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Veteran stand up comedian and actor looks to help deliver laughs in Imps' latest production

Pueblo Chieftain - 2/2/2019

Feb. 01--John Brown knows funny.

The veteran stand up comedian has performed on various stages, in bars, clubs and theaters, delighting audiences of different ages and backgrounds.

He's also been an established Impossible Player since 2010, first acting as assistant director for a production before acting, directing and serving on the board of directors as vice president.

Brown knows that timing is key to funny.

"Acting and stand up are two different animals," Brown wrote in an email. "The common thread is definitely timing."

With his experience on stage as a comedian and actor, Brown is the perfect choice as assistant director for the Imps' latest production, "5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche."

The comedy is a limited engagement, running at 7:30 p.m.Thursday and Feb. 8-9 at the Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St.

The show is non stop laughs, absurdity and features audience interaction.

"There's so much comedy packed into this show," Brown wrote. "Some subtle, some not so much. If we get our timing right, we'll be able to take advantage of every opportunity to get a laugh."

The play centers around the 1956 Quiche Breakfast held by the Susan B. Anthony Society for The Sisters of Gertrude Stein.

This, the social event of the year, is being held at the height of the Red Scare -- where everyone fears the spread of communism worldwide.

"After a cataclysmic event, secrets emerge and alliances form," Brown wrote. "All this with hilarious, explosive results."

The cast is charged with making these events as uproariously funny as possible.

To help with this, Brown has employed his experience as both actor and comedian. His biggest teaching point is the importance of timing.

"I've used my stand up experience to coach our cast in subtle adjustments to their line delivery and paying attention to audience reaction," Brown wrote. "That will be especially important during '5 Lesbians' because there is a lot of audience interaction."

Whereas stand up sets the performer alone on an island, of sorts, on stage, a play forces actors to rely on each other.

Each actor must do their job in order for the whole show to flow smoothly.

"Acting in a play is much more of a team effort," Brown wrote. "You have to pull your weight or everyone fails."

Brown said that with the Imps, everyone pulls their weight.

Though he's imparted his wisdom with the cast, he said the ensemble is more than talented enough to pull of the timing of the show.

"Thankfully, our talented cast has developed a rapport with each other that will translate well in the dialogue and action," he wrote.

As assistant director, Brown relished working with his fellow Imps.

He enjoys creative problem solving, and working to make sure his, the director's and cast's vision is pulled off to its fullest extent.

Brown also enjoys the cameraderie he's formed with other players. He's formed many lifelong bonds while working with the Impossible Players.

"I've met some of the best friends I've ever had, found the love of an amazing woman, and a second home at the Impossible Playhouse," Brown said.

He hopes that translates when audiences come to see '5 Lesbians.'

Brown wants audiences to laugh, and learn a little something, as well.

"I think the moral of the story is to live as your authentic self and let the chips fall where they may," he wrote. "I hope (the audience) leaves delighted and tell all their friends to come see the show."

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for military, $10 for students and $5 for children under 10.

For tickets, or more information, visit impossibleplayers.com.

llyons@chieftain.com

Twitter: @luke_lyons14

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(c)2019 The Pueblo Chieftain (Pueblo, Colo.)

Visit The Pueblo Chieftain (Pueblo, Colo.) at www.chieftain.com

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