Putting improvisation on two wheels and setting it to music is the concept behind Sweat, the latest production at Off-Center@The Jones. Actress Meridith C. Grundei is the brains behind the long-form improv show, which is based on a similar bicycle-mounted, on-the-spot production she put together in Chicago several years ago. “It’s a loosely based format where, essentially, we’ll get a lot of our cues from the music,” says Grundei. “If a scene goes on too long or there’s a nice edit point, we’ll use the device of music to help with the trans-formation.” The music will be improvised, too: From the seat of a specially designed tricycle outfitted as a moving one-man band, theater composer Gary Grundei will have access to a ukulele, harmonica, various percussive instruments and keyboards with wireless amplification.
The show also features improv actor Brian McManus, the visual aids of Off-Center’s own Charlie Miller, and the direction of veteran thespian Mare Trevathan. Custom-made bicycles will be on display in the theater, and BikeDenver will provide a courtesy “bike valet” service for guests riding to the show. Sweat rolls out tonight at 8 p.m. and tomorrow night at the Jones Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Tickets are $12 to $14; for more information or to purchase tickets, call 303-893-4100 or visit denveroffcenter.org/sweat.
