The room was black, the lights were bright, and the comedians were ready. On one side stood the intimidating E-Boys, and on the other stood the team that was literally out of this world. In the middle were the incredibly talented skechers, Thing 1 and… Thing 1 part 2? It was the first show of the season, and the first show ever under the name “Mustang Comedy”.

The show opened with sophomore Lauren Verthein, who was one of the two MCs, along with senior Evan Lemberger. Verthein did a short stand up routine and then announced the two improv teams that would be competing for the remainder of the night. 

The two MCs integrated new scenes, such as human furniture, which was a hilarious take on physical comedy in which the students took on the form of common non-human objects. But they also incorporated old favorites, such as typewriter and onion. 

Right before and after intermission, the remaining members of the comedy team performed short sketches that they wrote themselves. Common scenes such as business meetings, online dating, and alleyway muggings. Friday was just the beginning, with much more still to come. 

“I think there is a lot more we can do with it, like even offering improv into sketch,” senior Annie Sweeton said. 

The performers ended the show with a couple more improv games and a stand-up routine by MC Lemberger. The Comed-E-Boys won by applause, beating out the Space Cadets. 

The response was overwhelming. The audience seemed to greatly enjoy the new format. 

“I think I will make it apparent to my boss to take off every Friday until the improv season is over,” junior Robyn Haddad said. 

Unfortunately, there is not a show every Friday night, but if students missed the show this time, there will be two more in March and May. 

According to the performers, part of the reason the show was so successful, is for the new format in which sketch comedy and stand up are incorporated. 

“I’ve been on the team the past two years, and it’s a little hard to get used to because it is a different setup than everyone is used to, but I think it definitely gets the audience way more into it and it’s worth it in the end,” junior Jake Zeitner said. 

Even the new leadership team is finding ways to embrace the new concept. It allows greater student involvement which certainly seemed to pay off in the apparent talent of new students. 

“I’m able to mentor newer kids who don’t really understand the fundamentals of improv and it’s a lot of fun,” senior improv leader Casey Pittman said. 

The first show of the season seemed to be a success. If laughter were exercise, everyone in that room would have received a quality work out. Hopefully, the momentum only grows for the remainder of the season. There are jokes left to make and memories yet to share. 

“I think we’re here for the long run,” English teacher and improv sponsor Rebecca Walker said.