Impro Theatre Presents JANE AUSTEN UNSCRIPTED, Beginning Today

Impro Theatre (Dan O'Connor, Artistic Director) has announced a return engagement of Jane Austen Unscripted, directed by O'Connor and Paul Rogan, with preview performances beginning tonight, February 8 at the Carrie Hamilton Theatre (upstairs at The Pasadena Playhouse) in Pasadena. The opening night of Jane Austen Unscripted is set for Valentine's Day, Thursday, February 14, at 8:00. Performances will continue through April 14 only.

"Having enjoyed a wonderful run in 2012, we are thrilled to bring Jane Austen Unscripted back to the Carrie Hamilton Theatre, and to share our Valentine's Night opening with LA and Pasadena's huge Austen fan base," said Dan O'Connor, Impro Theatre Artistic Director.

Jane Austin Unscripted is a completely improvised comedic play in the style of beloved author Jane Austen. The cast of Impro Theatre creates and performs a never before seen, all new, Jane Austen story right before the audience's eyes. The entire performance is based on audience suggestion, so every show is totally unique. The essence of Austen's beloved, timeless romantic comedies and social satires is brought to life by the expert team of funny and gifted actors that are Impro Theatre.

The cast is a rotating ensemble, including (in alphabetical order) Impro company members Tracy Burns, Kari Coleman, Lisa Fredrickson, Brian Jones, Stephen Kearin, Lauren Lewis, Brian Lohmann, Nick Massouh, Jo McGinley, Dan O'Connor, Edi Patterson, Paul Rogan, Michele Spears, and Floyd Van Buskirk. The Jane Austen Unscripted cast will also feature guest artists, including (in alphabetical order) Josh Dean, Kelly Holden, Rebecca Lowman, Mike Rock, and Patty Wortham. Set and costume design are by Sandra Burns, and lighting design is by Leigh Allen. Dan O'Connor produces for Impro Theatre.

Impro Theatre is an Unscripted Repertory Company that has brought innovative, unscripted theatre to Los Angeles and the world. The company's goal is to take core narrative and style elements of great playwrights and writers, and create a new play using no more than the essence of an author's work and an audience suggestion. Most recently, unscripted explorations of great literary figures has included Shakespeare, Dickens, Stephen Sondheim, and Tennessee Williams. For more, visit www.ImproTheatre.com.

Critical reaction for Impro Theatre's work has included the following praise: "First rate comedians ... breathtaking wit" (LA Weekly); "Quite unbelievable, actually ... an amazing comedy troupe spins an entire play into comedy gold right before your eyes ... a stunning feat of performance" (Los Angeles Times); "Ingenuity, imagination, and hilarity ... improv artists at the top of their field ... must-see theatre" (StageSceneLA.com); and "Comic gold ... a delectably smart, tasty treat" (San Diego News Network).

Jane Austen Unscripted will play three preview performances tonight, February 8 at 8pm, Saturday, February 9 at 8pm, and Sunday, February 10 at 4pm. Opening night is set for Thursday, February 14 at 8:00, and will include a post-performance champagne reception. The regular running schedule is Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 4pm, through April 14 only. Tickets are $20 for previews, and $25 for regular performances (student and senior discounts are available). Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org, or by calling (626) 356-7529.

The Carrie Hamilton Theatre is located upstairs at The Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Avenue, in Pasadena, 91101.