Cross-dress Jane Austen Unscripted in Pasadena March 9

Impro Theatre, now mid-way through its return engagement of Jane Austen Unscripted at the Carrie Hamilton Theatre in Pasadena, directed by Dan O’Connor and Paul Rogan, will present The Cross-Dress Version, two unique performances in which the boys play girls and the girls play boys, on Saturday, March 9 at 10:30pm and Sunday, April 7 at 7pm. 

“During a previous run of Jane Austen Unscripted, we had the crazy notion of performing our show for one night cross-dressed ... girls playing boys, and boys playing girls,” said Dan O’Connor, Impro Theatre Artistic Director. “The result was absolute hilarity, and has been much discussed and requested since. We are delighted to bring back the idea for two shows only in the midst of our regular run in Pasadena.”

Jane Austen Unscripted is a completely improvised comedic play in the style of beloved author Jane Austen. The cast of Impro Theatre creates and performs a never before seen, all new, Jane Austen story right before the audience’s eyes. The entire performance is based on audience suggestion, so every show is totally unique. The essence of Austen’s beloved, timeless romantic comedies and social satires is brought to life by the expert team of funny and gifted actors that are Impro Theatre. 

The cast is a rotating ensemble, including (in alphabetical order) Impro company members Tracy Burns, Kari Coleman, Lisa Fredrickson, Brian Jones, Stephen Kearin, Lauren Lewis, Brian Lohmann, Nick Massouh, Jo McGinley, Dan O’Connor, Edi Patterson, Paul Rogan, Michele Spears, and Floyd Van Buskirk. The Jane Austen Unscripted cast also features guest artists,  including  (in  alphabetical  order)  Josh Dean,  Kelly  Holden,  Rebecca  Lowman,  Mike Rock, and Patty Wortham. Set and costume design are by Sandra Burns, and lighting design is by Leigh Allen. 

Impro Theatre is an Unscripted Repertory Company that has brought innovative, unscripted theatre to Los Angeles and the world. The company’s goal is to take core narrative and style elements of great playwrights and writers, and create a new play using no more than the essence  of  an author’s work and  an audience suggestion. Most recently, unscripted explorations of great literary figures has included Shakespeare, Dickens, Stephen Sondheim, and Tennessee Williams.  For more, visit www.ImproTheatre.com.

Critical reaction for Impro Theatre’s work has included the following praise: “First rate comedians ... breathtaking wit ...” (LA Weekly); “Quite unbelievable, actually ... an amazing comedy troupe spins an entire play into comedy gold right before your eyes ... a stunning feat of performance ...” (Los Angeles Times); “Ingenuity, imagination, and hilarity ... improv artists at the top of their field ... must-see theatre ...” (StageSceneLA.com); and “Comic gold ... a delectably smart, tasty treat.” (San Diego News Network)

The run of Jane Austen Unscripted continues through April 14 only. The performance schedule is Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 3pm. Admission is $25 for regular performances, and $30 for the two Cross-Dress performances on March 9 and April 7. Student and senior discounts are available. Tickets may be purchased online at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org, or by calling (626) 356-7529. 

  The Carrie Hamilton Theatre is located upstairs at The Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Avenue, in Pasadena, 91101.