictional ritzy town of Lennox Hill. As an audience member, you can tell which of their mansions you're in when the family portrait changes (assuming the stage hand in charge remembers to make the switch).

Of course, some love connections find a way to blossom through the fighting. Margo Hamilton, who was once in love with fringe character Austin Rex (fabulous soap name) is now after Faruk, who seems to be working through some PTSD leftover from a stint in Southeast Asia. See below.

Faruk, having a moment

Here's where it gets incestuous. Well, a little. Turns out Faruk may or may not have fathered Margo's brother Patch.

Faruk and Margo, mid tryst

This rumor results in the first choking of the night by Margo's father, Alex Hamilton, after his wife Virginia confesses to her previous indiscretion with Faruk. This is, of course, just before she jets off to Club Med to be with her husband's brother Senator Clarke Hamilton, whom she's currently sleeping with.

Virginia may be in for a surprise, though, since the young Emily McCallister is already there.

Emily and the Senator -- a tortured love

The choking wasn't quite through for the night. "Choke me!" Faruk begged Margo. On his knees he decreed, "I'm choking on your love!"

Faruk, in a love choke

Sure, The Rich and the Reckless is over the top. It's supposed to be. They've mastered the art of the Zoolander-style "blue steel" mug to the audience. If you've been a fan of cheesy TV from any decade, this show is worth a look.

The Rich and the Reckless runs every Saturday night through July 16, with the exception of July 2. Ticket information here.

Location Info

Venue

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Skylight Theater

1816 1/2 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA

Category: General

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ali trachta, improv, soap operas, stage10, the rich and the reckless

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Can't wait to see this -- there was a great improv soap opera here in LA back in the 80s called "Specific Hospital" that we went to see WEEKLY for almost four years.

Mimi K

This company is HILARIOUS and the concept is too! I loved that these talented actors soberly mocked soaps with utterly serious mimicry of the form. They let their fabulously over-the-top hair, outfits, production music do the "winking" at the audience for them. It was great, smart fun - how the actors manage to "lay the pipe" of a plot - as they improvise from audience suggestions! - and bring it all to fruition in an almost-believable (ie, seems like a real soap almost!) fashion - amazes me. Kudos to Jessica Jimenez, director, and her actors for keeping straight faces while making us laugh - and remember lost afternoons lavished on such addictive, taking-itself-seriously fare!

Jessica Jimenez1

Mimi, Jessica Jimenez Perry here, truly humbled that you took the time to see our show and then took the time to comment about our show! Sorry to brag, but you are the great Mimi Kennedy, an actress I have looked up to since I was 10 years old. Thank you for your words!!!

Lycanthropetimba

The actors were on fire for the opening of season two and it showed. Everyone and every idea clicked into place. Each week the plot carries over and changes with new ideas from the audience. The storylines, the actors, the costumes, the music and the fun bring us back week after week. New this season, a theme song and closing credits song, both sung by the amazing Lisa Donahey--only add to the overall fantastic experience that is THE RICH AND THE RECKLESS. These ten actors and their crew put their heart and soul into the show week after week and it shows. $15 for two hours of live entertainment--it is a deal. Great location (Los Feliz), surrounded by great places to eat and drink before and after the show. Check out the show during the run of season two through July 16th. You'll laugh and have tears running down your face due to the antics on stage and it is ALL IMPROVISED! Which makes it even more amazing. Order tickets before they sell out.

Denise

Saturday night's Season Two premiere of Rich and the Reckless completely changed any conception I had of what improv is all about. I'd only been to a half of a performance before, in a theatre so small I literally, and to the dismay of the cast, had to walk across the stage to leave (not that it was bad, I just had a date). This show was brilliant. I loved every minute of it and, if I didn't live 400 miles away, I'd be there at every performance. I was quite impressed with how the cast worked off of each other as well; there was no showboating and the comedic lines flowed keeping the audience amused and wondering what on earth could happen next.

I'm looking foward to attending my next performance. Thanks guys for making my Saturday night.

Tomhenderson

I've seen this show a couple of times, and I'm planning on going back again next week. A great idea for a night out with your friends. These guys are hilarious!