LONG BEACH -Held2gether, Improv for Life is presenting its latest production, Grass-Fed, Free-Range Sketch Show, at the Long Beach Playhouse Studio Theatre March 1st-3rd at 8:00pm. It will be an evening of hilarious original sketches in a “Saturday Night Live” style. This will be the fifth year that the local, award-winning sketch and improv troupe has performed as a part of the Playhouse’s Studio Collaborative season. Last March they presented Sketchily Ever After to rave reviews and sold-out audiences. They are returning with an all new show that promises to be just as full of hilarity and hijinks as last year’s show.
Grass-Fed Free Range Sketch Show promises to be an equally entertaining evening of comedy. The topics range from political commentary on immigration to pure silliness of chicken wings conversing at a wedding. The cast features many favorites from last year as well as some new additions, all of whom are from Long Beach and the South Bay: Agnes Arnold, Chris Ciaccio, Viet Hoang, Sally Nguyen, Adam Goddard, Chris Brennan, Neil Matsuzaki, Ivy K. Smart, Richard Martinez and Sarah Slimmer. They are directed by Held2gether founder and improv instructor, Darren Held.
“Each of the originally written sketches were selected for their diversity and outrageous characters,” describes director Darren Held. “I’m expecting for some belly-aching laughter, as well as a few cringe-worthy moments.” The sketch show is part of the Held2gether improv comedy program that features classes in Long Beach including all levels of improv comedy, sketch writing and performance. There is also a Held2gether Improv Troupe that performs in several different venues around the Long Beach area.
Darren is thrilled to have another opportunity to take part in the Studio Collaborative season at the Long Beach Playhouse. “Our collaborative continues to strengthen each season,” says Playhouse Executive Director Madison Mooney. “And Held2gether is a huge part of our dedication to showcase Long Beach’s amazing local talent.”
Tickets for Grass-Fed, Free-Range Sketch Show are $15, $10 for Thursday night preview, and available through the box office of the Long Beach Playhouse (562-494-1014) or at lbplayhouse.org. More information about the show, press tickets, and Held2gether’s performances and classes is available at www.held2gether.com and on Instagram at #held2gether.
