Neighborhood Theatre Group Brings the Laughs with Original Sketch Comedy Show "Trending Now"

THEATER & DANCE REVIEW

Neighborhood Theatre Group, Trending Now cast

Ypsilanti's Neighborhood Theatre Group closes their 2018-2019 season with original sketch comedy show Trending Now, highlighting the humor found in "fads, fashion, and fandom." 

NTG has always had its hand on the pulse of popular culture. In previous seasons, their annual sketch show has asked, "What is love?" (Sketchual Healing, 2017) and "Can I Help You?" (focused on customer service, 2018). There is catharsis in poking fun at ourselves (and each other) and having a good laugh. 

Topics this time around include a Klingon wedding, Grandma's misuse of internet initialisms, Lite-Brites, spoiler alerts, who is the best Doctor Who, dance-offs, how Facebook knows our every desire, #RaisingAwareness, and a rousing game of Craft Beer or Race Horse? with audience participation (it's harder than you might think). 

While not everyone is going to be intimately familiar with every topic, there is something universal in not wanting the book you're currently into spoiled, feeling occasionally overwhelmed by technology, and the classic confusion over a person named Who. There is also a lot of physical humor and wonderful facial expressions, especially in the Harry Potter Spoiler Alert segments. (If you have not read all of the Harry Potter books ... spoiler alert!) 

Trending Now stars A.M. Dean, Kylista Geiger, Tom Hett, Eric Hohnke, and Alice Kepchar and is directed by Kristin Anne Danko. Choreography is by Alice Kepchar, and sound design is by Eric Hohnke. The show is not appropriate for young children.


Crysta Coburn is a desk clerk with the Ann Arbor District Library, freelance writer, editor, and author.


"Trending Now" continues at The Back Office Studio, 13 N. Washington St, Ypsilanti, at 8 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and at 2 pm on Sundays through May 19. Purchase tickets at the door or online at trendingnow.brownpapertickets.com. 

Comments