May 23, 2005 – The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre will host “The 7th Annual Del Close Improv Marathon” In tribute to the godfather of improvisation Del Close. The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre has curated a full week of shows to compliment our annual 56 hour Non-stop Marathon. Performances will be taking place at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, The Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex as well as at Central Park SummerStage.
Del Close was the driving force behind improvisational comedy in Chicago for over 30 years influencing the likes of Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Mike Myers, John Belushi, Chris Farley and the Upright Citizens Brigade. After Del’s passing in 1999 the Improv Marathon was started to celebrate their mentor and keep alive his name and teachings for future generations.
Traditionally the Marathon has taken place for three days and three nights continuously over one weekend. This year we are proud to announce expanded programming over the course of a whole week in addition to our insanity filled Non-stop Marathon weekend taking place July 22nd-24th.
Throughout the week of July 18th- July 20th The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre will host a full week of special improvised shows including Chicago’s Baby Want’s Candy, The Swarm, Respecto and Mother.
The Non-stop Marathon weekend will be initiated by a special free performance of ASSSSCAT. The UCB is proud to announce their participation in the 20th anniversary of Central Park SummerStage performers include The Upright Citizens Brigade: Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh as well as their special guests from Saturday Night Live’s Horatio Sanz and Rob Riggle, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart’s Rob Corddry, and Paul Scheer from VH1’s Best Week Ever plus special guests. This performance takes place on July 21st 7:30pm at the Rumsey Playfield just south of 72nd Street Central Park.
“The 7th Annual Del Close Improv Marathon” will run from Monday July 18th, through Sunday, July 24th, 2005. For information and reservations call the UCB Theatre at 212-366-9176. The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre is located at 307 West 26th Street (at 8th Avenue). Additional shows will he held at The June Havoc and Stage II Theatre’s located in the Abingdon Theatre Complex 312 W 36th Street. For complete event schedules and information visit the UCB Theatre website at www.ucbtheatre.com
