End of an era

by Josh

Michael Pizza's Tuesday @ 8 is now over. We went 14 weeks. There's talk of us changing to a Thursday slot that is unconfirmed as of yet, however, there are strong reassuring folks in good position that say it's gonna be a reality very soon.

I'm a be missin 'ol Tuesday's @ 8. MP had some monumental moments as well as some important going's on. Going in reverse order here is a review of cool things that happened to us; we were taped by PBS, taped for an online archive of live performances, opened up for Cook County, made some fans and new friends and most importantly had some funny improv along the way. This post seems sentimental I know, like something one would write to sum up a career or as a last hora in the twilight of ones life. I don't mean it to be like that, but that sounds better than what I had planned so I might as well ramp it up.

I can't believe it. It's over. MP really got close to that stage. I really got close to those performers to. In my professional opinion we've all grown. Everything that happens has an expiration date. Some are longer than others. In this case, it turned out to be 14 glorious weeks. 14 unforgettable weeks of improv. 14 weeks of sidesplitting, tear jerked hilarity. Sure we had some wonky moments, but there were moments in there that would rival and other improv show that came before it. It's a big statement I realize. For those of you who would doubt it, YOU DIDN'T SEE ALL OF OUR SHOWS! MP is a team. We try to play like a team. We call it having Michael Pizza fun. The moments where we are all working together to make the funny. Whether it be lifting chairs to make it seem Ben is flying or having Brett and Ben smack me in the face w/ tree branches and rain at the CCSC show as I traveled through the woods, its team fun. Those are priceless moments and greater because they were found through group mind and a childlike sense of play. These guys aren't just players. They're team members and it's triumphantly tragic to see funny walk prolifically off the stage after our last Tuesday's @ 8 show with their heads held high ready to shake hands with friends and trade smiles. I saw it in slow motion like the end of a Wes Anderson movie sans The Fantastic Mr. Fox (which was wonderful). Thank you to those who supported us. That's what it's all about. Not just in improv but in life. Maybe I'm making to much of this (that's the point), but whether it be friends or family, live improv shows or a little kid learning to read, support is everything. Thanks for the support. I won't soon forget it.

Love always,
MP

P.S. Have a great summer. Never change.